October, 2010 The Las Vegas Venetian Hotel Conference Center was the place to be for nearly 3,000 of the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) at the start of this month in the southwest. Outside temps  soared above triple digits, but inside we were comfortable in our climate-controlled atmosphere. I admit I didn’t venture OUT of the theme-park like atmosphere of this idyllic retreat. What a place! As we tourists  clicked photos of the gondolas, a “real” Italian family stood posing. I inquired of their friend, the photographer, how they liked...

++++I thought you readers would like to know about this++++ Dear Senate Appropriations Committee Member, I urge your NO vote on SB 1051 re: Diastat rectal gel administration by unlicensed personnel in our schools,grades K-12. Please consider the “elephant in the room” before you vote on this bill: Who does this bill really benefit? Is it  really the epileptic patient? (Or is it the School Districts, who seek to relieve themselves of legal liability? And the pharmaceutical company which gets to market more and more of the drug, as it expires every few months?) The Epilepsy Foundation...

Hello parents everywhere, This month let me tell you about a movement in California that has generated great concern among many of us moms who are also nurses. You are aware that the decisions of one state often lead to the next legislation for the other forty-nine. Parents of preemies, listen up, as your child may be involved in one of these scenarios. There are presently two bills pending before our legislature which intend to protect the school districts from lawsuits brought by parents who react to faulty administration of medications to their children. These bills, AB 1802 (re: Insulin) and SB...

Friends in Blogland, I apologize for  tardy posts. The trail has taken me again to the halls of legislature to learn and participate in healthcare debates which influence families, babies, and of course, nurses. I am completing a residency with the nurse advocates who work with the American Nurses’ Association in Sacramento, CA. It was sloppy-wet day, but always a thrill to walk the hallowed halls of the capitol. I will finish the week here and return often until my work is completed, at the end of April. At the Assembly Health Committee forum, I watched the fascinating grilling of Big Business...