This conference will provide participants with cutting edge research, best practices, and lessons learned in safe patient handling. The conference includes diverse learning opportunities, including plenary sessions, concurrent sessions, workshops, “hands on” practice sessions, poster sessions, and a large exhibit hall with new and emerging technologies.  Innovations from around the world will be presented, addressing  such topics as safety legislation, practice tips,  technology solutions, effective training techniques, successful organizational strategies, and building a business case for safe patient handling programs. Detailed conference materials will include cognitive aids and tools to facilitate implementation of best practices.

Submitted poster abstracts should follow closely with the purpose of the conference. Abstracts should be no more than 250 words in length stating the research study or program description. All abstracts must be received on or before December 19, 2008. Authors will be notified of acceptance no later than January 23, 2009. 

Please mail or email abstracts to:
Mary Matz, MSPH, IH
VISN 8 Patient Safety Center of Inquiry
James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital (118M)
11605 Nebraska Ave., Tampa, Florida 33612
(813) 558-3928
Mary.Matz@va.gov
For more information visit: www.patientsafetycenter.gov

This conference is designed to meet the needs of direct health care providers, managers, administrators, risk managers, educators, industrial hygienists/safety professionals, and researchers of any discipline who are interested in advancing safety for patients and caregivers. To meet the needs of a diverse audience, focused tracks have been established for:

1. Identify three best practices for patient care ergonomics.
   
2. Assess technological solutions for safe patient handling and movement.
   
3. Describe three ergonomic hazards common in patient care settings.
   
4. Use effective strategies to educate direct care providers, students, and administrators about patient care ergonomics.
5. Formulate strategies for reducing risk to caregivers at your facility.
6. Assess the cost/benefit of various interventions to reduce the risk for musculoskeletal injuries in patient care providers.

NURSES: The University of South Florida College of Nursing is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. This activity is for 28.7 contact hours. 

PHYSICIANS: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint sponsorship of the University of South Florida College of Medicine and the Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 8 Patient Safety Center of Inquiry, James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital and VISN 8 Sunshine Healthcare Network. The University of South Florida College of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The University of South Florida College of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 29.0 category 1 credits towards the AMA Physician’s Recognition Award. Each physician should claim only those credits that he/she actually spent in the activity.

PHYSICAL THERAPISTS: The University of South Florida College of Medicine is an approved provider of Continuing Education for Physical Therapists pursuant to the Board of Physical Therapy chapter 64b17-9. The University of South Florida College of Medicine designates this educational activity for up to 33.25 contact hours.

Occupational Therapists: The University of South Florida College of Public Health is an approved provider (#107 Exp. 2/09) of continuing education for Occupational Therapy Licensees.  This program has been reviewed and approved for up to 33.25, 50 minute contact hours.  Licensee numbers are required prior to the issuance of certificates.

CIH/CAIH: CM points have been requested from the American Board of Industrial Hygiene

Pre-conference

Safe Patient Handling in Orthopedics
This pre-conference identifies the unique high risk tasks associated with patient handling in orthopedic clinical settings. Based on collaborative efforts between the National Association of Orthopedic Nurses (NAON), National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH), American Nurses Association (ANA) and the Veterans Health Administration, and VA Patient Safety Center of Inquiry.  New algorithms addressing the unique high risk tasks will be described.
Cynthia Gonzalez, Cindy Howe, Stephanie Radawiec, Tom Waters

“Hands-On” Practical Experience with the Newest Patient Handling Equipment
This pre-conference provides a tutorial and opportunities to gain competencies in the newest patient handling equipment. This program would be most helpful for direct care providers as well as educators and peer safety leaders responsible for competency assessments of staff.   
Philippa Leggett (Psychiatry/Mental Health)
Pat Alexander, Laurette Wright (Nursing Home)
Elizabeth Thompson (Maternal Health)
Simon Wells (Operating Room)

Effective Program Evaluation For Safe Patient Handling Programs
This pre-conference is targeted for persons responsible for establishing, sustaining, program evaluation and monitoring continuous improvement of facility-based programs for safe patient handling. Evaluation will address process and outcome measures as well as milestones for successful program implementation. 
Audrey Nelson, Barbara Silverstein

Lunch on Your Own
Box lunch provided for those who sign up for both morning and afternoon sessions (lunch ticket required)

Alternative Models and Tools for Reducing Patient Handling Injuries in Healthcare
This pre-conference outlines a task demands versus worker abilities heuristic model of health care worker injury and/or patient adverse event occurrence and prevention. This model orients mishap prevention as job task performance to the standard "without injuring the health care worker or the patient". Mishaps are viewed as convergent managerial, supervisory, and worker inabilities to provide the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to perform job tasks to this standard. This new model, and its derivative safety management tools, can facilitate the creation and maintenance of a safety culture in health care settings. Potential applications of the model and its tools include hazard identification, hazard control, process improvement, and task learning objective development.
John Lane, Portia Gardner-Smith, Trina Girimont

“Hands-On” Practical Experience with the Newest Patient Handling Equipment
This pre-conference provides a tutorial and opportunities to gain competencies in the newest patient handling equipment. This program would be most helpful for direct care providers as well as educators and peer safety leaders responsible for competency assessments of staff.    
Philippa Leggett (Home Care)
Simon Wells, Laurette Wright( Medical/Surgical)
Pat Alexander, Kathy Motacki (Pediatrics)
Stephanie Radawiec, Patricia Mechan (Rehabilitation)

Toolkit for Implementing Safe Patient Handling Programs
This pre-conference is targeted for persons responsible for establishing, sustaining, and continuously improving facility-based programs for safe patient handling.  An implementation toolkit will be provided, including a guidebook, CD-ROM, and other clinical tools targeting 6 key stakeholder groups.
Audrey Nelson, Kathy Rockefeller, Mary Matz

Exhibit Hall Grand Opening and Reception 4PM - 7PM

Day 1: Main Conference

Welcome Remarks
Program Chair:
Audrey Nelson, VA Patient Safety Center of Inquiry
Co-Sponsors:
Michael Hodgson, Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Rebecca Patton, American Nurses Association
Ken Harwood, American Physical Therapy Association 
DeLon Hull, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Philippa Leggett, National Back Exchange, United Kingdom
Dan Drake, National Association of Bariatric Nurses
Patricia Gorzka, University of South Florida

VHA: System-Wide Implementation of Safe Patient Handling Initiative
VHA Undersecretary

Geoff Kelafant Lecture  
Link Between Patient Safety and Staff Safety
James Bagian

Break, Exhibits, Poster Presentations

Bernice Owen Award for Research in Safe Patient Handling
Awarded to: Thomas Waters

Bernice Owen Lecture
Research Advancements in Safe Patient Handling in the Past Decade
Thomas Waters

 The Role of Physical, Psychosocial, and Individual Factors in Determining Spine Loads
William Marras

Lunch, Exhibits, Poster Presentations
Enjoy a restful lunch or take advantage of the optional Round Table Discussions (Signs posted on tables—meet others at the conference with similar interests; these sessions do not have a facilitator).
Acute Care, Long Term Care, Emergency Services, Critical Care, Bariatrics, Home Care, Operating Room,  Rehabilitation, Therapy Clinics, Pediatrics, Labor/Delivery, Psychiatry,  Insurance, Educators, Safety Officers/Program Managers, Legislative Initiatives, Occupational Health.

Impact of Obesity and an Aging Workforce on Safe Patient Handling
Michael Silverstein

Handle with Care: ANA Update
Rebecca Patton

Advocacy Award:
Awarded to: Elizabeth Shogen and the Minnesota Nurses Association

Top Ten Reasons Why Ergonomic Programs Fail…. and What to do About It
Audrey Nelson

Adjournment

Exhibit Hall Open

Day 2: Main Conference

Concurrent Paper Presentations (Select one)

(A) Case Studies of Safe Patient Handling in Spinal Cord Injury
Linda Smith

Or

(B) Building a Business Case for Safe Patient Handling
Michael Hodgson  

Or

(C) Science to Support Specific Limits on Lifting, Pushing and Pulling, & Static Postures
Thomas  Waters         

Or

(D) Patient Handling in Outpatient Settings: Links to Access to Care and Quality 
Shirley Fitzgerald, Molly Story, Kurt Forsthoefel

Or

(E) Therapists Working While Injured  
Amy Darragh, Marc Campo

Or

(F) Bed Systems and Safe Patient Handling
Guy Fragala 

(A)Unique Risks Associated with Patient Handling in Home Healthcare 
Arun Garg 

Or

(B) Practical Strategies for Managing Staff Resistance to Safe Patient Handling
Linda Haney  
 
Or

(C) Five Ways To Do It…An All-New Way to Approach Critical Thinking in Handling Heavier Patients
Susan Gallagher Camden

Or

(D) Practical Issues Associated with Ceiling Lift Selection and Installation   
Manon Short  

Or

(E) APTA Curriculum for Safe Patient Handling: An Update
Ken Harwood

Or

(F) Technology Solutions for Outpatient Settings
Shirley Fitzgerald, Molly Story, Kurt Forsthoefel

Special Interest Group Meetings: (Optional)
Peer Leader Special Interest Group (Mary Matz, Facilitator)
Therapists Special Interest Group (Kenneth Harwood, Amy Darragh, Facilitators)
ANA Support with Safe Patient Handling (Rebecca Patton, Nancy Hughes, Facilitators)

Day 3: Main Conference

Concurrent Workshops Sessions (Please Select One)

(A) Refining Peer Leader Skills: Case Studies, Role Playing and Problem Solving
Linda Haney, Mary Matz, Hanneke Knibbe, Nico Knibbe   

Or

(B) Facility Champions: Developing an Action Plan to Start or Rejuvenate SPH Program   
Gail Powell-Cope, Bob Williamson, Guy Fragala

Or

(C) Transfer and Transport:  Emerging technology and protocols for safe interdepartmental patient handling
John Lloyd, Betty Bogue

Or

(D) Unit-Based Hazard Assessment for Safe Patient Handling  
Nancy Menzel   

Or

(E) “Hands On” Use of Patient Handling Equipment for Therapists 
Stephanie Radawiec, Kathleen Rockefeller, Ken Harwood, Amy Darragh, Kevan Whipple, Patricia Mechan

Or

 (F) “Hands On” Use of Patient Handling Equipment for Bathing/Showering
Philippa Leggett, Pat Alexander, Laurette Wright, Elizabeth Thompson, Simon Wells

(A) The Legislative Route: Pros and Cons
Rose Gonzalez 

Or

(B) Avoiding Costly Mistakes in Equipment Purchases
Audrey Nelson, Guy Fragala

Or

(C) Crucial Patient Safety Conversations 
Heather M. Monaghan, Anna ‘Kay’ Steadman

Or

(D) Integrating Patient Handling Programs into Magnet Journey
Joan Warren, Mary V. Hinton, Jacqualyn G. Curry

Or

(E) Improving Equipment Design to Maximize Rehabilitation Outcomes
Kevan Whipple 

Or

(F)Case Studies of Safe Patient Handling in Bariatrics
Mary Lou Muir    

Concurrent Paper Presentations (Please Select One)

(A) Safe Patient Handling During Labor and Delivery 
Elizabeth Thompson

Or

(B) Nurse Manager Role in Safe Patient Handling Programs
JoAnn Bunke

Or

(C) Creating Depth to Your SPH Team
Heather M. Monaghan, Anna ‘Kay’ Steadman

Or

(D) Case Studies of Safe Patient Handling in Orthopedics
Cynthia Gonzalez, Cindy Howe

Or

(E) Developing a Mobility Assessment Protocol for Selecting the Right Equipment
Jill Kelby 

Or

(F) Safe Patient Handling During Emergency Evacuation
Simon Wells

Lunch, Exhibits, Poster Presentations

Best Practice Award for Safe Patient Handling
Awarded to: Tampa General Hospital

Success Story in Implementing Lift Teams
Manon Short

Gaining and Sustaining Top Management Support
Michael Bice

Break, Exhibits, Poster Presentations

The Last Socially Acceptable Pain and Prejudice: Experiences of a Morbidly Obese Physician
Moe Lerner

Sustaining Enthusiasm and Performance in Safe Patient Handling Programs
Andy Rich

Summary Comments and Evaluations

Post Conference

Unit-Based Peer Leader Training Program (box lunch provided)
This training program is targeted for persons interested in serving as a peer leader on their unit for safe patient handling and movement.  Learn how to conduct unit-based hazard assessments, how to utilize algorithms for safe patient handling, how to incorporate knowledge transfer methods to foster a culture of safety,  how to give constructive feedback to peers on performance, tips to train coworkers, and assure peer competency in use of patient handling equipment. Strongly suggest participants also sign up for the “Hands-On” Practical Experience with the Newest Patient Handling Equipment as Pre-Conference.
Linda Haney, Mary Matz, Nico Knibbe, Hanneke Knibbe

Challenges for Safe Patient Handling in Bariatrics (box lunch provided)
This post conference examines high risk tasks, new technologies, and best practices for addressing special challenges associated with morbidly obese patients in institutional settings. Speakers present innovations from USA, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Andrea Baptiste, Mary Lou Muir, Mary Muir, Susan Gallagher Camden, Anita Rush

Audrey Nelson, PhD, RN, FAAN
Director, Patient Safety Center of Inquiry
James A. Haley VAMC
Tampa, FL

Pat Alexander, MSc, LPD, PGCE, MCSP, MIOSH
Consultant Back Care Advisor
Harpenden, Herts, UK

James Bagian, MD, PE
Director
VA National Center for Patient Safety
Ann Arbor, MI

Andrea S. Baptiste, MA, CIE
Clinical Consultant
Diligent Services
Tampa, FL

Michael O. Bice, MHA
Adjunct Professor
Department of Health Services Research Management and Policy
College of Public Health and Health Professions
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL

Betty Z. Bogue, RN, BSN
President
Prevent Inc.
Hickory, NC

Drew Bossen, PT, MBA
Founder, Executive VP
Atlas Ergonomics
Iowa City, IA 

Gary Brunslik, MS
Interim Manager Safety
Gundersen Lutheran Medical
La Crosse, WI

JoAnn Bunke, MA, RN
Clinical Coordinator, Midwest Region
Department of Education
Liko North America
Franklin, MA

Judith M. Burnfield, PhD, PT
Director Institute for Rehabilitation Science
and Engineering and Director Movement and Neurosciences Center
Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital
Lincoln, NE

Marc Campo, PT, PhD, OCS
Assistant Professor
Mercy College
Dobbs Ferry, NY

Jacqualyn G. Curry, MSN, MBA, CRNP
Manager
Employee Health and Safety and Infection Control
Franklin Square Hospital Center
Baltimore, MD

Amy Rowntree Darragh, PhD, OTR
Assistant Professor
Department of Occupational Therapy
College of Health Sciences
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI

Lena L. Deter, MPH, RN,
DELHEC, LLC
Educational Services
N. Oxford, MA

Kathy Dunn, MS, RN, CRRN-A
Clinical Nurse Specialist/Rehab Case Manager 
Spinal Cord Injury Center
San Diego, CA

Shirley G. Fitzgerald, PhD
Research Health Scientist 
Patient Safety Center of Inquiry
James A. Haley VAMC
Tampa, FL

Kurt Forsthoefel
Senior Product Manager
Medical Examination Products
Midmark Corporation
Versailles, OH

Guy Fragala, PhD, PE, CSP
Senior Advisor for Ergonomics
Patient Safety Center of Inquiry
James A. Haley VAMC
Tampa, FL

Lenore Frost, MAOM, OTR/L, CHT
Academic Fieldwork Education Coordinator
Sacred Heart University
Graduate Program in Occupational Therapy
Hamden, CT 

Susan Gallagher Camden, RN, MA, MSN, WOCN, PhD
Clinical Advisor
Celebration Institute, Inc.
Houston, TX

Portia Gardner-Smith, OT/CHT, CEAS
Occupational Therapist and Ergonomic Analyst
Shands at the University of Florida
Gainesville, FL

Arun Garg, PhD, CPE
Professor and Chair
Director, Center for Ergonomics
Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI

Trina Girimont, ARNP, MSN, COHN-S
Occupational Health Services
Shands Healthcare
Gainesville, FL

Cynthia Gonzalez, MSN, RN, OCNS-C, APN
Nurse Educator
Weiss Memorial Hospital
Chicago, IL

Rose Gonzalez, MPS, RN
Director, Government Affairs
American Nurses Association
Silver Springs, MD

Linda Haney, RN, MPH, COHN-S
Clinical Consultant, Specializing in Safe Patient Handling
Wausau, WI

Kenneth Harwood, PT, PhD, CIE
Director, Practice Department
America Physical Therapy Association
Alexandria, VA

Edward Hernandez, RN, BSN, OR
Nurse Manager Operating Room
James A. Haley Veterans Hospital
Tampa, FL

Mary Hinton, PT, MS, CCI  
Safe Patient Handling/Minimal Lift Program Lead
In-Patient Rehabilitation Department
Franklin Square Hospital Center
Baltimore, MD

Michael Hodgson, MD, MPH
Director, Occupational Health Program
Veterans Health Administration
Washington, DC

Cindy Howe, MSN, RN, ONC
Director of Nursing, TCU
WVUH-East, City Hospital
Martinsburg, WV

Nancy Hughes, MS, RN
Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine
American Nurse Association
Silver Springs, MD

Inez Joseph, PhD, ARNP, NHA
Associate Chief of Nursing, NHA
James A. Haley VAMC
Tampa, FL

Jill Kelby, PT
Ergonomic/Injury Prevention Specialist
Fairview Southdale Hospital
Ergonomics/Injury
Edina, MN

Hanneke Knibbe, MSc, RPth
LOCOmotion,
Research and Consultancy in Health Care,
Bennekom, The Netherlands

Nico E. Knibbe, MSc
LOCOmotion
Research and Consultancy in Health Care,
Bennekom, The Netherlands

John Lane, MS, PhD
Ergonomist, Occupational Health Services
Shands Healthcare
Gainesville, FL

Steve Lavender, PHD, CPE
Orthopedics and Industrial, Welding and Systems Engineering
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OH

Philippa Leggett, MSc Dip. Biomech.
PGC, MCSP, SRP
Chairman, National Back Exchange
Tyne & Wear
England, UK

Moe Lerner, MD, FCFP, DABEM, CCFP(EM)
Associate Professor of Emergency and Family Medicine
University of Manitoba
Medical Director
The Four Rivers Medical
Medical Expert and Periodic Consultant
CBC (Radio Canada)
Winnipeg, Canada

Roger Leib, AIA, ACHA
President
Leib & Leib, Inc.
Los Angeles, CA

John D. Lloyd, PhD, MErgS, CPE
Associate Director, Technology Division
Patient Safety Center of Inquiry
James A. Haley VAMC
Tampa, FL

William Marras, PhD, CPE
Honda Professor and Director Biodynamics
Laboratory
Institute for Ergonomics
Ohio State University
Columbus, OH

Mary Matz, MSPH, IH
Industrial Hygienist
Patient Safety Center of Inquiry
James A. Haley VAMC
Tampa, FL

Patricia Mechan, PT MPH CCS
Consulting, Education and Clinical Services Manager
CareLift Management Instructor
Guldmann, Inc.
Charlestown, MA 

Nancy Menzel, PhD, RN
Associate Professor, ENV
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV

Heather M. Monaghan, RN MHSC.   
President         
Visioning HealthCare Inc.        
Sarasota, FL

Susan S Morello, BSN, RN, CWOCN, CBN
Clinical Coordinator
Sizewise Rentals
Kansas City, MO

Kathleen Motacki, MSN, RN, BC
Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Teaneck,  NJ

Mary Muir, BA (Hon's), Dip N (Lon), FAETC, SRN
UK Clinical Specialist – Bariatrics
Huntleigh Healthcare
England, UK

Mary Lou Muir, RN
Consultant Safe Patient Handling
Winnipeg, Canada

Audrey Nelson, PhD, RN, FAAN
Director, Patient Safety Center of Inquiry
James A. Haley VAMC
Tampa, FL

Tucker O’Day, MSPT
Program Manager, Ergonomics
Partners Occupational Health Service
Boston, MA

Rebecca Patton, MSN, RN, CNOR
President, American Nurses Association
Silver Springs, MD

Gail Powell-Cope, PhD, RN, FAAN
Associate Director; Patient Safety Center of Inquiry
James A. Haley VAMC

Stephanie Radawiec MHS, PT
Diligent Clinical Consultant
Diligent Services
DeWitt, MI
 
Andrew Rich, MS, OTR/L
Regional Clinical Manager, Consultative Services
Diligent Services
Plainfield, IL

Kathleen Rockefeller, ScD, PT, MPH
Assistant Professor
University of South Florida,
Tampa, FL

Pam Rose, MCSP
Manual Handling Consultant
Pamela Rose Associates
Grapenhall, Warrington Cheshire
United Kingdom

Anita Rush, MsC
Health Ergonomics, Dip (Health Care) RGN
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Berkshire Community Equipment Services
Wokingham Hpl
England, UK

Elizabeth Shogen, RN
Staff Specialist, Occupational Health and Safety
Minnesota Nurses Association
North Branch, MN

Manon Short, R.P.T.
Injury Prevention Coordinator
Employee Health Department
Tampa General Hospital
Tampa, FL

Barbara Silverstein, MSN, PhD, MPH, CPE
Research Director
Safety & Health Assessment and
Research for Prevention (SHARP)
Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Olympia, WA

Michael Silverstein, MD, MPH
Clinical Professor
Dept. of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences
University of Washington
Seattle, WA

Linda Smith, RN, MSN
Clinical Staff Nurse and PICC Line Insertion Nurse
Spinal Cord Injury Center
James A. Haley VAMC
Tampa, FL

Molly Follette Story, MS, MS
Independent Consultant
President
Human Spectrum Design, LLC
Santa Rosa, CA

Anna 'Kay' Steadman, MA, OTR, CHSP
President of Essential Ergonomics                    
Kyle, TX

Elizabeth Thompson, RGN, DPSN, DPH, BSc Hons
Northumbria Healthcare
Tyne and Wear
United Kingdom

Joan Warren, PhD, RN-BC
Director, Professional Practice and Research
Franklin Square Hospital Center
Baltimore, MD 

Thomas Waters, PhD, CPE
Leader, Human Factors and Ergonomics Research Section
NIOSH
Cincinnati, OH

Kathy Weitekamp, RN, BSN
Care Manager
Occupational Health
Gundersen Lutheran Medical
La Crosse, WI

Simon Wells, MSc, DCR
Public Relations Officer,
National Back Exchange
West Sussex, England
United Kingdom

Kevan Whipple, PT, DPT, OCS
Department  of Physical Therapy
Salt Lake City, VAMC
Salt Lake City, UT

Robert Williamson, RN BSN
Director, Ascension Health
Saginaw, MI

Laurette Wright, RN, MPH, COHN-S
Clinical Director
Diligent Services
Durham, NC

All refunds are subject to a $150 processing fee. There will be no refunds after 3/15/09. For questions about registration, please call (813) 974-4296 or 1-800-852-5362.

THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA COLLEGE OF NURSING RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CANCEL THE PROGRAM DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES, IN WHICH EVENT THE FULL REGISTRATION FEE WILL BE RETURNED. THE SPONSORS WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY OTHER COSTS INCLUDING TRAVEL AND HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS.

Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa
Lake Buena Vista, Florida
website

Heighten your Orlando experience at a Downtown Walt Disney World® resort that soars above the rest. Towering 27 stories above the world's favorite destination, the Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa in the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort raises the bar for exceptional quality and service in this sunny locale. Feel the magic the moment you arrive. Enjoy luxuriously appointed guest rooms complete with high-speed and wireless Internet access. Take a refreshing dip in one of three outdoor pools, or schedule a soothing treatment at the full-service European Spa. Experience the spectacle of world-famous Downtown Disney, with its vibrant shops, delicious restaurants, and thrilling nightlife. Or, if you prefer, drive 20 minutes to the theater, sports, and cultural opportunities of downtown Orlando.

• Located on 27 beautifully landscaped acres in Lake Buena Vista, Florida
• Six onsite restaurants and lounges, including The Outback Restaurant, specializing in fresh seafood and steak
• Across the street from Downtown Disney®, featuring the Marketplace, Pleasure Island, and Downtown Disney's West Side
• Complimentary Disney transportation, to all Disney Theme Parks and water parks
• Just 20 minutes from the Orlando International Airport (MCO)

SPECIAL FEATURES:
Wireless internet access in all public spaces and meeting areas, in-room high speed and wireless Internet access, 10,000-square-foot, European-style spa, providing more than 60 spa services, including massages, body treatments, and facials.

Hotel Reservations:
Conference registrants will receive the special group rate of $219 per night single or double occupancy, $20 per person per night for an additional person (18 years or older)  plus applicable sales taxes, currently 12.5% and a resort fee of $13 per room per night. 

To make reservations, contact the Buena Vista Palace reservation Office at 866-397-6516 and request the group rate for the USF College of Nursing Safe Patient Handling and Movement Conference or make your reservation online at:
http://reservations.ihotelier.com/crs/g_reservation.cfm?groupID=131878&hotelID=6579

All reservations received after 5 pm February 27, 2009 will be accepted on a space and rate available basis.  

Parking:
Complimentary hotel parking is provided for all attendees and guests of the hotel.

Hotel for VA or government employees:
A limited number of rooms will be available at the prevailing government rate plus applicable taxes and fees at the Regal Sun Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Florida.  This resort is conveniently located within a short walking distance of the conference hotel.
To make reservations call the Reservations Department at 800-624-4109 or visit their website at www.regalsunresort.com.  Callers must identify themselves as being with the University of South Florida Continuing Education group.  Internet users must submit the group code of NUCE0309 to submit request.  Requests must be made by Thursday, February 26, 2009 in order to qualify for the group rate.    

Transportation:
For shuttle transportation from the Orlando Regional Airport to Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa call Mears Transportation at 800-759-5219 or visit their website at www.mearstransportation.com. The current cost of tickets is $20 for a one way ticket and $33 for a round trip ticket (prices are subject to change).

Please notify the CPD Office, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC Box 60, Tampa, Florida, 33612 or call (813) 974-4296 a minimum of ten working days in advance of the event if a reasonable accommodation for a disability is needed.

Events, activities and facilities of the University of South Florida are available without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, disability, age, or Vietnam veteran status as provided by law and in accordance with the University's respect for personal dignity.