“Crazy” Symposium Chair Answers Questions

 

Hi Everyone!!

 

This year has been an interesting one as Chairperson for the Florida Hospices and Palliative Care, 22nd Annual Symposium, “Caring for a Better Tomorrow.  The Symposium Committee has spent many months preparing and planning for a wonderful event.  When I agreed to participate as chairperson I had no idea that I would receive so many letters and questions from all of you.  It’s really been great.  So . . . I thought, why not start my very own column in The Hospice Insider.  Since everyone calls me “Crazy” (AKA Mary Richt) for taking this on, you can too.  So, here goes.

 

Dear Crazy:

I’m a hospice nurse with five years of experience.  I’ve attended the FHPC Symposium twice in the past.  I would like to come all three days, but I can only afford to attend one day.  What day would I get the most out of??

 

-- Signed Limited Budget

 

Dear Limited Budget:

I sure can relate to your problem.  This year it’s really a hard choice – you won’t be disappointed with any day you choose.  Some of the more popular presentations are being offered more than once to allow more people to attend.  All three plenary speakers are excellent.  Since it sounds like your Agency isn’t sponsoring your attendance I suggest you pick the day that fits your schedule best.  You won’t be sorry.  See you there!!

 

Dear Crazy:

I’m a hospice social worker.  I prefer an interactive program to didactic presentation.  Do you offer sessions like that?

 

-- Signed Might be Forced To Knit

 

Dear Might Be Forced To Knit:

My advice, leave your needles at home.  Many of the sessions combine didactic, interaction, and/or experiential.  PLUS, I guarantee you’ll end up exchanging ideas with your peers.

 

Dear Crazy:

My agency is sending me to the FHPC Symposium.  This is my first time attending.  I’m kind of excited, but I hope I don’t have to just sit and listen to lectures for three days.  (I can’t believe I fell asleep during my orientation lectures.) 

 

-- Signed Girls Just Want To Have Fun

 

Dear Girls Just Want To Have Fun:

Fun?  Do we ever have fun?!  Not only are the speakers guaranteed to keep you awake, there are lots of great activities planned every day.  You won’t believe the fun you’re going to have at the “Pirate Treasure Night” on Thursday.  Ahoy Mate!  See you there.

 

Dear Crazy:

This year my hospice is not sponsoring my attendance so I’m thinking of coming on Friday.  (Then I have the weekend to hit the outlet mall in Orlando.)  In the past the last day of the conference has been pretty sad.  Everybody leaves early and you don’t really have a chance to “shop around” in the exhibit hall, the book store, or the silent auction.  Will things be any different this year??

 

-- Signed Born To Shop

 

Dear Born to Shop:

The Silent Auction will close around 11:oo AM. BUT, being an expert shopper you know things don’t really get serious until the end so you have chosen the PERFECT day.  PLUS, this year the exhibitors will be open on Friday and you will have a chance to break with them in the afternoon. Come with your checkbook or bring plastic.  We have tons of great cruises and weekend packages for auction.

 

Dear Crazy:

I’m more interested in palliative care than hospice.  I don’t work in hospice and I’m not really crazy about spending three days talking about dying.  A friend told me to come to the symposium anyway because palliative care applies to everyone and I need CEUs.  What do you think?  Is it worth my time and money?

 

-- Signed Not Into Death

 

Dear Not Into Death:

Don’t worry, the funeral dirge isn’t part of the sessions.  Actually, this year there are many sessions that will appeal to individuals who work in other care settings. The Plenary Speakers, William Colby, Ron Rosenberg, Diana Jacks, & Dr. Kenneth Doka are sure to interest you.  Look through the information online about the concurrent sessions and I’m sure you’ll be surprised, for example, Joyce Black President of NPAPU will present on Wound Care.  It’s worth you “coffin” up the registration fee.  See you there.

 

 

 

 

 

Editors Note:

 

Mary Richt is the Director of Quality and Compliance for Hospice of Lake and Sumter. She has served as the Chair for the Symposium Committee, a committee of the Excellence Initiative, for two years after many years of working on the committee. She brings her passion and organization to the group of dedicated volunteer committee members from all over Florida.

 

If you would like to volunteer to serve on this committee, or the Excellence Initiative, please call Anthony Tolson to discuss how you can make a difference from your community throughout Florida.