March 4, 2008
CONTACT:
Erin Lounsberry, 779-2981, lounsberrye@trinityqc.com
Pam Samuelson, 779-2809, samuelpa@trinityqc.com
Trinity Parish Nurse Program offers fifth annual wellness conference
Trinity Regional Health System’s Parish Nurse Program will host its fifth annual regional conference, “Reflect, Renew, Relate,” Friday, April 18, at The Lodge Hotel and Conference Center in Bettendorf. Registration is open to all health-care providers, church leaders, lay leaders, students and others interested in discovering a new satisfaction in their vocation and new ways to relate to clients, family and themselves.
During the conference, participants will explore both positive and negative influences on the wellness of themselves and others. Strategies to create healthier work and family relationships will be identified and methods of working with others to create healthy responses to concerns will be discussed. Participants will gain an understanding of the equal importance of caring for self and caring for others.
“Living well is more than following a diet or taking the right medication. As health-care professionals, it is important to also promote positive behaviors for healthy communication, stress management, and interpersonal skills,” said Mary Slutz, Trinity’s Parish Nurse program manager. “Attendance at the conference will offer participants information, tools, and programming that will help them focus on making positive changes for patients and families as well as themselves.”
The conference begins with a keynote address, “Seeing with the Inner Eye,” from Joyce Rupp, a member of Servants of Mary community in Des Moines. Joyce describes herself as a "spiritual mid-wife," one who assists others in finding a fuller and deeper faith life. Her ministry includes writing, retreats, conferences, spiritual direction and co-directing The Institute of Compassionate Presence. Her award-winning books have been published in seven languages and include Praying Our Goodbyes and Walk in a Relaxed Manner: Life Lessons on the Camino, which received a 2006 first-place award from The Catholic Press Association.
Numerous breakout sessions will follow the keynote.
“To effect change in a client, one needs to look at the client wholistically. Whether the person is in the hospital, office, church or neighborhood, the caregiver needs to consider what is happening in that person’s life as well as his physical status when assisting with health issues,” said Slutz. “This conference will help caregivers from the entire continuum of care gain insight into the spiritual issues of others as well as the practices of positive self-care.”
The conference fee is $90, which includes continental breakfast and lunch. TMC employees and current students may register for $75. This course has been approved for five contact hours of credit by the Iowa Board of Nursing Provider No. 305. Attendance at the entire program and completed program evaluation are necessary for CEUs. Black Hawk College will provide Social Work CEUs for a $10 processing fee.
Registration deadline is Wednesday, April 9. Make checks payable to TMC Parish Nurse Conference and mail to Trinity Parish Nurse Office, 106 19th Ave., Moline, IL 61265. For more information, call (309) 779-5120 or e-mail slutzm@ihs.org. A complete brochure for the event and online registration is also available at www.trinityqc.com/parishnurse.
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Breakout sessions and speakers include:
“Why Men Don’t Talk: Challenges Men Experience in Seeking (or Resisting) Services”
Anthony Rodriquez, MSW, LCSW, LISW, BCSA, The Men’s Center, Davenport
Explore the complexities of evaluating and providing medical and referral services to men. Discussion will include: issues regarding depression/sexual abuse/anger/sexual addictions, cultural/societal/religious/ family influences relating to communication and masculinity and the professional’s own bias and reluctance in addressing these issues.
“The Ever-Changing Team”
Julie Blew, RN, Parish Nurse, Trinity Lutheran Church, Moline
Changing leadership and staff is an ongoing issue for any organization, including the church. This presentation will reflect on leadership and staff changes within organizations and explore ways of relating during times of transition and change in an endeavor to create teams which emerge as strong, supportive and renewed.
“Befriending Our Souls: A Caregiver’s Guide to Sabbath Keeping”
Rev. Becky David, Spiritual Care Manager, Genesis Health System, Davenport
The very nature of caregiving requires a soul filled with compassion and tuned into the needs of others. Very often this desire and calling to serve comes at our own expense. We will explore the Sabbath commandment, the ways we ignore this fundamental need and ideas for finding Sabbath time in busy lives.
“Wellness Essentials – Top Choices and Strategies”
Heath Treharne, DC, Tree of Life Chiropractic
By understanding the components necessary for balance in your life, you will be able to make the most of the opportunities and choices you are presented with each and every day. Join the discussion on the seven basic keys to healthier living.
“Caring for Yourself and Your Clients in a Helping Relationship”
Larry Greer, M.S. in counseling, retired from United Township High School, East Moline
Explore how to prepare and care for yourself as a helper and how to help clients deal with difficult issues. Topics to be covered include self-assessment, resources, and tips on dealing with life issues such as grief and suicide. Other issues will be discussed from audience questions.
“Walking With God – An Introduction to the Labyrinth”
The Rev. Becky Sherwood, First Presbyterian Church, East Moline
This interactive session will provide a brief history of the labyrinth, its uses, and place in one’s own spirituality and churches. Discussion will include its current role in modern medical practices, various treatment facilities, and general well-being. Participants will ‘walk’ the labyrinth and gather additional resources.
"Massage Therapy: Purposeful or Pampering? Exploring the World of Positive Touch"
DeAnna Bustos Casale, NCTMB, Serenity Salon & Day Spa
Explore when to use the various types of massage and the medical benefits of each. Some of the methods and conditions to be discussed include lymphatic drainage, cancer and scar tissue therapy, as well as pre/post partum and sport massage.
“Mountaintop Experiences are for the Birds”
Deacon Dennis Duff, Our Lady of Lourdes, Bettendorf
On a spiritual journey one must not only be aware of the destination but of the companions on the journey. Often it is not until the end of the journey that one discovers the joy isn’t “in the destination” but in “getting to the destination.” Together we will ponder, reconnect and revitalize our original calling to service. Expect to be challenged by stories shared.
“When the Glass Slipper Shatters: How to Help Those Going Through Divorce”
Renae Harroun, RN MSN, Parish Nurse, Assistant Professor at Trinity College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Moline
Discuss ways the church can help those going through divorce as well as how individual members can assist them. Also explore ways to help the children in these situations. Interventions for spiritual, physical and emotional health will be given along with personal testimony.