CCANN Fall Conference 2023
NICU Treasure Trail - On the Hunt of New Ideas
Our 2023 Fall Conference was truly a treasure trove of information and ideas. Participants came from as far away as Sonora and Turlock. There were an impressive number of radiology students, and VCH night shift nurses made a great showing also.
There were give aways throughout the day, and raffles for amazing prizes. Vendors were set up with free samples, great info and even some hand made items for sale. Prizes included Amazon gift cards, 3 Harriet Lane pediatric reference handbook, center table decorative plants and special gift basket with goodies.
We began with a gem of a lecture on imperforate anus from Dr James Pierce. We learned all about the condition, stages of treatment and the importance of monitoring for renal involvement. While our neonatal care can get these babies safely home, many will need long term management and Dr Pierce’s team is committed to it all.
The vascular access team from Valley Children’s then gave a sparkling overview of peripherally inserted central catheter devices. We reviewed types of lines, role of the bedside nurse during placement, proper placement, use, contraindications, and ways to prevent some very serious complications from these devices
Our third lecture on retinopathy of prematurity was both passionate and priceless. Dr Holt clearly defined causes, stages and zones, and treatments available. We learned the importance of using both anti VEGF and retinal ablation to hopefully end this disease process in our babies
Our fourth speaker shed light on a facet of communication that can affect patient care and safety. Dee Morris, NNP at VCH, provided online access to personality assessment tools which some participants had used prior the conference. Several participants shared what their assessments showed. Understanding our own personality strengths and challenges can decrease stress, and improve communication, care, and safety.
Dr Chandrasekar, neonatologist VCH, ended the conference with an energetic lesson on catastrophic IVH and parenchymal hemorrhage. She shared from her treasure chest of case studies, shedding light on a problem that has potential for a lifetime of deficits.
We reviewed pathophysiology, causes, imaging, diagnosis, and treatments. We were reminded how invaluable prevention is in the first week of life and the need for minimal handling and near prevention care bundles.
Personally, I want to put the gems of knowledge given today into the care of my patients. Knowing my personality assessment as a mediator gives me a lot to contemplate. I continue to be amazed at the advances available to us as caregivers in the NICU and also of how many distinct specialties are at work shaping the future of our babies, our most precious treasures.
A Christmas State of Mind
The Central Valley Association of Neonatal Nurses celebrated its last social event for this year. The Christmas Gala was held on December 12,2023 at Campania's Bistro. It was attended by over sixty members and non -members together with our CCANN advisers.
The event kicked off with a delectable savory water prawns glazed with orange tarragon and fresh mozzarella and sun-dried pesto bruschetta and champagne as appetizers. The group feasted on Penne Napoli with Pancetta, basil and red onion, chicken Milanese with tomatoes and lemon caper topped with an arugula and pan seared salmon with seasonal vegetables and jasmine rice, iced tea and a dessert of vanilla mousse cake.
Kamela Loo, who brought CCANN to the Valley gave the group an annual update on the organization's financial status, membership recruitment, educational offerings community service and the like.
she further reiterated the organization's commitment as the professional voice that shapes the neonatal nursing through excellence in practice, education, research and professional development. She also gave the group a bird's eye view of on the educational conferences and dates for the year ahead. She thanked all the officers, members and advisors for their hard work and relentless support. Everyone's work has been invaluable.
CCANN also gave awards to the most deserving members and non-members who worked above and beyond and has dedicated a good amount of their time to CCANN.
Service Excellence is presented to Coralee Agnas, our Editor in Chief for her wholehearted commitment in gathering and compiling all articles for our Bi-annual CCANN newsletter.
Above and Beyond was awarded to Clementina Herrera for selling the most raffle tickets to help finance all our community service obligations. In her speech she said that she was happy to help out because she knows that the proceeds of the sale benefit the less fortunate.
Friend of CCANN was bestowed to Scott Oaks, who literally have no idea what he was doing in the sea of nurses that afternoon. For the longest time Scott has always been a vision of guidance to his Radiology students. He has always encouraged them to expand their educational horizon by attending conferences offered within the Valley. As such CCANN charges these eager students a quarter of the educational fee as payment.
Lifetime Achievement Award was accorded to Leslie Williams. Leslie was one of the pioneers in helping bring, plan and restructure CCANN to the central valley. In her time as a CCANN officer she has manage the finances, communication (Instagram, Facebook) and has been a long-time master of ceremonies in all our events. She continues to be a trailblazer and an inspiration to all nurses.
Mead Johnson Nutrition who co-sponsored the event showed us a video presentation on how the giant formula manufacturer in the country managed to stay afloat and continue serving the entire nation with much needed neonatal formulas during the height of the pandemic. The video also talked about Nutramigen LGG which is an extensively hydrolyzed formula for the dietary management of infants with mild to moderate cow's milk allergy. It is a hypoallergenic, nutritionally complete formula making babies less colicky.
Lastly Ann Cruz who owns a Holistic Healing Clinic talked about a life of purpose and adventure. A presentation on taking a break for yourself. She talked about taking ownership of what is not working well with your life and finding the strength and turning negative energy into a positive chakra to create a more balanced life and more in tune with our feelings. Before she ended Anna taught us how to do a five-minute breathing exercise as were mesmerized with her different instruments that helps calm the mind.
To capped off the program the winners for the CCANN raffle were drawn by Dr. Lan, one of our advisors.
1. Six nights stay in Emerald Bay Mazatlan, Mexico - Karen Persinger
2. Cash (500$) and Free Property Appraisal (250$) - Karissa Roman
3. Two nights stay in Blue Dolphin Inn, Cambria - Veronica Correra
4. Yeti Tundra Cooler - Patricia Goff-Pulido
5. Dooney and Burke Disney Tote bag - Kate Craig
6. 25 Units of Botox - Sarah Gil
7. Teeth Whitening - Sapna Malasanka
8. One night stay in Harris Ranch - Jocelyn Compendio
All winners were notified via phone call and text.
Three extra prizes were also given by our sponsors.
Wind chime from Julie's Christenson won by Diane Ople, Gift card on transformational breathing workshop donated by Anna Cruz was given to Mila Nino and lastly a box of Cerave products was presented to Rebecca Maxwell.
Joining us for this event too was mother and daughter tandem Anna Moore (insert anna's daughter's name) selling crochet animals.
Attendees was also asked to bring in unopened and unwrapped toys to be donated to Toys for Tots. This event generated four boxes full of toys which was dropped off immediately to one of the designated collection centers for toys for tots.
As we close the year, CCANN wants to wish everyone a blessed Christmas and a prosperous new year. We look forward for a more fruitful, year ahead.
