Postmark: Cape Town

Monday, July 25, 2016

Research Congress: Everything under one roof

By Siedine Knobloch Coetzee, PhD, RN, senior lecturer, School of Nursing Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa, and 2016 Emerging Nurse Researcher honoree

Siedine Coetzee receiving the first-ever Emerging Researcher Award: left, with President Cathy Catrambone, and right, with Past President Hester C. Klopper. Other recipients of the award are Tara Albrecht and Rachel Walker.

The 27th International Nursing Research Congress in Cape Town, South Africa, sponsored by the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI), brings everything under one roof for nurse researchers. Everything you need is in one place—for learning, networking, leading, resources, celebrating, and enjoyment.

A place of learning—through plenaries, symposia, and oral- and poster presentations that address top nursing education, practice, research and policy issues across the globe.

A place of networking—an opportunity to meet world-renowned leaders, form collaborations with nurse researchers, and meet with friends.

A place of leading—world-renowned leaders addressing global health and research, GAPFON’s Africa initiative driving health and research in Africa, national nursing organizations, the Forum of Nursing Deans in South Africa (FUNDISA) and the Nursing Education Association (NEA) influencing education, practice, research, and policy in South Africa.

A place of resources—meeting with potential mentors, having discussions with editors and publishing houses, talking with exhibitors and advertisers from around the world, and viewing the latest journals and books in nursing.

A place of celebrating—with new STTI inductees, Emerging Nurse Researchers, and inductees into the International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame.

A place of enjoyment—taking in the South African culture, listening to the beat of African music, touring the most beautiful city in the world, and enjoying the cuisine and wine for which Cape Town is famous.

On a personal level, it is an honor to be from the country that has hosted the International Nursing Research Congress and to have so many South Africans, as well as other Africans, participate and present their research. It is a memorable opportunity to display South African hospitality to foreign nationals and present a world-class conference that brings everything under one roof for nurse researchers who epitomize this year’s theme: “Leading global research: Advancing practice, advocacy, and policy.”

Making plans for next year

By Cindy Munro, PhD, RN, ANP-BC, FAAN, FAANP, FAAAS, associate dean of research and innovation, University of South Florida College of Nursing; co-editor in chief, American Journal of Critical Care; and 2016 inductee into the International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame

Cindy Munro, right, with Rita Pickler, both
of whom were inducted into the 2016
International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame.

This is my first trip to Africa, and I am so thankful for the wonderful hospitality of our hosts! South Africa is a beautiful country, and I have enjoyed the conference as well as a trip to Table Mountain.

The plenaries and concurrent sessions have been stellar! Nursing science is truly making a difference for people around the globe. I love the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) because it offers opportunities to connect with longtime colleagues and make new acquaintances.

Today is the last day of congress, a bittersweet experience. On the last day, crowds are thinner, but conversations are more intimate. Looking back on the past days, we are able to connect ideas from one talk to another and begin making plans for next year! I will miss Cape Town, but I’m returning home enriched by my time here.

Wrapping it up ...

STTI President Cathy Catrambone introduces plenary speaker Naeema Al Gasseer.

Naeema Al Gasseer of the World Health Organization delivers the closing plenary.

How many of these STTI staff members did you meet?

More #INRC2016 faces!

Resource reminders from STTI ...

STTI's two scholarly journals, Journal of Nursing Scholarship and
Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, are now available in the
App Store and Google Play. Access is free to all STTI members.

If you didn't get to visit the Marketplace, go to
Nursing Knowledge International to see the books STTI publishes.

Sunday, July 24, 2016

Attending these congresses enhances my vision

By Laura Morán-Peña, RN, EdM, professor, National School of Nursing and Obstetrics, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico; and chair, Latin American Association of Colleges of Nursing

Laura Morán-Peña with husband Abel Blanco.

This is the fourth time I have participated in an International Nursing Research Congress, sponsored by the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI). Others I attended were held in Dublin, Ireland; Vienna, Austria; and Montreal, Canada. Each event represents an opportunity to hear from featured plenary speakers, in this case, three great leaders: David Benton, International Council of Nurses; Hester Klopper, STTI and FUNDISA; and Naeema Hassan Al Gasseer, World Health Organization.

By identifying current issues and sharing their perspectives, such leaders help us gain greater understanding of the role nursing research will play in improving quality of health care in countries that are within the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, while positively influencing international policies on health and education.

For the first research congresses I attended, my vision was basically that of a researcher. Currently, however, I am in my second term as chair of the Latin American Association of Colleges of Nursing, so my vision and expectations have changed. In fact, they are totally different, influenced significantly by the current environment of globalization, varying in its determinations and local expressions; recognition of the importance of collaborative networking; use of information technologies and communication—and, above all, recognition of the importance of collective awareness and united action that lead to transformation of the nursing profession through its influence on healthcare policies.

Beyond reuniting with colleagues and acquaintances—important as that is—attending the 27th International Nursing Research Congress in Cape Town provides a chance to identify academic peers with whom one can establish links for future multicenter, collaborative work. This networking opportunity allows you to sum up talents and resources, so indispensable today in light of the world’s current economic crisis.

A major objective of these congresses is not only to focus on research aimed at generating new knowledge, but also to show numerous examples of evidence-based practice, which enable transfer of knowledge to problem-solving practice that improves nursing care outcomes. Perhaps one of the greatest contributions of this event is its emphasis on influencing policy and practice, as well as developing and expanding a global research agenda for nursing.

Morán-Peña co-presented poster on development of clinical decision-
making skills of new nursing graduates in a Mexican university.

Indeed, I am quite sure this congress portends a great opportunity to identify strategies for moving toward a paradigm shift and developing social, cultural, human, political, and scientific capital. These strategies should be goals for our countries and our discipline.

Wearing different hats at #INRC2016

By Jacqueline “Jackie” Cassagnol, MSN, RN, PMC, founder and president of Worldwide Community First Responder, Inc.

I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list. —Susan Sontag

Jackie Cassagnol

After a few months of preparation, I am thrilled to be here in Cape Town, South Africa, at the 27th International Nursing Research Congress. This is my first visit to South Africa, and I am grateful that the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) has provided me this opportunity.

I have had the chance to be involved locally, regionally, and internationally with STTI. In November 2015, at STTI’s biennial convention in Las Vegas, I was elected to membership on the Leadership Succession Committee (LSC), and I am the founder and president of Worldwide Community First Responder Inc. (WCFR), so I am wearing several hats at #INRC2016: 1) LSC member, 2) moderator, and 3) poster presenter.

LSC member

It is an honor and privilege for me to serve STTI. As a member of the Leadership Succession Committee, I bring my experience and commitment to the mission of STTI to develop members in organizational leadership roles. The purpose of the committee is to prepare a diverse biennial ballot that reflects the honor society’s membership and to develop members in organizational leadership roles. This congress has given me the opportunity to recruit potential candidates from outside the United States. I enjoy networking with these dynamic nursing leaders and scholars.

Moderator

I was fortunate to be invited by STTI to moderate a session at the congress titled “Enhancing Nursing Leadership Throughout the World.” Leadership is knowing how to communicate need for change. I work very hard on this because I am dedicated to STTI’s mission and vision and because I have had the personal opportunity to become a better leader by learning from mentors and other STTI leaders.

Poster presenter

The abstract I submitted, “Lifesaving Partnership with Nonprofit Organizations: A Case Study,” was selected for poster presentation at this prestigious event. The purpose of this project is to assess the process of establishing, implementing, and evaluating a lifesaving partnership between an international organization and other nonprofit organizations. In this case, the partnership is between Worldwide Community First Responder Inc. and nonprofit organizations in the United States and Haiti, including the Haitian American Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau International, and Volunteer New York.

Building an international nonprofit organization has been very challenging, but the impact we have made is rewarding and inspiring. It has been exciting for me to work with colleagues, friends, volunteers, partners, donors, and thought leaders to meet WCFR’s mission “to prevent deaths worldwide through education and training.”

During my stay here in Cape Town at #INRC2016, I have been tasked with wearing these different hats, and I would not trade this experience for anything.

Day 3

Day 2

Day 2 (banquet)

Day 1

Videos waiting to go viral ...

A program to increase nursing standards

A program to increase nursing standards! @STTI #INRC2016 https://t.co/PNpxqXmLlC pic.twitter.com/nwnxOqZsHS
— Matt Howard (@MHowardRN) July 25, 2016

Studies show an increased risk of HIV/AIDS from intimate partner violence

Studies show an increased risk of HIV/AIDS from intimate partner violence @STTI #INRC2016 https://t.co/JZq3NHnWgY pic.twitter.com/3I7t8pmxMy
— Matt Howard (@MHowardRN) July 25, 2016

Using evidence to teach EBP

Using evidence to teach EBP. @STTI #INRC2016 https://t.co/w4KimJ16fQ pic.twitter.com/oyVBBgFRqF
— Matt Howard (@MHowardRN) July 25, 2016

Increasing vaccination rates in college students

Increasing vaccination rates in college students @STTI #INRC2016 https://t.co/KQG2EbxvD5 pic.twitter.com/Ghy769zx1p
— Matt Howard (@MHowardRN) July 24, 2016

Saturday, July 23, 2016

90-90-90: Know what it means?

By William L. Holzemer, PhD, RN, FAAN, dean and Distinguished Professor, Rutgers University School of Nursing, Newark, New Jersey, USA.

William Holzemer

Coming to the International Nursing Research Congress in Cape Town, South Africa, from the International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2016) in Durban, South Africa, I am reminded of the opportunities for leadership by the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) in global health and securing a qualified, competent, and sufficient nursing workforce.

While STTI invites into membership only those with a bachelor’s degree or higher, we are reminded that perhaps more than 80 percent of the world’s nurses are prepared in training schools. Working conditions for nurses in many emerging countries are horrifying—no gloves, no equipment, perhaps one qualified nurse to 50 patients. This tragic reality makes the role of STTI even more important. We must build the knowledge and evidence base for quality patient care to inform how resources are allocated for patient care and nursing. While it is true that people make decisions, without data it is often hard even to be part of the conversation.

Why do those in leadership positions allow these conditions to exist? Without evidence, it is very difficult to build a case for improved resources for nursing so that quality care can be delivered. The international AIDS community likes slogans that succinctly capture desirable outcomes or targets for care. Today the slogan is 90-90-90. This can be interpreted to mean that 90 percent of the public has been tested for HIV. Of those who test positive, 90 percent are in care and receiving medications. And, of those receiving medications, 90 percent have an undectable viral load. That’s the goal.

I wonder if those of us working in other areas of care could come up with and promote a catchy phrase like 90-90-90. For example, 90 percent of people at risk for high blood pressure know their blood pressure, and 90 percent of those who know they have high blood pressure are on treatment. And of those on treatment, 90 percent now have normal blood pressure. What evidence is required in symptom management or self-management research to achieve this 90-90-90 target?

I challenge us to develop clear, promotable outcome goals such as this for our own areas of research and to develop programs of research that allow us to reach these targets, thereby improving quality of life for the individuals, families, and communities we serve.

International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame
See all inductees

Nineteen nurse researchers from six countries were presented with the International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame award on Saturday, 23 July 2016.