Reflect on your nursing journey. Can you remember the first time you attempted to insert a peripheral inserted venous catheter (PIVC)? When asking this question, some may explain it as a positive experience that led to a successful insertion. Others may have a different experience that did not end in success. Vascular access is a coveted skill that can be both rewarding and defeating when not given the proper training or resources. An unsuccessful placement can leave a clinician feeling defeated, if they allow it to; however, for those willing to take the journey of self-improvement they can become successful in this skill.
It takes grit and determination to advance skills and knowledge within the specialty to advance practice and deliver the best patient outcomes. In addition, there must be a willingness to pursue continuing education. Nurses’ attitude towards continuing education is only one barrier to advancement in practice. Other contributions include organizational culture and supportive leaders. These barriers are evident in the profession, and nurses are claiming these as obstacles in addition to the financial hardship that can accompany seeking continuing education. There are many means for a nurse to obtain continuing education including some free opportunities; however, annual organizational conferences have a lot to offer. At conferences, nurses can network among key leaders, work on skill sets, and gain valuable information that leads to better patient care at the bedside. Although there is tremendous value in attending conference, the costs associated to attend makes this out of reach for many nurses.
Sue Smiles Initiative Inc.
Sue Boyles had a profound passion for vascular access and infusion therapy. Throughout her career as a vascular access registered nurse, she was an educator, mentor, and strong advocate for the advancement of infusion therapy and vascular access. Sue believed that continuing education was valuable to all practices and was influential at inspiring her peers to gain certifications, attend conferences, and engage in research opportunities to better their practice. Sue had a natural desire to educate and aid in the professional development of all who had the pleasure of knowing her. These traits remained true to her character through the end of her journey. Sue was diagnosed with stage IV cancer and in true Sue fashion, continued to work full time as a vascular access nurse until the last few months of her life. Sue lost her battle with cancer in November of 2023 at the very hospital she had dedicated 25 years of service as a vascular access nurse. In her final days, Sue confided in her colleague her desire to have her legacy continue after her time has passed. One of her final requests was to raise funds to support continuing education within the specialty and afford those, in need, the opportunity to gain certifications and attend conferences.
In recognition of Sue’s influence within vascular access, a group of her friends, family, and mentees established the Sue Smiles Initiative. The initiative strives to honor Sue Boyles, RN, CRNI, VA-BC’s legacy by influencing those within the specialty to commit to a lifelong pursuit of continued education.
Financial Barriers
In today’s economy, most people can relate to experiencing financial hardships in one shape or form. The rising cost of living over the years has influenced many aspects of life and our daily living. One opportunity of financial assistance that is available is organizational scholarships; however, these types of opportunities are on the downward trend. Lack of financial support can be difficult for many employees who have the desire to gain certification.
Associated costs for certification and continuing Education
| Certification | Conference Attendance | Average Costs |
| Study Materials | $150.00 | |
| Examination fees | $350.00 | |
| Airfare | $350.00 | |
| Lodging | $1000.00 | |
| Registration | $700.00 | |
| Virtual Conference | $700.00 |
Through the Sue Smiles Initiative, we aim to bridge these gaps. Through generous donations, we can provide funding towards certifications, memberships, CE credits, and the cost of conference attendance including some of the associated travel expenses for nurses within the infusion and vascular access specialty.
Help the Cause
You can aid in providing support for continuing education to those in need who possess a desire to advance their practice. The Sue Smiles Initiative has many fundraising opportunities in the works. We are currently implementing restaurant give back nights where a percentage of proceeds raised will be donated to our cause. In addition, there are community events being organized throughout the year in our local area to raise additional funding.
The Sue Smiles Initiative is determined to be a stepping stone for the advancement of the vascular access specialty. If you share a passion for growth and development and would like to be a part of the initiative, there are many ways to support our mission. You can donate funds towards our mission through the website www.suesmiles.org .The website offers various ways to give. You can also show your support by following our social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin where you are able to stay up to date on our efforts within the initiative, volunteer opportunities, fundraising events, scholarship opportunities and community engagements.
About the Authors:
Suzie Eastwood, RN, VA-BC, is a leader within the vascular access department for an inpatient hospital system. Suzie is involved in nursing shared governance where she serves as chair for a centralized council. Suzie is a change agent within her organization and is working with the organization’s national policy committees aimed at implementing up-to-date evidence-based practice system wide through policy reform. Suzie is also a founder and board member of the Sue Smiles Initiative.
Derek Fox, MSN, RN, VA-BC, CRNI, NEA-BC, is the INS Nurse Educator, dedicated to advancing clinical excellence in infusion and vascular access. With extensive experience as a clinician, leader, and educator, Derek helps shape the future of infusion practice. He collaborates with esteemed professionals to produce high-quality education sessions at the INS annual meeting, webinar opportunities, and hosts the official INS podcast INS Infusion Room. Derek is also a founder and President of the Sue Smiles Initiative.
