New AACN Critical Care Webinar Series offers free 30-minute evidence-based care presentations

ALISO VIEJO, Calif., April 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) launches a series of live webinars this month as part of its continuing commitment to provide the nursing community with current evidence-based practices and implementation resources in caring for acutely and critically ill patients.

Developed with the needs and busy schedules of nurses in mind, the AACN Critical Care Webinar Series offers monthly 30-minute presentations by nationally recognized speakers on a variety of high-interest clinical topics in progressive, acute and critical care. Participants will learn from content experts and leaders and receive access to implementation tools for bedside care informed by evidence. Aimed at achieving optimal patient outcomes, the series is particularly appropriate for team viewing and discussion, while also useful for individual learning.

Free registration for all participants includes unlimited access to recorded webcasts. AACN members receive CNE credit at no charge, and there is a $5 fee for nonmembers.

"Clinicians in AACN's community embrace lifelong continuing professional development as essential for effective patient care," said Ramon Lavandero, RN, MA, MSN, FAAN, senior director at AACN. "Offering relevant, evidence-based clinical education in a convenient webinar format carries out AACN's mission of providing excellent learning resources."

The series launches Thursday, April 18, at 10 a.m. PDT, with "Evidence vs. Tradition: Examining the Science of Bathing Critically Ill Adults," a presentation by author and educator Kathleen Vollman, RN, MSN, CCNS, FCCM, FAAN.

According to Vollman, the familiar therapy of bathing critically ill patients directly influences multiple factors in effective care, including skin condition, patient/nurse satisfaction and the spread of microorganisms. Her presentation explains why traditional bed-bound bathing methods have become outdated and introduces newer, evidence-based practices.

The series continues Thursday, May 9, at 10 a.m. PDT with "Sepsis Update: Early Identification and Management," featuring research scientist and nationally acclaimed learning facilitator Thomas Ahrens, RN, PhD, FAAN, who will explore recent improvements in understanding, identifying and treating severe sepsis.

Managing alarm fatigue will be the third webinar in the series,with noted clinical experts in alarm safety Marjorie Funk, PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN,Maria Cvach, RN, MS, CCRN, and Sue Sendelbach, RN, PhD, CNS, teaming up on Thursday, June 20, at 10 a.m. PDT.

AACN will announce future webinar topics and dates throughout the year. Interested participants can learn more and register online at www.aacn.org/webinarseries.

About the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses: Founded in 1969 and based in Aliso Viejo, Calif., the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) is the largest specialty nursing organization in the world. AACN joins together the interests of more than 500,000 acute and critical care nurses and claims more than 235 chapters worldwide. The organization's vision is to create a healthcare system driven by the needs of patients and their families in which acute and critical care nurses make their optimal contribution.

SOURCE American Association of Critical-Care Nurses