Off to Savannah

I recently applied for a new position at the hospital. I was looking to do something "different" for awhile but not wanting to leave the security of the hospital's nurses' association. Fortunately, a new position became available that would combine my graduate education experiences, my desire to teach, my drive to be detailed and yet, to maintain my clinical expertise.
I became part of the Children's Vascular Access Team in July. Here in St. Paul, we have had many issues with the lack of being able to provide short term vascular access extending past hospitalization. We needed to develop an expertise in inserting PICC lines. Fortunately, the hospital landed an exceptional clinician who wants to help us develop this program.
It has been an adjustment for me during past two months learning about clinical standards, national INS standards, communicating via phone mail, email, coordinating care for a procedure, explaining the program and championing the cause. We've been warmly received and today, the final member of our team started--Rachel, who will be the Minneapolis contact.
Tomorrow, we head off to Savannah for a national conference. That too, will be a different world for me...being taught how to use new equipment, being an audience to a medical sales person, seeing and exploring the latest that the vascular industry has to offer! I'm nervous but excited.
Fortunately, the hurricanes Hanna & Ike have taken different routes and the weather should be a few more days of summer....