By Terri St. John, MSN, RN, ONC
NAON AAOS Unit Member

As a returning member of the NAON Education Committee and member of the AAOS Unit, I am delighted to share our plans for the 2010 NAON Nursing and Allied Health Program to be held on March 10-11 in New Orleans.  One of the challenges is providing topics and presenters for orthopaedic nurses and allied health professionals with varied backgrounds.  Feedback from the 2009 program, as well as presenter contacts provided by participants and NAON members, was key to designing the 2010 program.   I think we have successfully organized another dynamic program that you will all find extremely enjoyable!

Because of the positive feedback received from the 2009 meeting, you will notice in your program brochures that we have decided to keep the same four umbrella program offerings.  They are NUR1: Progressive Orthopaedics Across the Ages, NUR2: Upper Extremity Management, NUR3: Lower Extremity Management, and NUR4: Spine and Pelvic Management.  Great care has been used to select new topics and find experts in each of the chosen topic areas as presenters for you. 

I am pleased to announce that I will be co-moderating the NUR1 and NUR2 Programs this year with one of my Washington University colleagues, Ryan M. Nunley, MD.  He is an assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery at Washington University School of Medicine.  His clinical interests include total hip and knee replacement and hip resurfacing procedures, as well as young adult hip problems.  He will be sharing his expertise in this area as one of our scheduled presenters in the opening NUR1 Session scheduled to begin on Wednesday, March 10 at 8:15 a.m.  This first session has been designed to address some of the current approaches and clinical tools for use in providing care for orthopaedic patients of various ages. 

As an annual AAOS attendee, I can confidently tell you that this will be a program well worth your attendance and encourage you to consider this great educational and networking opportunity!  By this time, you should have received the NAON Nursing and Allied Health Program brochure which contains valuable registration information. 

Please note that advance registration closes on Jan. 27, 2010.  By registering early you will be able to save $25 on each course as well as $100 on the annual meeting registration fee. A total of 28 contact hours are being offered through NAON; 4.0 contact hours for each NUR course and for each OT1, OPA1, and casting course. Certificates of attendance will be distributed on site.

Additionally, I would also like to invite you to participate in a great community service activity.  Please consider participating in the 11th annual volunteer build project and the first Family Fitness and Fun Center on Tuesday, March 9, 2010.  NAON members will join together with orthopaedic surgeons and supporters to help build a safe and wheelchair-accessible playground.  No experience is needed and you will be able to enjoy great music, food and fun as you work on this project with seasoned project managers.  Buses will run between the Morial Convention Center and the build site from 6:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. and lunch will be provided at the location.  If you are interested in participating, contact Nadine Silverman at 800.289.NAON (6266).

Again, I encourage you to read all about what the program has to offer you both professionally and for your personal growth. I have gained a wealth of knowledge by attending these annual meetings, as well as having been given numerous opportunities to network with colleagues throughout the country.  I certainly hope to see many of you in New Orleans!