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Planning a Successful Meeting

One of the responsibilities of being a leader is planning and running successful meetings.  Meetings should be efficient and inspiring and maximize productivity.  The chairperson or facilitator needs to focus on the content of the meeting and ensure group dynamics.  Respectful communication needs to be maintained and off-side conversations kept at a minimum as they often distract from points being made.

What are the keys to success for making your meetings productive and enjoyable?

  • There should be pre-determined guidelines for membership of meeting attendees.  The roles, functions, goals and objectives should be clearly stated and understood by all members who attend the meetings.
  • Meetings should be pre-scheduled for at least 6 months to a year in advance to capitalize on the attendance of all members.
  • It is generally best to meet in the same place at the same time.  The meeting location should be free of distractions and conducive to the group size.  The room set-up should enhance conversation flow.
  • On-line information-sharing content should be maintained and accessible to all members of the group.  Generally, it is best to circulate documents prior to the meeting so attendees have an opportunity to review them in advance and be prepared for discussion.
  • Agendas should be distributed 3-7 days before the meeting.  There should be a consistent agenda style to keep the meeting structured.  All members of the group should be encouraged to submit items for the agenda.  
  • The meeting should be started on time even if it means starting before everyone is present.  This shows respect for those who are on time and sends a strong message to those who are late.  Designate at timekeeper to keep the meeting on track.
  • Invited guests and new members should be introduced at the beginning as well as their purpose for being there.
  • Discussions should be kept on track.  Seek consensus of the group, not unanimous decisions.  If an item is irrelevant or beyond discussion at hand, state when and where the item can be discussed at another time. 
  • Be cognizant to the stress level within the group.  If the meeting becomes stuck on an issue, change the frame of reference to allow a flow of ideas.  
  • Finish the meeting on time.  Be sure all stakeholders are kept informed of work-in-progress.  All items that require additional work should be assigned to appropriate people with realistic timeframes for completion.
  • End the meeting on a positive note.  Provide positive feedback and recap all decisions.  Thank everyone who attended.  This will ensure that participants feel their time and input was valued.
  • Distribute minutes within a reasonable time after the meeting.  Be sure there is opportunity for interim work to be done and completed before the next meeting.

Suggestions to help you be a good chairperson or facilitator:

  • Guide and stimulate discussions.  Be sure that all sides are heard and no one side dominates.
  • Invite ideas from the group before expressing your own thoughts.  
  • Avoid lecturing the group. 
  • Use questions to seek information and clarify what you have heard from the group.  
  • Summarize periodically what has been said and what decisions need to be made.
  • Do not let conversation continue without direction or purpose.  
  • Deal firmly with people who are disruptive or engage in a negative fashion.
  • Encourage everyone to participate and avoid dealing in individual personalities.  
  • Manage talkative people with a direct statement such as, “Please hold on to that thought while we get ideas from others that we haven’t heard from in a while.”

Every minute counts in a busy workday. Being productive and efficient are the goals of a successful meeting.  The challenge of being an effective chairperson or facilitator can be enhanced by practicing proven strategies.  Collaborative decision-making and personal development can produce rewarding benefits and go a long way to keeping the team intact and the meetings enjoyable!

STN Position on Trauma Nursing Specialty Certification

Introduction
Certification, as defined by the American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS), is the formal recognition of the specialized knowledge, skills, and experience demonstrated by the achievement of standards identified by a nursing specialty to promote optimal health outcomes.1

Background
The Society of Trauma Nurses (STN) recognizes trauma nursing as a nursing specialty that is dedicated to providing optimal patient care across the continuum which includes injury prevention, prehospital care, acute care, rehabilitation, and reintegration into society.2

Nurses specializing in trauma are the largest component of the trauma team workforce, and are essential for accessible, effective, and efficient care for injured patients. Trauma nurses routinely care for patients who demonstrate acute and complicated conditions that require a high level of skill and competence to treat.3

In addition to possessing in-depth clinical knowledge, trauma nurses are also often responsible for trauma quality and safety, trauma program management, research, and public health and education related to the prevention of violence and injury.

Specialty certification examination has been recognized as a reliable mechanism for assessing the knowledge, skills, and experience of nurses. Nursing certification is widely recognized by credentialing bodies such as Magnet® as a means of differentiating among nurses through the use of consensus-based standards.4,5,6,7 Certification is a voluntary process that distinguishes certificants for meeting or exceeding recognized, rigorous standards.

Society Position
  • STN believes that specialty certification in trauma nursing is an important tool for validating the attainment of a defined body of trauma nursing knowledge.
  • STN believes that the process of preparation for trauma nursing certification examination benefits nurses and patients. It encourages nurses to review clinical and professional areas of practice, and to acquire additional beneficial education as needed to obtain the necessary knowledge within trauma to successfully achieve certification.
  • STN believes that nurses who specialize in the delivery of trauma care should seek trauma nursing certification.
  • STN believes that trauma specialty certification should be incorporated into nursing professional development models and trauma program verification and accreditation standards.
  • STN believes that the required body of knowledge in the specialty of trauma is best obtained over a period of time. STN therefore does not recommend trauma specialty certification for those nurses with less than two years of trauma program experience, as is consistent with recommendations by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN).8
REFERENCES
  1. American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS) website. Accessed on June 1, 2018 at the following location: http://nursingcertification.org/.
  2. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Berwick D, Downey A, Cornett E, editors. A National Trauma Care System: Integrating Military and Civilian Trauma Systems to Achieve Zero Preventable Deaths After Injury. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2016 Sep 12. 6, Delivering Patient-Centered Trauma Care. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK390320/
  3. Society of Trauma Nurses Statement on Qualifications, Competencies, and Continuing Education for Trauma Nursing (2016).
  4. Stobinski, J.X. (2015). Certification and patient safety. AORN Journal, 101(3), 375-378.
  5. Schroeter, Kathryn (2015). The value of certification. Journal of Trauma Nursing Volume 22 (2). 53-54.
  6. American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, AACN Certification Corporation. (2003). Safeguarding the patient and the profession: The value of critical care nurse certification. American Journal of Critical Care. 12:154-164.
  7. Niebuhr, B. Biel, M. (2007). The value of specialty nursing certification. Nursing Outlook. 55(4) 176-181.
  8. Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing website. Accessed on June 1, 2018 at the following location: https://www.bcencertifications.org/Get-Certified/TCRN/TCRN%C2%AE-Eligiblity-FAQ
Adopted: June 14, 2018

Journal of Trauma Nursing Mentor Program

The purpose of this program is to give you, the mentee, the opportunity to be coached through the writing and publishing of a Journal article.

Length of Mentor/Mentee relationship This is the decision of the Mentor /Mentee but generally 1 year would be the average.

Time commitment of the Mentee
Time commitment will vary however the mentee should be prepared to devote at least 2 hours a month working with the Mentor. Additional time will most likely be needed to write the article.

Basic rules of the program
  • When the Mentee/Mentor decides that the article is ready for Journal submission it will be submitted to JTN.
  • All manuscripts submitted to JTN will be subject to the same review process as all submitted articles.
  • The mentee will be required to make a good faith effort to complete objectives and timeline as agreed to.
  • Both the mentor and/or the mentee can request to withdraw from the relationship if they believe that they are not meeting or unable to meet the agreed upon objectives and timeline. Dissolution of the relationship should be discussed between the mentor/mentee. STN is always available if you have concerns that you cannot resolve with the mentor.
  • The mentor must make a reasonable effort to be available to and assist the mentee in the writing process.
  • At the beginning of the arrangement, an agreement will be made between the Mentor/Mentee to either list the Mentor as a 2nd author for the article or acknowledge them in the published article.
To stay on track we strongly recommend the following timeline:
  • Topic refinement (month 1)
  • Literature review, article selection (month 3)
  • APA formatting, matrix tables, literature synthesis (month 7)
  • Manuscript draft (month 10)
  • Final manuscript (month 12)

    Complete the JTN Mentee Application

  • Continuing Education

    The Society of Trauma Nurses is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

    ANCC Accreditation distinguishes organizations that demonstrate quality and excellence in the curriculum design and delivery of continuing nursing education (CNE). Accredited organizations, like STN meet comprehensive, evidenced-based criteria to ensure CNE activities are effectively planned, implemented and evaluated. (Only organizations that demonstrate zero deficiencies requiring a progress report achieve Accreditation with Distinction. As of September 2012, less than 10% of all ANCC-accredited organizations achieve this honor). Trauma nurses now gain access to the highest caliber of education to meet certification or licensure requirements, which in turn contributes to improved health care outcomes.

    ANCC Accreditation is a voluntary, peer review process intended to strengthen and sustain the quality and integrity of continuing nursing education, making it worthy of public confidence. Accrediting organizations, like ANCC, assess providers of continuing nursing education to ensure they meet rigorou global standards established by ANCC.

    Click here to visit the Continuing Education Provider Unit website.

    Click here to visit the American Nurses Credential Center website.


    2022 Exhibitor and Sponsor Opportunities



    Reach Your Target Audience at TraumaCon 2022!

    The Society of Trauma Nurses (STN) is a membership-based, non-profit organization whose members represent trauma nurses from around the world. Members are health care professionals who are innovators and leaders in research, education, management, and direct trauma service delivery.

    Download Exhibitor Prospectus & Application Form [PDF]
    Exhibitor Benefits
    Exhibit Hall Floorplan
    Booth Assignments To Date

    STN’s Annual Conference, TraumaCon, is the trauma community’s most powerful networking event for connecting with trauma centers and their influential leaders. In 2022, the Society is expecting an audience of over 600 trauma nurses, many of whom are involved in the management of trauma programs and trauma systems. You will find your customers in Las Vegas, Nevada, March 30 - April 1, at Planet Hollywood. Highlight the best of your company’s products and services by exhibiting at TraumaCon! Connect with individuals who serve in leadership roles and have purchasing power within their health system. As Trauma Program Managers (TPM), their main responsibility is to oversee the entire trauma service line and ensure that it runs smoothly, often influencing financial decisions tied to specific patient care items and equipment.

    If you provide any of these products or services, you need to exhibit at TraumaCon:

    • Advanced Monitoring Systems & Products
    • Data Collection/Registry, Analysis, Research & Evaluation Software Products
    • Drug Therapies for Trauma
    • Fluid Management
    • Hemorrhage Control
    • Injury Prevention Resources
    • Medical/Critical Care Transport
    • Nurse Recruitment
    • Nursing Specialty Certification
    • Patient Temperature Management
    • Radiology & Imaging Equipment
    • Spinal Immobilization & Support Devices
    • Therapeutic Support Systems
    • Trauma Resuscitation Products
    • Wound Care & Irrigation Systems
    Exhibit Hall Hours
    Note: Times are tentative and subject to change. Please visit traumanurses.org for schedule updates.

    Wednesday, March 30
    12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    Exhibitor Registration, Move-in & Set-up

    4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
    Welcome Reception
    Vendor Booth Game Starts
    Poster Judging & Poster Abstract Viewing (CE available)

    Thursday, March 31
    9:45 AM - 2:00 PM
    Exhibit Hall Open

    12:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    Lunch in the Exhibit Hall

    1:45 PM
    Vendor Prize Drawing

    We hope you’ll join us for this exciting event! Please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions. Sponsor/Exhibitor applications are due by March 1, 2022.


    Exhibitor Core Benefits

    All STN Sponsors and Exhibitors receive the following mutual benefits:

    Networking & Educational Opportunities: Each exhibiting company is provided two complimentary full conference registrations, a value of $1300. Registration passes include Thursday and Friday breakout/general sessions as well as two continental breakfasts, two lunches, four breaks and a welcome networking reception. Additional exhibitor badges may be purchased for $350 per additional attendee.

    Attendee Mailing & Emailing Lists: Pre-and post-conference access to the exclusive registration list for promotional use (see Networking Opportunities for additional details).

    STN Web Site & Conference Reminders: Recognition on the STN Website and in conference reminders.

    Conference Syllabus: Recognition in the Conference Syllabus. (Application and information form must be received by March 4, 2022)

    Badge Identification: Company representative(s) identified as an exhibitor on their badges.

    Vendor Booth Game: STN organizes an exhibit hall game (complete with prizes) which includes both vendor and registrant participation. The goal of the game is to draw registrants to the exhibit hall and initiate conversations. Be ready to engage the participants at your booth and make the most of your time at the conference. Details and instructions about the game will be communicated in your confirmation email.

    Attendee Emailing Lists — As a benefit of exhibiting at the STN Conference, confirmed vendors receive registration lists with email addresses. STN encourages exhibitors to reach out to registrants prior to the conference. The lists should be used to provide company and product information to registrants as well as to invite participants to stop by your booth to learn more.

    Exhibit Booth Assignment — All space will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. STN reserves the right to rearrange the floor plan in the best interest of the show as a whole. Sharing space is prohibited. Ruling of STN shall be final with regard to use of the exhibit space.

    Note: All exhibit space will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. STN reserves the right to rearrange the floor plan in the best interest of the show as a whole. Sharing space is prohibited. Ruling of STN shall be final with regard to use of the exhibit space.


    Exhibit Hall Networking Opportunities

    STN is committed to offering an environment where participants and vendors have multiple chances to interact with each other and learn about the products and services available to trauma nursing professionals and centers. Please be sure to join us for the following networking activities and take advantage of the opportunity to connect with your customers.

    Wednesday, March 30
    6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Exhibit Hall Open: Welcome Reception
    Thursday, March 31
    9:45 AM – 2:00 PM Exhibit Hall Open: Attendee breaks hosted in the Exhibit Hall
    12:00 AM – 2:00 PM Lunch Served in the Exhibit Hall
    1:45 PM Prize Drawing(s)


    Institutional Sponsorship Opportunities

    SPONSORSHIP PRIMARY BENEFITS COST
    Lanyard Logo printed on attendee conference lanyards – logo supplied by sponsor $5,000
    Attendee Bag Company logo on bags carried by each attendee – logo supplied by sponsor $4,000
    Technology Sponsor Company recognized as provider of conference app and wifi for attendees $3,000
    Conference Syllabus Full page, 4-color back cover company ad
    Company logo on front cover
    Company logo in the page footer of the syllabus content – artwork supplied by sponsor
    $2,500
    Water Bottle Company and STN logo printed on water bottles distributed in registration bags to use at watering stations in the Exhibit Hall and at all refreshment breaks – logo provided by sponsor SOLD
    Social Media Receive 5 total social media posts (Facebook/Twitter) during March/April. Sponsor will supply content/artwork. $2,000 (two available)
    Floor Decals Floor decals placed during the conference, leading to Exhibit Hall $2,000
    Newsletter Promotion Listed in the March and April STN Newsletter $2,000
    Pocket Program Company logo on cover and ad placed on inside page – logo and artwork supplied by sponsor $1,500
    Attendee Hotel Room Drop Have your collateral delivered to attendees’ guest rooms. (hotel service charge will apply) $1,000 (two available)
    Registration Bag Insert Small promotional item or brochure included in registration bag (company provides item/brochure) $1,000
    Conference Pens Company logo placed on pens– logo supplied by sponsor SOLD

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    About Us

    The Society of Trauma Nurses is a professional nonprofit organization whose mission is to ensure optimal trauma care to all people locally, regionally, nationally and globally through initiatives focused on trauma nurses related to prevention, education and collaboration with other healthcare disciplines.

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    Contact Us

    1024 Capital Center Drive, Suite 205, Frankfort, KY 40601
    859-977-7456
    info@traumanurses.org