Summer is almost over-kids are back in school and now we can turn our thoughts to the upcoming holidays and all of the trauma injuries that come with them. We know that caring for trauma patients is a passion-from that very first day in the trauma bay, we have never looked at the seasons or even life, in the same way. We know, better than anyone, that life can change in the blink of an eye. The patients, families, and community you serve are blessed to have you even though they probably do not even know it. Health care reform is a challenge for all of us-making more from less-because they expect us to be there. Lucky for them, we are there 24/7.
The Society of Trauma Nurses is one of your resources that can help you to be prepared, to offer support, to answer questions, and to provide the standard for trauma programs and trauma systems. With our many collaborative relationships, the Society of Trauma Nurses (STN) has shown all of our colleagues how much they need trauma nurses and trauma professionals at the bedside, administratively, and in the community to save lives, ensure best outcomes, and to prevent injuries. It is an important job and you are appreciated for what you do.
Many of us have spent the past many months reading the new Optimal Resources reference. The American College of Surgeons has been very thoughtful in its requirements for exceptional trauma care. STN's Trauma Outcomes Process Improvement Course and Optimal classes have worked with the American College of Surgeons to ensure these courses offer the most up-to-date information for trauma coordinators, trauma medical directors, and trauma support staff, including performance improvement coordinators and trauma registrars. The Advanced Trauma Care for Nurses has undergone changes to ensure the most relevant clinical information for our bedside providers and to ensure that our medical teams, nursing teams, and support staff speak the same language and have seamless coordination of clinical assessment, diagnostics, and treatments to ensure best outcomes for our patients.
Our journal has undergone many changes to make it easier to read and understand the research, evidence-based practice, and best practice information and how to put it into practice within your own trauma system. The e-library is available to provide up-to-date and current education to your team members.
Injury prevention continues to be an essential component of trauma programs, and the STN continues their collaborative work to develop an injury prevention coordinator course and injury prevention initiatives through the Injury Prevention Special Interest Group (SIG). Our collaboration with the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing continues as we work to evaluate the feasibility of a trauma certification. The rural and pediatric SIGs continue their excellent work for special populations who require specialized trauma care, protocols, and initiatives for best outcomes.
Do not forget to mark your calendars for the annual conference, which will be held in beautiful Jacksonville, FL, which is close to the beaches and many outdoor activities. The annual conference is an excellent opportunity to network, find out what is new (or just being revisited) in trauma care, and to get involved. The STN is only as strong as its members, and you are valued and needed to keep the organization vital and energized.
We hope that the upcoming season change brings you a renewed sense of engagement within your program and your trauma system. We sincerely hope that you will be a voice of this organization by joining an SIG, following the listserve, and maybe even running for a board position in the spring. Thanks for all you do and the difference you make each and every day!