201 - Safety Management Certificate Program - Level 1:  Day 1
Sarah R. Budde, MAED, RN, COHN-S, CSP
Mary Gene Ryan, MPH, BSN, RN, COHN/SM, FAAOHN
Date:  Saturday, April 26, 2008
Time:   8:00 a.m. -4:30 p.m.

Course Number: 201
Track: SAF
Level:  Intermediate

202 - Physical Assessment Certificate Program: Putting It All Together Day 1
Joan E. Rigdon, MN, RN, FNP-C, OHNP, COHN-S
Susan S. Harada, MN, RN, CFNP, COHN-S
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2008
Time: 8:00 a.m. -4:30 p.m.

Course Number: 202
Track: CLN
Level: Intermediate 

Abstract:

This three-day program will provide a comprehensive update for nurses who have some experience in physical examination. The basic conceptual framework of physical examinations will be covered with core applications and specific relevance to occupational health nursing. The first day will focus on examinations of the head/ENT and upper extremity. Day 2 will consist of specific assessment of the neck, heart, lung, abdomen and the lower extremities. Day 3 will cover neurology, dermatology, ankle, back assessments. Participants will experience return demonstrations each day. 

Objectives:

1. Conduct a step-by-step ENT exam;
2. Verbalize each exam step and pertinent findings;
3. Conduct a step-by-step examination of the upper extremity, including the shoulder, back, wrist and hand;
4. Verbalize each exam step and pertinent findings; and
5. Use each step-by-step guide as a tool at the workplace.

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203 - Practical Ergonomic$ Certificate Program Day 1
Ronda Weiss, MS, MPH, RN, COHN-S, FAAOHN
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2008
Time: 8:00 a.m. -4:30 p.m.

Course Number: 203
Track: WWE
Level: Intermediate

Abstract:

Today more and more work is being done by machines. This increase in mechanization and automation often speeds up the pace of work. On the other hand, there are still many jobs that must be done manually, involving heavy physical strain. One of the results of manual work, as well as automation, is that there are more workers suffering from back pain, neck pain, sore wrists, arms and legs, and eyestrain. There are many obvious benefits of applying ergonomics in the workplace and some not so obvious. This program will look at applying ergonomic principles to workplace practice, allowing prevention and control of musculoskeletal injuries arising from repetitive or forceful movement and / or minimizing awkward or constrained postures.

Objectives:

1. Identify and describe the basic concepts of ergonomic theory and practice;
2. Discuss the implications of ergonomics in the aging workforce;
3. Interpret regulatory updates that impact the application of ergonomics;
4. Compare and contrast ergonomic applications in various work settings; and
5. Apply tools used in setting up ergonomic committees.

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204 - Orthopedic Assessment and Treatment of the Spine, Upper and Lower Extremities
Gregory B. Holm, PhD, NP-C, FAANP
Karen Johnson, MSN, ARNP
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2008
Time: 8:00 a.m. -4:30 p.m.

Course Number: 204
Track: CLN
Level: Advance practice nurses/nurse practitioners or experience/education required 

Abstract:

Orthopedic complaints and injuries involving the upper and lower extremities in the work place are common and costly. This program will review the assessment and treatment of these complaints with a lecture presentation and hands-on training. Functional anatomy, pathophysiology and work relatedness will be addressed. 

Objectives:

1. Identify provocative assessment techniques for the orthopedic assessment of the upper extremity;
2. Identify provocative assessment techniques for the orthopedic assessment of the lower extremity; and
3. Identify proper treatment for complaints involving the extremities.

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205 - Case Management: A Primer
Helen K. Maher, PhD, RN, COHN-S, CCM, FAAOHN
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2008
Time: 8:00 -11:30 a.m.

Course Number: 205
Track: CM
Level: General Audience 

Abstract:

Regardless of the setting, occupational health nurses provide case management services as a routine part of their work. Understanding the elements of case management and how to apply those elements will aid occupational health nurses in determining the options for the employee and supervisor for the best outcome. This class will define the components of case management, introduce the use of a case management template to aid in decision making and apply those principles through case studies. 

Objectives:

1. Identify the essential elements of case management;
2. Describe the components of a case management program; and
3. Explore obstacles to recovery and/or return to work.

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206 - Update 2008: Asthma Management and Education
Maureen George, PhD, RN, AE-C
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2008
Time: 8:00 -11:30 a.m.

Course Number: 206
Track: CLN
Level: General Audience 

Abstract:

This program recognizes the critical role allied health professionals play in educating and caring for patients with asthma and allergies. Developed by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, participants will learn the latest techniques in asthma care and receive current and reliable patient education information and materials. There will be hands-on training with peak flow meters and proper techniques for using various medication devices. This program adheres to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's current Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma. Participants will receive an interactive program, a peak flow meter, a copy of the current NHLBI Practical Guidelines" and a packet of information, which includes available resources and a print out of the slide presentation for note taking. 

Objectives:

1. Discuss the importance of establishing a patient/clinician partnership for asthma management and patient education;
2. Discuss the importance of inflammation in the pathophysiology of asthma;
3. Identify strategies to reduce exposure to environmental triggers associated with asthma; and
4. Describe the use of peak flow and asthma symptom monitoring in the development of an asthma action plan.

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207 - From Chaos to Confidence: The Power of Public Speaking
Jennifer Jordan, BA
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2008
Time: 8:00 -11:30 a.m.

Course Number: 207
Track: PROF
Level: General Audience 

Abstract:

Public speaking is integral to professional enrichment and advancement, yet people fear it more than an IRS audit or even death. In this dynamic, hands-on session, attendees will gain real tools to break down their walls of panic and enable them to face their next speaking engagement with excitement and fun, rather than fear and loathing. 

Objectives:

1. Identify and eradicate the fear of public speaking;
2. Recognize and remove stumbling blocks before they occur;
3. Use adrenaline to better, not ruin, your performance;
4. Write your speech for your strengths not your weaknesses; and
5.  Act as your own professional advocate through better, clearer and more compelling communication.

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208 - Spirometry Pitfalls, Interpretation of Results and American Thoracic Society (ATS) Guidelines
Mary C. Townsend, DrPH, MPH
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2008
Time: 8:00 -11:30 a.m.

Course Number: 208
Track: WWE
Level: Advance practice nurses/nurse practitioners or experience/education required 

Abstract:

Occupational health nurses often oversee their spirometry program's technical quality as well as conducting PFTs, but their training rarely emphasizes spirometry pitfalls and how errors affect test results. This session summarizes: 1) requirements for valid tests; 2) volume vs. flow-type spirometer characteristics; 3) calibration checks, 4) equipment errors that arise during testing; 5) understanding predicted values, and 6) interpreting results. Current ATS Guidelines are emphasized, testing errors and spirometer types are demonstrated, and discussion is encouraged. Required pre-requisite: NIOSH-approved spirometry. 

Objectives:

1. Describe minimal requirements for valid spirometry tests under the 2005 ATS Spirometry Guidelines;
2. Identify errors in testing technique and the effects on test results;
3. Describe how various flow-type spirometers work, their pitfalls and the calibration steps required for valid occupational spirometry testing;
4. Describe spirometer errors that can develop during subject testing even though a calibrated spirometer is used; and
5. Explain how spirometry results should be interpreted and apply a recommended interpretation algorithm.

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209 - Using Safety and Risk Management Data to Benchmark Occupational Health Programs
Mary Lou Wassel, MEd, COHN-S/CM, ARM, CSP
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2008
Time: 1:00 -4:30 pm

Course Number: 209
Track: WWE
Level: Advanced 

Abstract:

Savvy occupational health nurses are in a perfect position to serve as key leaders for their corporate safety and risk management programs. This session will address risk management and safety concepts, workplace hazard assessment, analysis of workers' compensation loss information, methods for calculating and using incidence rates and loss data, and using data to demonstrate value to management. 

Objectives:

1. Identify key risk management concepts and their relationship to workplace safety;
2. Describe the role of the occupational health nurse in assessing workplace hazards;
3. Explain how to calculate and utilize OSHA recordkeeping and incidence rates in workplace safety programming;
4. Explain how to accurately analyze workers' compensation losses and use loss history to improve a company's worker compensation outcomes;
5. Describe challenges in the benchmarking process; and
6. Discuss the value of using data to drive programming.

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210 - Creating the Ideal Client Experience Using Attachment Research and Tools
Margie Weiss, PhD, APNP
Stephen Tyink
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2008
Time: 1:00 -4:30 pm

Course Number: 210
Track: MBL
Level: Advance practice nurses/nurse practitioners or experience/education required 

Abstract:

Measuring how tightly clients are "attached" to healthcare delivery organizations and occupational health nurses moves beyond traditional client satisfaction measurement. Benchmarking attachment levels to other industries helps to assess how well the organization is meeting the needs of clients. Examining client interactions (touch points) and the overall brand experience of clients, referring physicians and staff provides insights into designing health-promoting environments and care processes. Learn how to foster health-promoting facility design, policy development and ideal client care through: 1) listening-research; 2) learning-modeling patient touch points; 3) leading-integrating care scripts, facility design and health-promoting activities; and 4) leveraging-strategic imperatives which delineate care processes, health-promoting facility design and policy development.

Objectives:

1. Discuss the attachment research and best practice benchmarking to identify opportunities to transform and improve the client, physician and staff attachment to the organization;
2. Articulate a system of design principles that provide meaningful direction to health care delivery processes, staff development and health-promoting facility design; and
3. Identify effective strategic imperatives which clearly delineate client care processes, scripts, staff behaviors and health-promoting facility requirements.

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Abstract:

This presentation discusses the challenges faced by occupational health professionals dealing with the increased incidence of community acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA). This session reviews the epidemiology of MRSA; transmission risks and prevention strategies; diagnosis and treatment guidelines, including decolonization; work restrictions; and outbreak management. An overview of an outbreak of skin and soft tissue infection among police academy instructors and new recruits will be presented. The fear of job loss and code of silence lead to ongoing transmission of MRSA. Control of this outbreak required significant work restrictions, strict adherence to treatment.

Objectives:

1. Describe the epidemiology of MRSA, diagnosis and risk of transmission;
2. Discuss work restriction practice, treatment and decolonization guidelines of affected workers; and
3. Discuss outbreak management.

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212 - Taking the Leap: How to Risk and Win
Jennifer Jordan, BA
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2008
Time: 1:00 -4:30 pm

Course Number: 212
Track: MBL
Level: General Audience 

Abstract:

Most of us are afraid of taking a risk--changing jobs, asking for a raise, submitting a high-profile proposal, particularly when it potentially involves jeopardizing our professional reputation or position. And yet, those who continually win and succeed often risk everything to get there. Risking and winning go hand in hand; and until you learn how to embrace the risk, you're not going to realize your fullest potential. In this dynamic and daring workshop, you will learn how to break down the elements of risk and then build a new foundation upon which to risk and win. 

Objectives:

1. Recognize when the risk is worth it and when it's not;
2. Identify and exploit the Tools of Winning; and
3. Change your win/lose ratio into a win/win.

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