WMU News

Three R's subject of one-day nursing conference

April 1, 2001

KALAMAZOO -- A one-day conference designed to encourage nursing professionals to improve their health care delivery by taking time for spiritual revitalization will be held at Western Michigan University in May.

The WMU Bronson School of Nursing is sponsoring the May 22 conference titled "Respirit, Reinspire and Revitalize: Building Relationships in Nursing." The conference will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Fetzer Center on the University's main campus.

Julia Balzer-Riley, an international speaker, facilitator, educator, consultant and author, will be the event's keynote speaker. Balzer-Riley has been a professional speaker for 20 years and has had 13 years of experience in training and development and management development. She has taught LPN, BSN, R.N. and graduate nursing students and is currently teaching an online class in leadership in professional nursing.

Balzer-Riley is a certified seminar leader in spiritual eldering. Her mission is to "respirit, reinspire and revitalize" health care providers so they may give sensitive care and find joy and humor along the journey.

In addition to the keynote session, which is titled "The Healing Presence: FOCUSED on Moments of Connection," Balzer-Riley will present two other sessions during the day: "The Body- Mind- Spirit Connection: Self-caring, the Foundation of Caring for Others" and "The Laughter Connection: Developing Your Comic Vision."

During the conference, a concurrent breakout session will focus on the following topics, led by these community nursing experts:

"Spiritual Assessment," with Juanita Manning, Ph.D., R.N., and Teri Davis, MSN, R.N.;

"Journaling," with Ellen VanArsdale, MSN, R.N.;

"Walking Sculpture Tour," with Mary Lagerwey, Ph.D., R.N.;

"Wellness Wheel," with Karon Schwartz, Ph.D., R.N.;

"Caring Efficacy," with Judy Sadler, Ph.D., R.N.; and

"Energy Based Therapy/Meditation and Imagery," with Barbara Starke, MSN, R.N., HNC.

Conference registration is $25. For more information, call the WMU Conferences and Seminars office at (616) 387-4174. To arrange an interview with Balzer-Riley, call Janet Karpus in the Conference and Seminars office at the above number.

Media contact: Mark Schwerin, 616 387-8400, mark.schwerin@wmich.edu


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