The Pacific Coast Region Celebrates 30 Years of Passion and Practice

In October last year, over 100 WOC Nurses, PCR Members, spouses and special guests celebrated the 30th year anniversary of the PCR. Katherine Jeter, one of the PCR's founding members, took the podium to provide a glimpse of the passion that drives ET nurses and highlighted the ways our practice has influenced so many. Katherine's enthusiasm, grace and good humor set the stage for a perfect celebration of our 30th year as an association. Also in attendance was WOCN President, Laurie McNichol who provided a toast in tribute to the PCR and it's success over the past 30 years. Past President, Mary Sears (1996-1999) presented a wonderful retrospective look at the people who have been involved with the PCR over years. There were beautiful pictures of so many. Some were there in the room, many we have lost and remember so well. It was a poignant tribute to the remarkable people who make up the PCR!

The California Division of the IAET (International Association of Enterostomal Therapists) was established in May, 1973 by 14 ET's. Katherine Jeter and Rosemary Watt Co-Chaired the leadership responsibilities, with Katherine over the southern part of California and Rosemary covering the northern areas. In 1994 the organization changed its name to the Pacific Coast Region of the Wound, Ostomy, Continence Nurses Society.

A Message From the President

June, 2004

Presidents Message - WOCN Highlights

The WOCN conference in Tampa was a success again this year. The number of attendees continues to rise. Vendor participation was well received with a variety of new products for all to see. Educational offerings were well attended. Many companies sponsored breakfast and lunch presentations which were a terrific hit with attendees. It was a breakfast or lunch and learn situation for everyone.

One of the pre-conferences offered was on Leadership Development. A variety of speakers contributed new knowledge and insight into dealing with a variety of leadership issues. Approximately 75-80 people attending the 6 hour workshop. This pre-conference will probably be offered again next year. It is open to any individual who wishes to gain more first hand knowledge and insight into dealing with a variety of people, whether it is within the WOCN organization or on other professional levels. Anyone who is considering running for regional or national offices should consider attending this program in the future.

Our PCR regional get together on Saturday June 5th brought together about 25-30 people. It was a time of visiting with fellow colleagues and just enjoying light refreshments and relaxing before a hectic conference schedule. Two of the national WOCN officers visited each region to answer any questions about the national organization.

Our raffle was a BIG success. We raised $1,048.00 before expenses. The PCR members who volunteered their time to spend in the booth selling tickets were continually busy. You would be surprised how well they brought people into the booth and convinced them to purchase tickets. Thanks to each and every one of you who gave up exhibit time to raise money for our organization.

The winner of our basket, filled with a variety of diabetic necessities, including a Doppler, donated by Huntleigh, was Alyce Carter, an Assistant DON from a LTC facility in Brush, CO. Gene Galindo was gracious enough to volunteer to send everything to her. Thanks, Gene! You are always a tremendous resource to PCR. And a big thank you to every PCR member who helped make our PCR raffle a success! We couldn¹t do it without a team effort.

On a non related conference note - the Tampa Bay Lightening Bolts won the Stanley Cup championship hockey trophy during our stay. Since the convention center was close to the hockey arena, many WOCN attendees watched from outside the arena as the Bolts won the championship from a Canadian team. It reminded me of the year the LA Lakers were in Salt Lake City during another WOCN conference to take on the Utah Jazz for the basketball championship.

WOCN is in Las Vegas in 2005. With the close proximity of CA and NV to this site, we should see our PCR numbers increase. Plan to attend this conference in June with your colleagues.

Enjoy your summer!

Judy Papen,
PCR President

A Message From the President

March, 2004

Spring has arrived. A time of renewal and looking forward to sunny skies and great weather.

WOCN updates each region every 4 months on membership numbers. I am pleased to report that as of March, 2004, PCR has 399 members. That is an increase over last year. Thanks to all who are a part of our organization.

Kudos to Sandy Higelin, our Education Coordinator for putting on another great conference earlier this month in San Jose. The attendance at this meeting was the highest ever for a spring conference. We had a variety of speakers, including two of our own, Wanda Johnson and Kelly Sparks. If you were at our Fall 2003 conference in San Diego you heard Kelly speak about urinary incontinence problems. She gave us another stimulating discussion along similar lines and continued to inject humor into her presentation.

During this conference, nominations for various Board positions were held for the 2005 -2007 term. I am pleased that we have new faces running for the offices of Education Coordinator, Communications Coordinator, and Vice President. You will be receiving ballots during the summer and election results will be announced at our fall meeting. Our organization is always looking for the infusion of new ideas and new talent. This year will be a great example of that. Stay tuned in the upcoming months for information on these candidates for offices.

I want to continue to remind everyone in PCR that we all have many talents, whether it is speaking, running for office or helping our education committee run our conferences. Please consider becoming involved in PCR. We not only become a stronger organization because of your efforts, you expand your horizons by giving of your time and talents.

In discussing talents, three of our own members have agreed to share responsibilities on our Ways and Means committee. This committee is an important part of raising moneys to help support the organization. The two general membership meetings and WOCN conference are important times for this to be accomplished. Please welcome Jan Wacker, Susan Schardt and Verena Esparza to this committee.

Speaking of conferences, it is not too early to be thinking about the WOCN conference in Tampa Florida from June 5 thorough June 9th. PCR will be hosting a hospitality suite again for all who wish to attend. It is an excellent time to reminisce with old friends and colleagues and to relax before the hectic days ahead. The exact date for the hospitality suite is not available at this time, but stay tuned to future updates.

In addition to coming together during the WOCN conference, the PCR booth will be on display. We will be looking for PCR members to man the booth during exhibit hours. If you are going to Tampa and would like to give a short amount of your time to help, please contact Jan, Susan or Verena. You will find their email addresses in the members section of our website.

Hope to see you back on our website soon. Enjoy your spring.

Judy Papen,
PCR President

Ways & Means Update

During the last portion of 2003, PCR had no one to chair the subcommittee of Ways & Means, which is responsible for fundraising to assist in the financial solubility of our organization. At the March Symposium in San Jose, we were blessed to have both Jan Wacker & Verena Esparza volunteer to co-chair the committee, and Susan Schardt volunteered to assist. This subcommittee falls under the leadership of the Treasurer. So, before leaving San Jose, a meeting of the Treasurer and the subcommittee members was held and great things transpired. Keep reading!

National Fundraiser Raffle

Each year at the national WOCN meeting, the PCR sets up and mans' the booth showing information about our region. We also try to have a means of raising funds. This year, the fundraiser will be a raffle. This spectacular raffle item will be "The Foot Basket". Here are some of the items it will contain:

• Huntleigh Healthcare Doppler
• The Diabetic Foot Book by Levin, O'Neill, Bowker
• Audio tape of Doppler sounds
• Raised wall chart of the foot & ankle
• Pair of Nippers
• Lambs wool
• Lotions
• Semmes Weinsteins Monofilament
• A pair of anatomical cotton socks
• and much, much, more!

The retail value is OVER $800.00!!! So, if you are planning on attending National Conference, make certain you look for the PCR booth and buy your tickets early! However, if you cannot attend National, you still have a chance to help your region and win a wonderful prize in the fall at the symposium at the Wyndam Hotel in Palm Springs. Some of the raffle items there will be: a digital camera, laptop computer and much more! Visit this site again soon to keep updated.