October 2, 2018 • 41 mins
Episode 7 of the ISAVE That Podcast sponsored by The AVA Foundation decompresses from a BUSY week in Columbus at the annual AVA Scientific Meeting. Hosts Judy Thompson, Ramzy Nasrallah and Eric Seger chat with three individuals that attended the meeting, including two who took it in for the first time.
0:50 – What a week in Columbus! Judy, Ramzy and Eric give their impressions of the largest annual AVA conference ever.
12:48 – A quick word from our Episode 7 sponsor, The AVA Foundation
14:26 – We welcome Christie Chapman, RN, BSN, CIC, a Director-at-Large on the AVA Board of Directors and infection preventionist based in San Diego to hear her thoughts on the Scientific Meeting in Columbus.
22:41 – Next up is an amazing conversation with two first-time attendees of the annual Scientific Meeting: Tori Amsler, RN, BSN, a vascular access specialist based in Oklahoma, and Nancy Yankovic, RN, VA-BC™, a vascular access specialist in Alaska.
37:38 – AVA Network Events – just because the national meeting is behind us doesn't mean AVA slows down!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
This episode of ISAVE That Podcast is made possible by the
support from The AVA Foundation,which was created to support
AVA's mission (00:07):
Protect the Patient| Educate the Clinician|
Save the Line.
The AVA Foundation servesclinicians interested in
Vascular Access, students ofhealthcare professions, as well
as patients and their familiesthrough funding, Vascular Access
innovation, research andeducation.
For more information, visitwww.avafoundationinfo.org.
(00:38):
From the Association forVascular Access.
This is the ISAVE That Podcast.
Ramzy (00:50):
You have arrived at Season 1, episode 7, post-AVA
Scientific Meeting conferenceedition of the ISAVE That
Podcast, presented by The AVAFoundation.
I'm joined today by Director ofCommunications, Eric Seger,
who's also the JAVAEditor-in-Chief, as well as
AVA's Director of ClinicalEducation, Ms.
Judy Thompson.
Friends, how are you?
Eric (01:11):
Hey, Ramzy.
Judy (01:11):
Hey, how are you guys?
Ramzy (01:11):
The afterglow, I call it the afterglow and not the
hangover from the ScientificMeeting in Columbus.
I can't believe, and we'vetalked about this for months:
You put all this effort intoplanning this giant meeting.
It's kinda like planning awedding and then you show up and
you blink and then it's reallyquiet and now we're planning the
next one.
Gone.
Yeah.
(01:32):
You know, Judy attended lastyear's, scientific meeting in
Phoenix as the AVA President ofthe Board and has attended as
the President-Elect.
She's attended as a member.
She's been a first-timer.
This year, she attended as theDirector of Clinical Education,
which means Judy has viewed ourbiggest event of the year
(01:52):
through so many different partsof the prism.
Judy, how did you know, with allthat context in mind, how did
Columbus strike you in terms ofall the meetings you've
attended?
Considering you were looking atit through, through the specter
of being our highest profileclinical mind.
Judy (02:08):
It was amazing.
Every year, we keep saying this,but I think the content
continues to get better andbetter and more, more
scientific.
It's the presenters are betterand better.
It's just phenomenal to see thedifferences that over the years.
And you're right, I remember myfirst conference as a brand new
attendee and I talked to a fewthe first time attendees this go
(02:32):
round, or many of them, and Iwas actually an ambassador this
year as well.
And the excitement they have andthe concern they have and they
come in not knowing everyone oranyone and I'm so happy to hear
that they have the same type offeeling for our group as I had.
It's everybody was soaccommodating and so willing to
(02:53):
take their hand and guide themand friendly and helpful.
So, I don't think our attitudeshave changed, which is wonderful
because this has been many,many, many years of me attending
AVAs and in whatever position itmight be.
So, gosh, it was amazing.
I just loved every moment of it.
(03:15):
I love the AVATAR Group at thevery end doing there
antimicrobial versus non-coatedcatheter talk.
Ramzy (03:25):
Does catheter material matter?
Yeah.
That was really entertaining.
Judy (03:28):
It was hilarious, entertaining, and had some great
information.
And a very play-like atmosphere.
So there was, there's so manyhighlights.
It's really hard to say what wasmy favorite.
But you know, there's a lot ofPIV talk this year.
An awful lot of PIV talk, a lotof infection prevention as
normal.
(03:48):
There's always a little bit oftalk on thrombosis, but I think
far and away the PIV talk waskind of the talk of the town.
Eric (03:58):
Well, being a Columbus resident, I was so excited, as
you guys know, to have AVA cometo where I live and the fact
that we eclipsed a thousandclinical attendees for the first
time, that was such a great wayto kick off the entire meeting.
And I was so excited to get thatpress release out to just tell
the world.
AVA continues to blossom andgrow.
So, I really enjoyed that aspectof it.
(04:20):
And so many people seemed likethey just had just a great time
as well.
I mean, they, they spoke aboutthe way Columbus was put
together.
They were happy that the hotelswere connected directly to the
Convention Center.
Things just all really flowedfreely together.
I think the sessions were allbrilliant.
I thought Dr.
Jack's talk was hilarious, asalways.
(04:40):
And it was great that Suzannewas able to be there to present
him with the Herbst Award.
I thought that that was reallypowerful and emotional.
And then, you know, MarcusEngle, the keynote that he
really started at all, he setthe groundwork for a great
conference I thought.
And I thought that was a hugereason why we had so many people
stay all the way through theend, you know, to the AVATAR
(05:05):
session that you were talkingabout Judy.
That that room was full and thatnormally doesn't happen.
So I thought that everything wasgreat.
Ramzy (05:12):
That AVATAR session was the Lunch and Learn presented by
The AVA Foundation that Iparticipated in as well.
We had to hastily accommodatefor 200 extra lunches because we
completely missed the forecaston how many people would be
there on day four of theconference.
So yeah, that was, I mean,overwhelming success.
Judy (05:32):
Without a doubt.
I've been a presenter at thelast, the last event of AVA
before and you know, credit toAVATAR or maybe it says
something about me but it was sowell attended.
Ramzy (05:49):
The last act act Woodstock
Judy (05:55):
Yeah, I could've been there.
Yes.
But overall, oh my gosh, it wasgreat.
I cannot wait for Las Vegas.
As this conference continues toget better and better, that
venue is going to be super fun.
You know, we're all so nerdythat we'll probably stay within
the conference and learn, butcome in exhausted from the night
before so it'll be great.
Ramzy (06:17):
Not that nerdy, Judy.
It's still Caesars.
Judy (06:19):
I know.
Seriously,
Eric (06:21):
I've never been to Vegas in my life.
I'm excitedly nervous.
So, I think I'll have to besmart about how I do things, but
I'm hoping that it is asgreatest successes this year.
If we can continue that, thenwe're going to be in good shape
moving forward here.
(06:45):
From a leadership standpoint,Ramzy, what was your impressions
on how everything moldedtogether?
Ramzy (06:53):
Oh, well, kind of parallel to Judy.
I, too, have attended AVAwearing different hats.
I, I've been there as a fieldsales representative.
I've been there as an in-linemarketing manager for the US.
I've been there as a globalrepresentative for my employer.
Last year as a first-timeattendee, as an AVA employee.
And then this year, seasoned AVAemployee.
(07:16):
So, I have some skepticism wheneveryone's grabbing you and
pulling you aside and tellingyou how great your conference
is.
It's kind of like having a partyand people telling you that you
have a lovely home and you know,it feels good, but like, are
they just being nice or arethey, is this truly what
constructive feedback lookslike?
(07:35):
The measurable stuff tells us a good story.
I emceed the Teleflex cadaverlab in the pre-conference, I
spent a lot of time and thePediSIG.
When I went out to do my myopening act for Marcus Engle,
who emailed me this morning bythe way, he's still glowing
about having attended the AVAconference.
It's just incredible.
(07:55):
You walk out on that generalsession stage and you see, I
think it was probably at least1300 faces looking back at you.
And then they've, they lifttheir phones to take a picture
of you and you're like, I waswearing a Zeke Elliot Jersey and
a blazer.
Not really my usual get up.
The energy felt different, Ithought the energy in Phoenix
was great in 2017 and I'vealways had the highest possible
(08:19):
regard for AVA conferences.
I've been to so many in bothmedicine and IT.
You attend these associationmeetings and they tend to run
together.
AVA has a significantlydifferent energy.
This year, the energy was, waslike nothing I'd ever
experienced before.
You can tell that the trajectoryis where all of our measurable,
(08:40):
all of our analytics tell us itis from industry partnership and
involvement, to membershipgrowth and our burgeoning
networks on the local level.
But, I'll tell you this fromhaving worn the industry hat for
long and having played the roleof what we affectionately refer
to as the Booth Jockey in theexhibit hall: On that final day
(09:03):
of exhibit hall hours, that'sgenerally a ghost town if you
get it.
And I'm not talking about AVA,I'm talking about everything,
but those final hours, attendeeshave usually already been to the
exhibit hall.
They've seen what they wanted tosee.
The food and drink is a notchbelow what it is on the, on the
first night when it's, you know,premium bar open and there's
(09:24):
that beginning of conferencebuzz.
On that final day of exhibitorhours, you're generally
networking with otherexhibitors, trying to poach
their employees or just kind ofdoing housekeeping can catch up
on email in the booth.
I had a couple of exhibits comeup to me and sort of
tongue-in-cheek, express theirdissatisfaction of how busy the
(09:45):
final day, the final exhibitorhours were.
And they weren't beingfacetious.
I went in there and it waspacked and it was buzzing and
you almost wouldn't have knownthat it was the end of the
exhibition hours.
It tells me that we need to havemore of them and I'm going to
wait to see the feedback becauseif you run out of time with
customers, that's bad.
You actually want it to die downat the, because that means
(10:06):
you've, you've talked toeveryone that you, you can talk
to.
So, that's I think what we sawon Columbus visa vi vendors, was
eye-opening and, and we need toinvestigate that because I've
never seen that in anyconference before in my life or
where you had to actually removepeople from the exhibit hall is
closed.
So, that was great.
I've had a lot of interest andpart of my messaging at the
(10:29):
beginning of the conference,Eric and you were there because
you were in the auditorium wasAVA being a 12-month partner for
industry and not just a once ayear get together, have a big
awesome show and then see ya ina year.
AVA has too much work to do.
Vascular Access is still notheld in the esteem and the level
of importance that it needs toin the care setting.
(10:50):
And also in the non-acute caresetting.
I had a lot of really positivefeedback from industry saying,
'You know what, let's do morethan just every September or
October.
Let's talk about what we can doin February.
What we can do in May.' So, it'squiet after the conference, but
man, it's busy as heck overhere.
So yeah, 2018, I'm excited thatthe bar is higher for us heading
(11:14):
into Caesars in October 2019because we have to outdo what we
did this year.
And I love the, the tailwindsthat we have working in our
advantage.
Eric (11:23):
That's a credit to all the fine people at Conference
Managers and Sponsorship Boostthat help us put it together as
well as Tonya.
I mean, conference is her babyas you and I know well, so she
really thrives on that.
And the credit to Columbus aswell.
I thought the Convention Centerwas beautiful and really laid
out well.
So, everything went well andthere's a lot of positive upward
(11:44):
momentum to build on.
Ramzy (11:46):
Yeah, our team is incredible.
And Tonya Hutchison is, I'mgoing to say the GOAT: The
Greatest Of All Time with regardto being that person in the
front of the boat leading usevery year with our biggest
event.
And you know what, I forgot tomention this earlier when Judy
was giving feedback, we're goingto have multidisciplinary
perspectives and alsofirst-timer perspective later in
(12:06):
the broadcast, right?
Eric (12:07):
Correct.
Yeah.
We'll probably get to that alittle bit later, but we have
two first-timers, we were ableable to speak to about their
experiences.
One from Alaska all the way.
She flew all the way to Ohiofrom Alaska and then another
from Oklahoma.
So, they're going to share theirperspectives both on Columbus
and the education as well, andtheir excitement around what
AVA's doing moving forward.
So, I think we're going to hopback with a member of our Board
(12:31):
of Directors after the break andthen get to those first-timer
interviews a little bit later,so stay tuned.
(12:48):
The AVA Foundation provides research grants to develop and
evaluate practices,technologies, and innovations
within Vascular Access thatimprove clinical outcomes.
This funding is competitivelyawarded and assessed by the
Foundation's Board across thecriteria of significance in
innovation, scientific qualityand team capability.
(13:09):
The Foundation also providesfunding to healthcare
practitioners for bothspecialized and higher education
in Vascular Access so that theymay deliver the highest level of
Vascular Access care.
It support seminars, panels, andeducation programs to provide
updates in Vascular Accesspractice and stimulate learning.
Travel awards scholarships areavailable to clinicians
(13:29):
attending the AVA AnnualScientific Meeting to promote
hands on involvement andeducation.
The AVA Foundation strives topromote patient education by
funding support for educationalvideos and consumer literature
along with consumer-oriented PRand editorial articles.
Family and patient education canhelp ensure that recipients of
Vascular Access can understandhow to participate in their
(13:52):
healthcare.
To make a one-time donation orschedule regular donations to
The AVA Foundation, please visitwww.avafoundationinfo.org.
You may earmark your donationfor innovation, research,
education or to the overallmission of The AVA Foundation.
Together we can drive thechanges and improvements
(14:13):
necessary to ensure VascularAccess is as safe as possible
for the millions of patients whoundergo these procedures every
day.
Ramzy (14:26):
And welcome back.
We are joined by ChristieChapman, who is an infection
preventionist in San Diego.
AVA is a multidisciplinaryorganization as you know, and
Christie actually carries thatflag in two ways.
One, she just attended hersecond AVA conference, the one
in Columbus, and two, she is oneof my bosses.
She's on the AVA Board ofDirectors, representing
(14:47):
infection prevention.
Christie, how are you doing?
Christie (14:50):
I'm well.
How are you guys today?
Ramzy (14:52):
I think we're good.
Are we good?
Eric (14:55):
We're awesome.
Awesome.
Judy (14:56):
We're all good.
Hey Christie, this is Judy.
Christie (14:58):
Hey, Judy, another beautiful day in paradise, isn't
it?
Judy (15:02):
Ah, gotta love San Diego.
Ramzy (15:04):
Got two San Diegans or current San Diegans on the phone
and two native Ohioans.
It's like the Holiday Bowl fromlike 1993.
Christie, I think listenerswould be really interested in
hearing your perspective on– wejust had our largest AVA
conference ever– coming into itrepresenting specialty outside
(15:25):
of Vascular Access.
What were your impressions thistime around and also this time
around versus your first AVAconference?
Christie (15:32):
I, the common theme between the two years was that I
was like a kid in a candy store.
It was– infection preventionunfortunately doesn't get to
just focus on Vascular Access.
They have construction, theyhave all sorts of other things
they have to focus on as well.
So, just to be able to focus onVascular Access, the specialty,
(15:54):
was an amazing opportunity forme both last year and this year.
The cool thing about this year,I kind of knew my way around a
little bit more.
I understood kind of who, whowas the rock stars in Vascular
Access world.
The folks that really leadresearch and drive change and
(16:17):
are your kind of, passionate,knowledgeable, banner carriers
for AVA.
So, it was really nice to beable to identify those folks and
kind of sit at their feet andlisten and learn, learn from
them.
(16:30):
But you guys do such a great job with your first-timers
programs in the way you, andyour website and your conference
kind of online brochure.
And that whole registration andonboarding process really makes
it easy for a first time personto be able to kind of find your
way around all of the differentvenues for learning, venues for
(16:51):
networking, venues forunderstanding the Exhibit Hall,
all of that.
You guys do a really good jobonboarding new folks like that.
So, kudos to you guys for, forthat process.
But second year was, like Isaid, just, it was, I just felt
a little more at home.
I kind of knew where I wanted tobe and what I wanted to learn
(17:12):
about and where I go to get thatlearning.
And I was able to kind of moreenjoy the energy and the
camaraderie this year.
So it was, it was really twotimes as awesome, if not more
this year.
But more because of I nowunderstood the experiences of
AVA national, the ScientificMeeting.
Judy (17:33):
So you mentioned camaraderie and as an infection
preventionist around all thoseVascular Access folks.
Do you feel you are us now?
Christie (17:43):
I do.
I do.
I have to be honest with you,last year I felt a little, a
little kind of on the outsidelooking in just because I just,
because I didn't know.
I don't think the typicalinfection preventionist, you
know, doesn't really understand,and I don't want this to sound
like we don't care, but reallydoesn't know who these thought
(18:03):
leaders are in Vascular Access.
We've seen some papers, youknow, we see the kind of the
HICPAC folks and those kinds offolks, the INS folks.
But we really, AVA has such adeep bench of knowledge and
thought leaders that infectionprevention has really needed to
tap into.
(18:21):
And I really felt that acceptance and that camaraderie
from, from those leaders andfrom the attendees this year.
And I had to tell you to behonest with you, I did get a few
little questions of, you know,when they found out we were
infection preventionists, that Iwas in infection preventionist,
they had some questions for meabout,'Why do you make us do
this or why do we have to dothat?' But I love that sense of
(18:42):
let's talk about, it wasn'tconfrontational, it wasn't rude
or anything, but let's talkabout it and let's get each
other's perspective and, andthose, start the discussion.
Judy (18:51):
That's awesome because you guys might not understand– you
guys, I'm know making it soundlike we're two different folks–
but when infectionpreventionists tell us this is
something we need to do andVascular Access says this is
something we shouldn't do orshould do.
It's really good to get theperspective from both sides.
So, I think one of the hugebenefits I see of having you, an
(19:14):
infection preventionist, as partof AVA.
Just wanted to know how you feltabout it.
Thanks.
Christie (19:19):
Yeah, no, I think it's awesome because you're exactly
right.
There's so many nuances aroundVascular Access that that
infection preventionist aren'table to get totally deep into,
but we as IPs have to listen toour Vascular Access experts to
help us drive really good solidlong term Vascular Access
practices for our patients.
(19:40):
So, we don't ruin their veins,you know, in the long run and we
don't do things that are justtrying to dodge CLABSI.
We really do need to think aboutthe right line, for the right
patient, at the right time.
Judy (19:50):
Well said.
Eric (19:53):
Dove tailing off that thought.
Christie, what do you hope tosee from AVA in 2019 when we all
get together in Las Vegas whenit comes to that topic?
Christie (20:01):
Yeah.
I really, one of my goals thisyear, since we're out west and
I'm out west, I really want tosee some of my fellow APIC folks
at the national meeting thisyear and I'm going to talk until
I'm blue in the face and sharemy experiences until they're
probably sick of hearing aboutit.
What I'm seeing with, withinfection preventionists, is
(20:24):
that they are looking to kind ofgo outside the traditional
infection prevention education.
That's awesome.
And that's our foundation or ourbasis.
But I saw two of our infectionpreventionists this year apply
for scholarships through ourlocal APIC chapter to go to AORN
conferences that were nearby.
And that's the the operatingoperating area of that
(20:44):
information and what I'm goingto do.
And I thought that was awesomeand we were happy to grant them
that money to find, to reallyhone their knowledge around
operating room practices.
(20:54):
So, what I really see too is us being able to branch out in
the Vascular Access area aswell.
And with it being so close to uson the west coast, I want to see
some infection preventionists goto the meeting in Las Vegas this
year.
I think that's going to be areally great, close opportunity
for them to do that.
What I would also see, you know,I'm also going to keep talking
(21:14):
about is IPs getting involved intheir local VAN.
I have gained so much knowledgefrom my interaction with the
SANVAN group.
The programs are always spot,education for us digging deep
into Vascular Access issues thatI might not typically be exposed
to as an infectionpreventionist.
You always have great speakers.
It's always a great time.
(21:35):
I get to talk to otherpractitioners and see what
they're doing in otherhospitals.
So, the other piece is I want toreally encourage infection
preventionist to get involved intheir local VAN.
But I really, for 2019 I reallywant to see a good, good group
of IPs working their way to the,to the 2019 meeting in Las
Vegas.
I think we'll all be, all bebetter IPs for it.
Eric (21:58):
Yeah, it's not that far from San Diego like you
mentioned.
You should bring some of yourfriends with you.
Christie (22:02):
Absolutely.
It's a quick, quick airplane hopor a really interesting car
trip.
Eric (22:07):
Well Christie, we thank you so much for hopping on with
us and giving your perspectivenot only as an infection
preventionist but also as aBoard of Director of the
Association for Vascular Access.
Ramzy (22:17):
Thanks again Christie.
Christie (22:19):
You're welcome.
Y'all have a good day.
You too.
Eric (22:23):
Coming up.
We'll have some more reactionfrom the scientific meeting in
Columbus from a few first timeattendees.
Stay tuned.
And we have the honor of beingjoined today by Nancy Yankovic
(22:44):
from Providence, Alaska MedicalCenter who was also a nurse
educator for SecurAcath and ToriAmsler from Saint Mary's
Hospital in Enid, Oklahoma.
Both Tori and Nancy werefirst-time attendees in Columbus
this year for the annual AVAScientific Meeting.
Tori, Nancy, I wanted to thankyou guys for joining us.
Tori (23:01):
Thank you.
Eric (23:02):
Excuse me.
I should say you ladies.
Pardon me there.
Judy Thompson, AVA's Director ofClinical Education is also on
the line with us as well as AVACEO Ramzy Nasrallah.
Judy (23:13):
Hi, guys.
Ramzy (23:13):
Hey everyone, welcome welcome.
Eric (23:19):
We'll just go ahead and dive into the topic of today's
podcast, which is AVA 2018.
I can't believe it's alreadyfinished up.
You know, we did so muchplanning and then all of a
sudden it's gone now.
So, oh, I guess we'll sort ofstart Nancy and Tori with a
pretty basic question.
How were you both firstintroduced to AVA as an
organization?
Tori (23:42):
I was introduced about 10 years ago when I started
Vascular Access, kind of by amentor of mine, Caroline Polly.
She did some of our training atthe hospital and introduced me
into AVA that way.
Nancy (23:54):
And I've been working at my facility for 8 years in
Vascular Access and AVA's alwayskind of been something that, you
know, we've gone on theirwebsite for things and, and I
have the JAVA subscription, butit wasn't until last year, Amy
(24:14):
Stone, who's a mentor of mine,suggested to me that it would
really be beneficial to mynursing practice and the
direction that I want my nursingcareer to go to attend AVA.
And that's what led me to startlooking into options to going
this year.
Eric (24:33):
Amy is a terrific person to know.
She's been an AVA proponent foryears.
That's great to have a niceconnection there.
What was your sort of overallimpression of the Scientific
Meeting prior to havingattended?
What were you sort of expecting?
Anything from educationalcontent and networking,
attendance or the social aspectof it?
Nancy (24:54):
Well, myself, I was expecting all of those things,
but I didn't really know what toexpect either.
This is actually the firstprofessional conference that I
have had the opportunity toattend.
I had looked on the website andI've seen videos from years
prior and looked at a lot ofpictures and talked with a
(25:16):
number of people who have goneand was told,'Oh, there's going
to be great networkingopportunities, great education'
but I wasn't exactly certainwhat to expect.
But I can assure you that it didnot disappoint.
I was very excited and slightlyoverwhelmed by what all I was
able to take in at the AVAconference this year.
Eric (25:38):
That's what like to hear.
That's great.
Judy (25:40):
Absolutely.
Did you find that everybody waswelcoming and kind of a warm
reception?
Nancy (25:49):
For myself, absolutely.
Everybody that I met, was so, sowelcoming and so excited about
the conference and excited aboutVascular Access.
As a vascular accessprofessional, I think you just
can't help but get even moreexcited just being in that realm
with that many other intelligentminds who see Vascular Access
(26:15):
the way you do.
I know for me, you know, we'rekind of a smaller team.
There's two of us on each day ina 350-bed hospital.
And sometimes it feels likepeople who are outside of
Vascular Access don't, don't getit and maybe feel like we're
more of an auxiliary specialtyfor the hospital.
(26:36):
Just kind of something on theside rather than, um, what
vascular access really is.
So, it was really nice to beamong people who really
appreciate the specialty forwhat it is the way I do.
Judy (26:46):
That's good to hear.
How bad our Oklahoma contingent?
Tori (26:49):
I absolutely agree with Nancy.
I was very nervous to say theleast about traveling from
Oklahoma to Columbus and itbeing my first time.
I've had connections with CindyAnderton.
She's been a great resource forme and for my network, the OKVAN
chapter.
So, she's helped guide me kindof through some of these steps.
(27:12):
Then reached out to me too aboutmy free attendance.
And we've also been lucky tohave Tonya Hutchison come out to
our first OKVAN meeting and wasgreat.
So, I knew some people goinginto it, but I signed up for the
ambassador program just to have,you know, an extra resource in
(27:34):
case, you know, they were busy.
And so I met Patty fromLawrence, Kansas, and she was
great.
She checked in on me.
When I walked in and I saw allof the opportunities, I thought,
'Oh my gosh, how am I going tobe able to get to all of these
things that I want to go to?
I want to go to that one andthat one.' And I flew in early
(27:54):
on Friday and I went to thecadaver class and I was blown
away.
I thought if the rest of thedays are like this, I have hit
the jackpot.
I was super excited and justlike Nancy said, I'm from a
smaller hospital also and I havea partner that we work with
hand-in-hand 5 days a week andwe feel that same way.
(28:16):
Vascular Access, is kind of, youknow, something that's forgotten
or you get to it when you get toit.
And for us, Vascular AccessSpecialists, that's the first
thing that you look at when youwalk in the door and you see the
patient.
So, I met some great people.
I was just excited to have thosepeople there also.
They feel the same way you doand someone's finally talk in
(28:38):
your language.
And so it's just great andyou're surrounded by that the
entire time.
And as far as walking throughthe door, everyone greeted me,
everyone made sure I knew whereI was going.
They were more than willing tohelp me in any way possible.
So, for the first time I had anamazing time.
Eric (28:57):
Speaking about the cadaver lab, this was only my second
scientific meeting myself, Ihaven't been with AVA for that
long.
And I shared a lot of the samesentiment as both of you.
Last year when I went to Phoenixfor the conference for the first
time.
In Columbus this year, Iactually did spend time in the
cadaver lab and that was also afirst for me, Teleflex sponsors
(29:20):
that really great job with it.
And it's such a vital andimportant part of the
pre-conference session.
So, I'm really happy to hearthat.
Ramzy (29:28):
Eric was actually a live, cadaver in the cadaver lab.
Judy (29:35):
I don't know if that's a thing, to be a live cadaver.
Eric (29:38):
Both of you actually may have used ultrasound to check
out my, some of my veins.
I'm for sure.
But that was quite anexperience.
I learned so much there and Iwork for AVA so there's always
more to do as you guys both havementioned
Judy (29:51):
That is great and I'm glad you took advantage of the
ambassador program, cause Ireally think they do a great job
with that.
And I still remember my veryfirst AVA and how friendly and
outgoing, people just went outof their way to make me feel
welcome, which really eased mynerves because you're walking
(30:11):
side by side with people thathave written a lot of the
articles that I referenced andit was all always fun and always
exciting.
It's just nice to feel likeyou're with like-minded people
as well.
Tori (30:22):
Before the cadaver class I was kind of looking around,
scoping everything out and I raninto another person that looks
just like me and we just hit itoff automatically.
And then, you know, as we werestudying and waiting, the people
that you talk to and introduceyourself to, it's like you've
known them for years.
(30:43):
You can talk about the samethings, the problems that
they're having in theirfacility, you're having in
yours.
So, you know, you have anetworking opportunity, bounce
ideas off someone, but you alsobuild a friendship with someone
that you know you would've nevermet prior to conference.
I would have never met someonefrom Seattle or from New York.
(31:06):
So it was amazing.
Judy (31:06):
That's wonderful to hear.
It's fun hearing it from newattendees, but even people that
have been around for many years,I still get just re-energized
every time I go.
Eric (31:22):
For both Nancy and Tori, sort of my next question as far
as, well, we hope you guys, itsounds like you had a great
experience in Columbus, so we'rehoping that you come back
obviously, but for someone whowas in your shoes before you
attended your first conference,what kind of advice would you
guys have to share for them?
Nancy (31:39):
Well, for me, my advice would be definitely to go.
Get the time off from work, saveup for it and look for
scholarship opportunities bothwith AVA and at your facility.
I was fortunate enough to be therecipient of the AVA scholarship
for travel this year and I wasalso awarded a scholarship from
(32:01):
the retention department from myjob as well.
So that, that really made itpossible.
Coming out of Alaska, it's, it'sincredibly expensive to go
anywhere.
Getting those scholarships wasreally beneficial to help me pay
my way to get down there.
(32:21):
My hospital also covers$500 ayear for education.
That is associated with the typeof work that you do.
So this fell, this conferencefell under that for me.
So I was able to get thatcovered by my hospital as well.
So I would really encouragepeople to look for the financial
opportunities that are outthere.
(32:43):
Because I really feel like a lotof hospitals, they really want
you to get the education andthat you know, that there are
opportunities out there that youhave to go and look for.
And nobody ever told me,'oh,hey, well we'll pay all this
extra money, you know, and thesescholarships are available.' And
I started digging around on theInternet at work and looking and
(33:06):
I found those opportunities andapplied for them and was
fortunate enough to get them.
And then of course the AVAscholarship is fantastic as well
for anybody who wants to go.
I really appreciated that AVAthought that the work that I'm
doing is important.
And so that, that really helped,empowers me to, to want to do
(33:32):
more.
This four-day session has doneso much as well to validate for
me the work that I've been doingto try and improve practice.
So, anybody who's kind of inthat same situation where, you
know, they, they know that whatthey're doing is good and is
right and they're in the rightgoing in the right direction,
(33:54):
but you know, they need thatadditional validation.
You're definitely, definitelygoing to get that from the AVA
conference and from all theattendees that are there.
Eric (34:03):
With your coworkers being able to bring back that
validation, I hope you've beenable to share some of the things
that you've learned at AVA.
Nancy (34:10):
Oh, absolutely.
And even better too, one of thescholarships that I was approved
for from work, part of thatscholarship is that the
recipient has the duty to comeback and do an educational piece
at work.
And so on October 16, I amscheduled to do education for
(34:32):
all of the in-hospital educatorsas well as the infection
prevention department on gettingAC IVs out.
And that's what I have chosen todo.
My educational piece on based onwork that I have been doing and
additional education that I gotat AVA and additional validation
(34:52):
that I've gotten, especiallyfrom Ms.
Nancy Moureau on the work thatI've been doing.
Judy (34:57):
That's awesome.
How about you Tori?
What, what's one of your bigtakeaways from the conference?
Tori (35:03):
Well, I agree with Nancy about planning
Think about it and you know, andI've done that too.
This year throughout my OKVANnetwork, I am the president this
year.
And so one of the benefits fromAVA was you get a free
(35:23):
attendance.
So, I kind of capitalized onthat and went.
To say the one thing I probablythought was my favorite was the
cadaver class, but the techniquewith the ultrasounds the new
technology coming through theline just with ultrasound and
IVs.
That's something that we've beendoing for a long time.
(35:46):
You know, have we been doing itcorrectly every time?
You know what we thought wascorrect.
Yes.
That learning those littlethings that you know, change
your process or make yourprocess better.
It's just like,'Oh yeah!' Thelight just comes on and just to
see other people's technique andwhat you have been doing and,
and like Nancy said, you'vebeen, you're working hard and
(36:08):
trying to push this through and,and going to conference just
validates what you've beenfollowing with standards and
evidenced-based practice.
You have that much more to backyou up when you're going to your
facility or even in our networkmeetings we bring in speakers
and it just validates all thehard work that everybody has
been putting in.
(36:29):
You can lay it on out and say,'This is what we need to do.
This is what we need to bestriving for it.
This is the kind of care that wewant our patients to have.' So
that was my take away what I canget to bring back to share with
Oklahoma and OKVAN.
What we can do to make patientcare better.
That was one of the things Iwas, I was most interested in.
(36:52):
Moving forward, getting out of,'Well, this is what we've always
done.' Well, let's get rid ofthat and let's move forward and
use the technology that's outthere.
Eric (37:03):
Yeah, being open to learning new ideas and hearing
from all the fantastic VascularAccess key opinion leaders that
all descended upon one place fora four-day period of time is
extremely beneficial.
Again, this has been a greatconversation with Nancy all the
way up in Alaska and Tori inOklahoma.
It shows sort of the breadth ofAVA in our reach.
(37:24):
Continue to grow your networksand continue to bring more
people to AVA.
We will see you both in LasVegas next fall.
Nancy (37:30):
Great.
Thank you.
Tori (37:32):
Thank you.
Judy (37:32):
Thank you.
This episode of ISAVE That Podcast is made possible by the
support from The AVA Foundation,which was created to support
AVA's mission (00:07):
Protect the Patient| Educate the Clinician|
Save the Line.
The AVA Foundation servesclinicians interested in
Vascular Access, students ofhealthcare professions, as well
as patients and their familiesthrough funding, Vascular Access
innovation, research andeducation.
For more information, visitwww.avafoundationinfo.org.
(00:38):
From the Association forVascular Access.
This is the ISAVE That Podcast.
Ramzy (00:50):
You have arrived at Season 1, episode 7, post-AVA
Scientific Meeting conferenceedition of the ISAVE That
Podcast, presented by The AVAFoundation.
I'm joined today by Director ofCommunications, Eric Seger,
who's also the JAVAEditor-in-Chief, as well as
AVA's Director of ClinicalEducation, Ms.
Judy Thompson.
Friends, how are you?
Eric (01:11):
Hey, Ramzy.
Judy (01:11):
Hey, how are you guys?
Ramzy (01:11):
The afterglow, I call it the afterglow and not the
hangover from the ScientificMeeting in Columbus.
I can't believe, and we'vetalked about this for months:
You put all this effort intoplanning this giant meeting.
It's kinda like planning awedding and then you show up and
you blink and then it's reallyquiet and now we're planning the
next one.
Gone.
Yeah.
(01:32):
You know, Judy attended lastyear's, scientific meeting in
Phoenix as the AVA President ofthe Board and has attended as
the President-Elect.
She's attended as a member.
She's been a first-timer.
This year, she attended as theDirector of Clinical Education,
which means Judy has viewed ourbiggest event of the year
(01:52):
through so many different partsof the prism.
Judy, how did you know, with allthat context in mind, how did
Columbus strike you in terms ofall the meetings you've
attended?
Considering you were looking atit through, through the specter
of being our highest profileclinical mind.
Judy (02:08):
It was amazing.
Every year, we keep saying this,but I think the content
continues to get better andbetter and more, more
scientific.
It's the presenters are betterand better.
It's just phenomenal to see thedifferences that over the years.
And you're right, I remember myfirst conference as a brand new
attendee and I talked to a fewthe first time attendees this go
(02:32):
round, or many of them, and Iwas actually an ambassador this
year as well.
And the excitement they have andthe concern they have and they
come in not knowing everyone oranyone and I'm so happy to hear
that they have the same type offeeling for our group as I had.
It's everybody was soaccommodating and so willing to
(02:53):
take their hand and guide themand friendly and helpful.
So, I don't think our attitudeshave changed, which is wonderful
because this has been many,many, many years of me attending
AVAs and in whatever position itmight be.
So, gosh, it was amazing.
I just loved every moment of it.
(03:15):
I love the AVATAR Group at thevery end doing there
antimicrobial versus non-coatedcatheter talk.
Ramzy (03:25):
Does catheter material matter?
Yeah.
That was really entertaining.
Judy (03:28):
It was hilarious, entertaining, and had some great
information.
And a very play-like atmosphere.
So there was, there's so manyhighlights.
It's really hard to say what wasmy favorite.
But you know, there's a lot ofPIV talk this year.
An awful lot of PIV talk, a lotof infection prevention as
normal.
(03:48):
There's always a little bit oftalk on thrombosis, but I think
far and away the PIV talk waskind of the talk of the town.
Eric (03:58):
Well, being a Columbus resident, I was so excited, as
you guys know, to have AVA cometo where I live and the fact
that we eclipsed a thousandclinical attendees for the first
time, that was such a great wayto kick off the entire meeting.
And I was so excited to get thatpress release out to just tell
the world.
AVA continues to blossom andgrow.
So, I really enjoyed that aspectof it.
(04:20):
And so many people seemed likethey just had just a great time
as well.
I mean, they, they spoke aboutthe way Columbus was put
together.
They were happy that the hotelswere connected directly to the
Convention Center.
Things just all really flowedfreely together.
I think the sessions were allbrilliant.
I thought Dr.
Jack's talk was hilarious, asalways.
(04:40):
And it was great that Suzannewas able to be there to present
him with the Herbst Award.
I thought that that was reallypowerful and emotional.
And then, you know, MarcusEngle, the keynote that he
really started at all, he setthe groundwork for a great
conference I thought.
And I thought that was a hugereason why we had so many people
stay all the way through theend, you know, to the AVATAR
(05:05):
session that you were talkingabout Judy.
That that room was full and thatnormally doesn't happen.
So I thought that everything wasgreat.
Ramzy (05:12):
That AVATAR session was the Lunch and Learn presented by
The AVA Foundation that Iparticipated in as well.
We had to hastily accommodatefor 200 extra lunches because we
completely missed the forecaston how many people would be
there on day four of theconference.
So yeah, that was, I mean,overwhelming success.
Judy (05:32):
Without a doubt.
I've been a presenter at thelast, the last event of AVA
before and you know, credit toAVATAR or maybe it says
something about me but it was sowell attended.
Ramzy (05:49):
The last act act Woodstock
Judy (05:55):
Yeah, I could've been there.
Yes.
But overall, oh my gosh, it wasgreat.
I cannot wait for Las Vegas.
As this conference continues toget better and better, that
venue is going to be super fun.
You know, we're all so nerdythat we'll probably stay within
the conference and learn, butcome in exhausted from the night
before so it'll be great.
Ramzy (06:17):
Not that nerdy, Judy.
It's still Caesars.
Judy (06:19):
I know.
Seriously,
Eric (06:21):
I've never been to Vegas in my life.
I'm excitedly nervous.
So, I think I'll have to besmart about how I do things, but
I'm hoping that it is asgreatest successes this year.
If we can continue that, thenwe're going to be in good shape
moving forward here.
(06:45):
From a leadership standpoint,Ramzy, what was your impressions
on how everything moldedtogether?
Ramzy (06:53):
Oh, well, kind of parallel to Judy.
I, too, have attended AVAwearing different hats.
I, I've been there as a fieldsales representative.
I've been there as an in-linemarketing manager for the US.
I've been there as a globalrepresentative for my employer.
Last year as a first-timeattendee, as an AVA employee.
And then this year, seasoned AVAemployee.
(07:16):
So, I have some skepticism wheneveryone's grabbing you and
pulling you aside and tellingyou how great your conference
is.
It's kind of like having a partyand people telling you that you
have a lovely home and you know,it feels good, but like, are
they just being nice or arethey, is this truly what
constructive feedback lookslike?
(07:35):
The measurable stuff tells us a good story.
I emceed the Teleflex cadaverlab in the pre-conference, I
spent a lot of time and thePediSIG.
When I went out to do my myopening act for Marcus Engle,
who emailed me this morning bythe way, he's still glowing
about having attended the AVAconference.
It's just incredible.
(07:55):
You walk out on that generalsession stage and you see, I
think it was probably at least1300 faces looking back at you.
And then they've, they lifttheir phones to take a picture
of you and you're like, I waswearing a Zeke Elliot Jersey and
a blazer.
Not really my usual get up.
The energy felt different, Ithought the energy in Phoenix
was great in 2017 and I'vealways had the highest possible
(08:19):
regard for AVA conferences.
I've been to so many in bothmedicine and IT.
You attend these associationmeetings and they tend to run
together.
AVA has a significantlydifferent energy.
This year, the energy was, waslike nothing I'd ever
experienced before.
You can tell that the trajectoryis where all of our measurable,
(08:40):
all of our analytics tell us itis from industry partnership and
involvement, to membershipgrowth and our burgeoning
networks on the local level.
But, I'll tell you this fromhaving worn the industry hat for
long and having played the roleof what we affectionately refer
to as the Booth Jockey in theexhibit hall: On that final day
(09:03):
of exhibit hall hours, that'sgenerally a ghost town if you
get it.
And I'm not talking about AVA,I'm talking about everything,
but those final hours, attendeeshave usually already been to the
exhibit hall.
They've seen what they wanted tosee.
The food and drink is a notchbelow what it is on the, on the
first night when it's, you know,premium bar open and there's
(09:24):
that beginning of conferencebuzz.
On that final day of exhibitorhours, you're generally
networking with otherexhibitors, trying to poach
their employees or just kind ofdoing housekeeping can catch up
on email in the booth.
I had a couple of exhibits comeup to me and sort of
tongue-in-cheek, express theirdissatisfaction of how busy the
(09:45):
final day, the final exhibitorhours were.
And they weren't beingfacetious.
I went in there and it waspacked and it was buzzing and
you almost wouldn't have knownthat it was the end of the
exhibition hours.
It tells me that we need to havemore of them and I'm going to
wait to see the feedback becauseif you run out of time with
customers, that's bad.
You actually want it to die downat the, because that means
(10:06):
you've, you've talked toeveryone that you, you can talk
to.
So, that's I think what we sawon Columbus visa vi vendors, was
eye-opening and, and we need toinvestigate that because I've
never seen that in anyconference before in my life or
where you had to actually removepeople from the exhibit hall is
closed.
So, that was great.
I've had a lot of interest andpart of my messaging at the
(10:29):
beginning of the conference,Eric and you were there because
you were in the auditorium wasAVA being a 12-month partner for
industry and not just a once ayear get together, have a big
awesome show and then see ya ina year.
AVA has too much work to do.
Vascular Access is still notheld in the esteem and the level
of importance that it needs toin the care setting.
(10:50):
And also in the non-acute caresetting.
I had a lot of really positivefeedback from industry saying,
'You know what, let's do morethan just every September or
October.
Let's talk about what we can doin February.
What we can do in May.' So, it'squiet after the conference, but
man, it's busy as heck overhere.
So yeah, 2018, I'm excited thatthe bar is higher for us heading
(11:14):
into Caesars in October 2019because we have to outdo what we
did this year.
And I love the, the tailwindsthat we have working in our
advantage.
Eric (11:23):
That's a credit to all the fine people at Conference
Managers and Sponsorship Boostthat help us put it together as
well as Tonya.
I mean, conference is her babyas you and I know well, so she
really thrives on that.
And the credit to Columbus aswell.
I thought the Convention Centerwas beautiful and really laid
out well.
So, everything went well andthere's a lot of positive upward
(11:44):
momentum to build on.
Ramzy (11:46):
Yeah, our team is incredible.
And Tonya Hutchison is, I'mgoing to say the GOAT: The
Greatest Of All Time with regardto being that person in the
front of the boat leading usevery year with our biggest
event.
And you know what, I forgot tomention this earlier when Judy
was giving feedback, we're goingto have multidisciplinary
perspectives and alsofirst-timer perspective later in
(12:06):
the broadcast, right?
Eric (12:07):
Correct.
Yeah.
We'll probably get to that alittle bit later, but we have
two first-timers, we were ableable to speak to about their
experiences.
One from Alaska all the way.
She flew all the way to Ohiofrom Alaska and then another
from Oklahoma.
So, they're going to share theirperspectives both on Columbus
and the education as well, andtheir excitement around what
AVA's doing moving forward.
So, I think we're going to hopback with a member of our Board
(12:31):
of Directors after the break andthen get to those first-timer
interviews a little bit later,so stay tuned.
(12:48):
The AVA Foundation provides research grants to develop and
evaluate practices,technologies, and innovations
within Vascular Access thatimprove clinical outcomes.
This funding is competitivelyawarded and assessed by the
Foundation's Board across thecriteria of significance in
innovation, scientific qualityand team capability.
(13:09):
The Foundation also providesfunding to healthcare
practitioners for bothspecialized and higher education
in Vascular Access so that theymay deliver the highest level of
Vascular Access care.
It support seminars, panels, andeducation programs to provide
updates in Vascular Accesspractice and stimulate learning.
Travel awards scholarships areavailable to clinicians
(13:29):
attending the AVA AnnualScientific Meeting to promote
hands on involvement andeducation.
The AVA Foundation strives topromote patient education by
funding support for educationalvideos and consumer literature
along with consumer-oriented PRand editorial articles.
Family and patient education canhelp ensure that recipients of
Vascular Access can understandhow to participate in their
(13:52):
healthcare.
To make a one-time donation orschedule regular donations to
The AVA Foundation, please visitwww.avafoundationinfo.org.
You may earmark your donationfor innovation, research,
education or to the overallmission of The AVA Foundation.
Together we can drive thechanges and improvements
(14:13):
necessary to ensure VascularAccess is as safe as possible
for the millions of patients whoundergo these procedures every
day.
Ramzy (14:26):
And welcome back.
We are joined by ChristieChapman, who is an infection
preventionist in San Diego.
AVA is a multidisciplinaryorganization as you know, and
Christie actually carries thatflag in two ways.
One, she just attended hersecond AVA conference, the one
in Columbus, and two, she is oneof my bosses.
She's on the AVA Board ofDirectors, representing
(14:47):
infection prevention.
Christie, how are you doing?
Christie (14:50):
I'm well.
How are you guys today?
Ramzy (14:52):
I think we're good.
Are we good?
Eric (14:55):
We're awesome.
Awesome.
Judy (14:56):
We're all good.
Hey Christie, this is Judy.
Christie (14:58):
Hey, Judy, another beautiful day in paradise, isn't
it?
Judy (15:02):
Ah, gotta love San Diego.
Ramzy (15:04):
Got two San Diegans or current San Diegans on the phone
and two native Ohioans.
It's like the Holiday Bowl fromlike 1993.
Christie, I think listenerswould be really interested in
hearing your perspective on– wejust had our largest AVA
conference ever– coming into itrepresenting specialty outside
(15:25):
of Vascular Access.
What were your impressions thistime around and also this time
around versus your first AVAconference?
Christie (15:32):
I, the common theme between the two years was that I
was like a kid in a candy store.
It was– infection preventionunfortunately doesn't get to
just focus on Vascular Access.
They have construction, theyhave all sorts of other things
they have to focus on as well.
So, just to be able to focus onVascular Access, the specialty,
(15:54):
was an amazing opportunity forme both last year and this year.
The cool thing about this year,I kind of knew my way around a
little bit more.
I understood kind of who, whowas the rock stars in Vascular
Access world.
The folks that really leadresearch and drive change and
(16:17):
are your kind of, passionate,knowledgeable, banner carriers
for AVA.
So, it was really nice to beable to identify those folks and
kind of sit at their feet andlisten and learn, learn from
them.
(16:30):
But you guys do such a great job with your first-timers
programs in the way you, andyour website and your conference
kind of online brochure.
And that whole registration andonboarding process really makes
it easy for a first time personto be able to kind of find your
way around all of the differentvenues for learning, venues for
(16:51):
networking, venues forunderstanding the Exhibit Hall,
all of that.
You guys do a really good jobonboarding new folks like that.
So, kudos to you guys for, forthat process.
But second year was, like Isaid, just, it was, I just felt
a little more at home.
I kind of knew where I wanted tobe and what I wanted to learn
(17:12):
about and where I go to get thatlearning.
And I was able to kind of moreenjoy the energy and the
camaraderie this year.
So it was, it was really twotimes as awesome, if not more
this year.
But more because of I nowunderstood the experiences of
AVA national, the ScientificMeeting.
Judy (17:33):
So you mentioned camaraderie and as an infection
preventionist around all thoseVascular Access folks.
Do you feel you are us now?
Christie (17:43):
I do.
I do.
I have to be honest with you,last year I felt a little, a
little kind of on the outsidelooking in just because I just,
because I didn't know.
I don't think the typicalinfection preventionist, you
know, doesn't really understand,and I don't want this to sound
like we don't care, but reallydoesn't know who these thought
(18:03):
leaders are in Vascular Access.
We've seen some papers, youknow, we see the kind of the
HICPAC folks and those kinds offolks, the INS folks.
But we really, AVA has such adeep bench of knowledge and
thought leaders that infectionprevention has really needed to
tap into.
(18:21):
And I really felt that acceptance and that camaraderie
from, from those leaders andfrom the attendees this year.
And I had to tell you to behonest with you, I did get a few
little questions of, you know,when they found out we were
infection preventionists, that Iwas in infection preventionist,
they had some questions for meabout,'Why do you make us do
this or why do we have to dothat?' But I love that sense of
(18:42):
let's talk about, it wasn'tconfrontational, it wasn't rude
or anything, but let's talkabout it and let's get each
other's perspective and, andthose, start the discussion.
Judy (18:51):
That's awesome because you guys might not understand– you
guys, I'm know making it soundlike we're two different folks–
but when infectionpreventionists tell us this is
something we need to do andVascular Access says this is
something we shouldn't do orshould do.
It's really good to get theperspective from both sides.
So, I think one of the hugebenefits I see of having you, an
(19:14):
infection preventionist, as partof AVA.
Just wanted to know how you feltabout it.
Thanks.
Christie (19:19):
Yeah, no, I think it's awesome because you're exactly
right.
There's so many nuances aroundVascular Access that that
infection preventionist aren'table to get totally deep into,
but we as IPs have to listen toour Vascular Access experts to
help us drive really good solidlong term Vascular Access
practices for our patients.
(19:40):
So, we don't ruin their veins,you know, in the long run and we
don't do things that are justtrying to dodge CLABSI.
We really do need to think aboutthe right line, for the right
patient, at the right time.
Judy (19:50):
Well said.
Eric (19:53):
Dove tailing off that thought.
Christie, what do you hope tosee from AVA in 2019 when we all
get together in Las Vegas whenit comes to that topic?
Christie (20:01):
Yeah.
I really, one of my goals thisyear, since we're out west and
I'm out west, I really want tosee some of my fellow APIC folks
at the national meeting thisyear and I'm going to talk until
I'm blue in the face and sharemy experiences until they're
probably sick of hearing aboutit.
What I'm seeing with, withinfection preventionists, is
(20:24):
that they are looking to kind ofgo outside the traditional
infection prevention education.
That's awesome.
And that's our foundation or ourbasis.
But I saw two of our infectionpreventionists this year apply
for scholarships through ourlocal APIC chapter to go to AORN
conferences that were nearby.
And that's the the operatingoperating area of that
(20:44):
information and what I'm goingto do.
And I thought that was awesomeand we were happy to grant them
that money to find, to reallyhone their knowledge around
operating room practices.
(20:54):
So, what I really see too is us being able to branch out in
the Vascular Access area aswell.
And with it being so close to uson the west coast, I want to see
some infection preventionists goto the meeting in Las Vegas this
year.
I think that's going to be areally great, close opportunity
for them to do that.
What I would also see, you know,I'm also going to keep talking
(21:14):
about is IPs getting involved intheir local VAN.
I have gained so much knowledgefrom my interaction with the
SANVAN group.
The programs are always spot,education for us digging deep
into Vascular Access issues thatI might not typically be exposed
to as an infectionpreventionist.
You always have great speakers.
It's always a great time.
(21:35):
I get to talk to otherpractitioners and see what
they're doing in otherhospitals.
So, the other piece is I want toreally encourage infection
preventionist to get involved intheir local VAN.
But I really, for 2019 I reallywant to see a good, good group
of IPs working their way to the,to the 2019 meeting in Las
Vegas.
I think we'll all be, all bebetter IPs for it.
Eric (21:58):
Yeah, it's not that far from San Diego like you
mentioned.
You should bring some of yourfriends with you.
Christie (22:02):
Absolutely.
It's a quick, quick airplane hopor a really interesting car
trip.
Eric (22:07):
Well Christie, we thank you so much for hopping on with
us and giving your perspectivenot only as an infection
preventionist but also as aBoard of Director of the
Association for Vascular Access.
Ramzy (22:17):
Thanks again Christie.
Christie (22:19):
You're welcome.
Y'all have a good day.
You too.
Eric (22:23):
Coming up.
We'll have some more reactionfrom the scientific meeting in
Columbus from a few first timeattendees.
Stay tuned.
And we have the honor of beingjoined today by Nancy Yankovic
(22:44):
from Providence, Alaska MedicalCenter who was also a nurse
educator for SecurAcath and ToriAmsler from Saint Mary's
Hospital in Enid, Oklahoma.
Both Tori and Nancy werefirst-time attendees in Columbus
this year for the annual AVAScientific Meeting.
Tori, Nancy, I wanted to thankyou guys for joining us.
Tori (23:01):
Thank you.
Eric (23:02):
Excuse me.
I should say you ladies.
Pardon me there.
Judy Thompson, AVA's Director ofClinical Education is also on
the line with us as well as AVACEO Ramzy Nasrallah.
Judy (23:13):
Hi, guys.
Ramzy (23:13):
Hey everyone, welcome welcome.
Eric (23:19):
We'll just go ahead and dive into the topic of today's
podcast, which is AVA 2018.
I can't believe it's alreadyfinished up.
You know, we did so muchplanning and then all of a
sudden it's gone now.
So, oh, I guess we'll sort ofstart Nancy and Tori with a
pretty basic question.
How were you both firstintroduced to AVA as an
organization?
Tori (23:42):
I was introduced about 10 years ago when I started
Vascular Access, kind of by amentor of mine, Caroline Polly.
She did some of our training atthe hospital and introduced me
into AVA that way.
Nancy (23:54):
And I've been working at my facility for 8 years in
Vascular Access and AVA's alwayskind of been something that, you
know, we've gone on theirwebsite for things and, and I
have the JAVA subscription, butit wasn't until last year, Amy
(24:14):
Stone, who's a mentor of mine,suggested to me that it would
really be beneficial to mynursing practice and the
direction that I want my nursingcareer to go to attend AVA.
And that's what led me to startlooking into options to going
this year.
Eric (24:33):
Amy is a terrific person to know.
She's been an AVA proponent foryears.
That's great to have a niceconnection there.
What was your sort of overallimpression of the Scientific
Meeting prior to havingattended?
What were you sort of expecting?
Anything from educationalcontent and networking,
attendance or the social aspectof it?
Nancy (24:54):
Well, myself, I was expecting all of those things,
but I didn't really know what toexpect either.
This is actually the firstprofessional conference that I
have had the opportunity toattend.
I had looked on the website andI've seen videos from years
prior and looked at a lot ofpictures and talked with a
(25:16):
number of people who have goneand was told,'Oh, there's going
to be great networkingopportunities, great education'
but I wasn't exactly certainwhat to expect.
But I can assure you that it didnot disappoint.
I was very excited and slightlyoverwhelmed by what all I was
able to take in at the AVAconference this year.
Eric (25:38):
That's what like to hear.
That's great.
Judy (25:40):
Absolutely.
Did you find that everybody waswelcoming and kind of a warm
reception?
Nancy (25:49):
For myself, absolutely.
Everybody that I met, was so, sowelcoming and so excited about
the conference and excited aboutVascular Access.
As a vascular accessprofessional, I think you just
can't help but get even moreexcited just being in that realm
with that many other intelligentminds who see Vascular Access
(26:15):
the way you do.
I know for me, you know, we'rekind of a smaller team.
There's two of us on each day ina 350-bed hospital.
And sometimes it feels likepeople who are outside of
Vascular Access don't, don't getit and maybe feel like we're
more of an auxiliary specialtyfor the hospital.
(26:36):
Just kind of something on theside rather than, um, what
vascular access really is.
So, it was really nice to beamong people who really
appreciate the specialty forwhat it is the way I do.
Judy (26:46):
That's good to hear.
How bad our Oklahoma contingent?
Tori (26:49):
I absolutely agree with Nancy.
I was very nervous to say theleast about traveling from
Oklahoma to Columbus and itbeing my first time.
I've had connections with CindyAnderton.
She's been a great resource forme and for my network, the OKVAN
chapter.
So, she's helped guide me kindof through some of these steps.
(27:12):
Then reached out to me too aboutmy free attendance.
And we've also been lucky tohave Tonya Hutchison come out to
our first OKVAN meeting and wasgreat.
So, I knew some people goinginto it, but I signed up for the
ambassador program just to have,you know, an extra resource in
(27:34):
case, you know, they were busy.
And so I met Patty fromLawrence, Kansas, and she was
great.
She checked in on me.
When I walked in and I saw allof the opportunities, I thought,
'Oh my gosh, how am I going tobe able to get to all of these
things that I want to go to?
I want to go to that one andthat one.' And I flew in early
(27:54):
on Friday and I went to thecadaver class and I was blown
away.
I thought if the rest of thedays are like this, I have hit
the jackpot.
I was super excited and justlike Nancy said, I'm from a
smaller hospital also and I havea partner that we work with
hand-in-hand 5 days a week andwe feel that same way.
(28:16):
Vascular Access, is kind of, youknow, something that's forgotten
or you get to it when you get toit.
And for us, Vascular AccessSpecialists, that's the first
thing that you look at when youwalk in the door and you see the
patient.
So, I met some great people.
I was just excited to have thosepeople there also.
They feel the same way you doand someone's finally talk in
(28:38):
your language.
And so it's just great andyou're surrounded by that the
entire time.
And as far as walking throughthe door, everyone greeted me,
everyone made sure I knew whereI was going.
They were more than willing tohelp me in any way possible.
So, for the first time I had anamazing time.
Eric (28:57):
Speaking about the cadaver lab, this was only my second
scientific meeting myself, Ihaven't been with AVA for that
long.
And I shared a lot of the samesentiment as both of you.
Last year when I went to Phoenixfor the conference for the first
time.
In Columbus this year, Iactually did spend time in the
cadaver lab and that was also afirst for me, Teleflex sponsors
(29:20):
that really great job with it.
And it's such a vital andimportant part of the
pre-conference session.
So, I'm really happy to hearthat.
Ramzy (29:28):
Eric was actually a live, cadaver in the cadaver lab.
Judy (29:35):
I don't know if that's a thing, to be a live cadaver.
Eric (29:38):
Both of you actually may have used ultrasound to check
out my, some of my veins.
I'm for sure.
But that was quite anexperience.
I learned so much there and Iwork for AVA so there's always
more to do as you guys both havementioned
Judy (29:51):
That is great and I'm glad you took advantage of the
ambassador program, cause Ireally think they do a great job
with that.
And I still remember my veryfirst AVA and how friendly and
outgoing, people just went outof their way to make me feel
welcome, which really eased mynerves because you're walking
(30:11):
side by side with people thathave written a lot of the
articles that I referenced andit was all always fun and always
exciting.
It's just nice to feel likeyou're with like-minded people
as well.
Tori (30:22):
Before the cadaver class I was kind of looking around,
scoping everything out and I raninto another person that looks
just like me and we just hit itoff automatically.
And then, you know, as we werestudying and waiting, the people
that you talk to and introduceyourself to, it's like you've
known them for years.
(30:43):
You can talk about the samethings, the problems that
they're having in theirfacility, you're having in
yours.
So, you know, you have anetworking opportunity, bounce
ideas off someone, but you alsobuild a friendship with someone
that you know you would've nevermet prior to conference.
I would have never met someonefrom Seattle or from New York.
(31:06):
So it was amazing.
Judy (31:06):
That's wonderful to hear.
It's fun hearing it from newattendees, but even people that
have been around for many years,I still get just re-energized
every time I go.
Eric (31:22):
For both Nancy and Tori, sort of my next question as far
as, well, we hope you guys, itsounds like you had a great
experience in Columbus, so we'rehoping that you come back
obviously, but for someone whowas in your shoes before you
attended your first conference,what kind of advice would you
guys have to share for them?
Nancy (31:39):
Well, for me, my advice would be definitely to go.
Get the time off from work, saveup for it and look for
scholarship opportunities bothwith AVA and at your facility.
I was fortunate enough to be therecipient of the AVA scholarship
for travel this year and I wasalso awarded a scholarship from
(32:01):
the retention department from myjob as well.
So that, that really made itpossible.
Coming out of Alaska, it's, it'sincredibly expensive to go
anywhere.
Getting those scholarships wasreally beneficial to help me pay
my way to get down there.
(32:21):
My hospital also covers$500 ayear for education.
That is associated with the typeof work that you do.
So this fell, this conferencefell under that for me.
So I was able to get thatcovered by my hospital as well.
So I would really encouragepeople to look for the financial
opportunities that are outthere.
(32:43):
Because I really feel like a lotof hospitals, they really want
you to get the education andthat you know, that there are
opportunities out there that youhave to go and look for.
And nobody ever told me,'oh,hey, well we'll pay all this
extra money, you know, and thesescholarships are available.' And
I started digging around on theInternet at work and looking and
(33:06):
I found those opportunities andapplied for them and was
fortunate enough to get them.
And then of course the AVAscholarship is fantastic as well
for anybody who wants to go.
I really appreciated that AVAthought that the work that I'm
doing is important.
And so that, that really helped,empowers me to, to want to do
(33:32):
more.
This four-day session has doneso much as well to validate for
me the work that I've been doingto try and improve practice.
So, anybody who's kind of inthat same situation where, you
know, they, they know that whatthey're doing is good and is
right and they're in the rightgoing in the right direction,
(33:54):
but you know, they need thatadditional validation.
You're definitely, definitelygoing to get that from the AVA
conference and from all theattendees that are there.
Eric (34:03):
With your coworkers being able to bring back that
validation, I hope you've beenable to share some of the things
that you've learned at AVA.
Nancy (34:10):
Oh, absolutely.
And even better too, one of thescholarships that I was approved
for from work, part of thatscholarship is that the
recipient has the duty to comeback and do an educational piece
at work.
And so on October 16, I amscheduled to do education for
(34:32):
all of the in-hospital educatorsas well as the infection
prevention department on gettingAC IVs out.
And that's what I have chosen todo.
My educational piece on based onwork that I have been doing and
additional education that I gotat AVA and additional validation
(34:52):
that I've gotten, especiallyfrom Ms.
Nancy Moureau on the work thatI've been doing.
Judy (34:57):
That's awesome.
How about you Tori?
What, what's one of your bigtakeaways from the conference?
Tori (35:03):
Well, I agree with Nancy about planning
Think about it and you know, andI've done that too.
This year throughout my OKVANnetwork, I am the president this
year.
And so one of the benefits fromAVA was you get a free
(35:23):
attendance.
So, I kind of capitalized onthat and went.
To say the one thing I probablythought was my favorite was the
cadaver class, but the techniquewith the ultrasounds the new
technology coming through theline just with ultrasound and
IVs.
That's something that we've beendoing for a long time.
(35:46):
You know, have we been doing itcorrectly every time?
You know what we thought wascorrect.
Yes.
That learning those littlethings that you know, change
your process or make yourprocess better.
It's just like,'Oh yeah!' Thelight just comes on and just to
see other people's technique andwhat you have been doing and,
and like Nancy said, you'vebeen, you're working hard and
(36:08):
trying to push this through and,and going to conference just
validates what you've beenfollowing with standards and
evidenced-based practice.
You have that much more to backyou up when you're going to your
facility or even in our networkmeetings we bring in speakers
and it just validates all thehard work that everybody has
been putting in.
(36:29):
You can lay it on out and say,'This is what we need to do.
This is what we need to bestriving for it.
This is the kind of care that wewant our patients to have.' So
that was my take away what I canget to bring back to share with
Oklahoma and OKVAN.
What we can do to make patientcare better.
That was one of the things Iwas, I was most interested in.
(36:52):
Moving forward, getting out of,'Well, this is what we've always
done.' Well, let's get rid ofthat and let's move forward and
use the technology that's outthere.
Eric (37:03):
Yeah, being open to learning new ideas and hearing
from all the fantastic VascularAccess key opinion leaders that
all descended upon one place fora four-day period of time is
extremely beneficial.
Again, this has been a greatconversation with Nancy all the
way up in Alaska and Tori inOklahoma.
It shows sort of the breadth ofAVA in our reach.
(37:24):
Continue to grow your networksand continue to bring more
people to AVA.
We will see you both in LasVegas next fall.
Nancy (37:30):
Great.
Thank you.
Tori (37:32):
Thank you.
Judy (37:32):
Thank you.
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