Wisconsin Chapter of International Transplant Nurses Society Seeks Members

When UW Health transplant nurse Elaine Graber* attended a national meeting of the International Transplant Nurses Society (ITNS), she was so impressed with the society that she decided that forming a Wisconsin chapter would be her next mission. Elaine contacted other Wisconsin transplant nurses, and with help from Astellas Pharmaceuticals, they got the ball rolling. Now in its second year, the chapter continues to recruit new members and expand educational offerings.

Membership, which includes nurses, pharmacists, social workers and other professionals who work in the field of transplant medicine, offers opportunities to gain education credits and to connect with others in the field throughout the state.

"Transplant nursing is very specialized, so we look for opportunities to connect with anyone who works with transplant patients," said Renee Marsh, a transplant nurse at UW Hospital and Clinics. "We keep membership fees minimal, and encourage nursing students to attend a meeting to see if they might want to pursue transplant nursing. We like the idea of sharing our knowledge not only with the next generation of nurses, but between other hospitals here in Wisconsin."

Transplant professionals from Froedtert, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and St. Luke's join nurses from UW Hospital and Clinics to promote the society and create opportunities to learn. Members can apply for grants to attend the national ITNS meetings, earn CEU credits, and share best-practice information and network. Their web site, wiitns.org, offers additional information, including contact information for the Wisconsin chapter.

Second Annual ITNS Wisconsin Symposium
Saturday, October 24
7:30am-4:30 pm
UW Hospital and Clinics, Health Sciences Learning Center
CEU's available
To register: wiitns.org

*The UW Health transplant team lost a dedicated nurse and good friend when Elaine Graber passed away in May from injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident. Elaine, who was to be married in July, left three children. She is greatly missed by all. Elaine continued her passion for the mission by being a tissue donor.