FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE/May 26, 1998

CONTACT:Michael Stewart [202/651-7048];
Michelle Slattery [202/651-7027];
http://www.nursingworld.org

Embargo Note: All ANA convention

Nursing Researchers to Present Findings on Depression ... Osteoporosis ... Hormone Replacement Therapy ... Minority Substance Abuse & More

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Women's health and illness, a long-neglected area of research, is coming into its own, and nurses are among the foremost investigators. These experts share the latest research at the American Nurses Association (ANA) 1998 Biennial Convention and Exposition in San Diego, CA, June 26 - July 1, at the San Diego Convention Center. Of special interest are the one-day Council of Nurse Researchers pre-conference presentations and the American Nurses Foundation (ANF) poster presentations (Fri., 6/26, 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.).

ANA Convention Media Briefings

Nursing Researchers to Present Findings on Need for Pain Management -- With Adults and Children
Pain: We fear confronting it at some point in life and dread encountering it in the life of a loved one. Part of the fear pain inspires is that it can seem incommunicable and baffling, and it can be terribly isolating. People across the life cycle are vulnerable to pain due to illness or injury, but the experience and anticipation of pain have particular impact on end-of-life decision-making. Research on pain management offers new hope, and nurses are key investigators. Hear from the experts at this briefing.
Thurs., 6/25, 10 - 11 a.m., ANA media briefing room, San Diego Convention Center (Room 7A)

Country Music Superstar Naomi Judd and Nurse Lynda Arnold Highlight   Disease Risks of Occupational Injuries to Nurses and Other Health Care Professionals
Country music superstar and former registered nurse Naomi Judd was diagnosed with Hepatitis C caused by a workplace injury sustained during her nursing career. Registered nurse Lynda Arnold contracted HIV as a result of a needlestick injury. Both will speak of their experiences and how their lives have changed. Their life-threatening injuries highlight the need for safer needlestick devices.
Sat., 6/27, 11 a.m. - 12 noon, ANA media briefing room, San Diego Convention Center (Room 7A)

ANA Convention Sessions

(The sessions listed below are correct to date. However, please check the on-site program and the Convention Daily News to confirm information on sessions you wish to cover.)

Effect of Postmenopausal Hormone Replacement Therapy on Heart Rate Variability:
The study examines whether postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy may lower the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in postmenopausal women (Fri., 6/26; Diane Pace, Raymond Ke, Kay Engelhardt, Donna Hathaway, and Robert Ahokas, University of Tennessee, Memphis, TN; PCRUC Poster Presentation #16, Area #3, Women's Health).

The Meaning of Being Healthy:
The differing meanings of "health" from the perspectives of older Anglo and Hispanic women, as well as the implications for care (Fri., 6/26, ANF Poster Presentation).

Why Should U.S. RNs Care About an International Treaty Against Gender Discrimination?
This session provides the background of and rationale for U.S. ratification of an international treaty to eliminate discrimination against females and relates goals of the treaty for U.S. nurses, women, children and communities, as well as the relationship between gender discrimination and health status (Sun., 6/28, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Session Code 015).

Osteoporosis: New Models of Nursing Practice and Patient Care:
Preventing and providing care for osteoporosis has become a hot topic among aging baby boomers and has presented a great challenge to health care providers. This session will introduce several models for providing osteoporosis care developed by the National Osteoporosis Foundation and will summarize national and state legislative initiatives addressing the disease (Session Code 031, Mon., 6/29, 8 - 10 a.m.).

Minority Substance Abuse Intervention, Prevention, and Comorbidity:
The retention of African American women in cocaine addiction treatment is among the studies to be presented in this course. Current intervention, treatment, and prevention will be discussed (Tues., 6/30, 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.; Jean Stevens, MBA, BSN, RN. Session Code 038).

Reducing Depression in Women: A 12-Week Cognitive Group Therapy Program:
This session will introduce the findings of a study that reduces moderate depression in women and increases their self-esteem. The model has been particularly successful in helping women cope with stress while taking an active role in their own health and reducing health care costs (Tues., 6/30; 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.; Verona C. Gordon, PhC, RN, FAAN, and Joann C. Sumner, MSN, RN, CS, FNP. Session Code 033).

The pre-conference and convention together are expected to draw thousands of registrants. A few of the topic areas to be covered include pain management, neonatal care, women's health issues, geriatric and long-term care, telehealth, the effects of cultural differences on nursing care outcomes, and nursing's response to the dramatic shifts resulting from changes in America's health care delivery system.

This year's theme will be reflected in many of the presentations, including the ANA Presidential Keynote Address and Honorary Awards and Nursing Hall of Fame ceremonies (Sat., 6/27, 1:45 - 3:45 p.m.). Two convention plenary sessions (detailed below) will focus on shifts in health care delivery and their effects on patient safety and quality outcomes, as well as their impact on the nursing profession.

Plenary Session #1: The Trauma of Transformation in the '90s:
This plenary session provides a comprehensive perspective on the current status of the health care industry; the changing nature of work; newly evolving opportunities for nursing; and, lessons to be drawn from the sea of change in the health care industry (Mon., 6/29, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.). Presented by Leah M. Curtin, DSc, MS, MA, RN, FAAN.

Plenary Session #2: The Future of For-Profit Health Care:
Privatization, mergers, acquisitions, conversions to for-profit organizations and the changing venues for managed care signal the trend toward a for-profit business philosophy, where the bottom line and dividends to stockholders are at stake. Implications of this trend for the consumer, nurses, and other health care professionals will be examined by internationally known health policy and economics experts (Tue., 6/30, 2 - 3:50 p.m.).

Please contact Michael Stewart or Michelle Slattery for a media registration packet (see contact information at the beginning of this release). The packet will include a preliminary program and other background materials. (Please note: Media needing housing should call toll-free 888-813-2749. Due to lodging limitations, we encourage media registrants to make their housing reservations as early as possible.) Journalists unable to attend the convention are encouraged to register to cover it from off-site. They, too, will be supplied with advance background materials and supported through telephone contact with ANA staff working in the press room during the convention.

ANA Convention Media Releases: