[TX-NP]

Hi all,
I'm looking to brush up on my suturing skills. We didn't concentrate too much on it in school, now I'm looking for a good handbook or manual on suturing techniques.

I've also heard that there are some workshops/seminars that cover suturing, review advanced assessments and stuff. Do any of you know who presents them?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[core0]

Originally Posted by TX-NP

Hi all,
I'm looking to brush up on my suturing skills. We didn't concentrate too much on it in school, now I'm looking for a good handbook or manual on suturing techniques.

I've also heard that there are some workshops/seminars that cover suturing, review advanced assessments and stuff. Do any of you know who presents them?

Thanks in advance for your help.

NIFA has a pretty good DVD but its pretty expensive. Different groups have discounts (I get one through surgical PAs). Not sure how much with the discount. Here is the link:
http://www.firstassisting.com/programs/dvd_program.htm
It also includes the "suture lab" which is the same as J&J's tying board.

NPI also has some classes:
http://www.npinstitute.com/Course.asp?pid=6
very expensive. No experience with them but I have heard mixed reviews about some of their other programs.

You could also teach yourself. The NIFA page has most of the suturing material for free on the right side. Also this handout from NP central is pretty good:
http://www.npcentral.net/talks/basic.suturing.shtml

Fitzgerald used to teach the classes. I haven't seen any in a while but they still have the video on their website:
http://155.212.249.34/RecordingsColu...wID=3&BC=yaxis

Finally my best recommendation is the AFPPA workshop at their convention in Orlando. This is open to NPs and I believe you can get CEUs. I can personally recommend the suturing workshop and the FP office procedures workshop. They are around $60-90 plus the cost of the conference (and going to Orlando).
http://www.afppa.org/conference_spring_general.html

Other State programs may have suturing workshops in their student section. Not sure about the NP conventions.

If you basically know what you are doing you can get a needle holder and forceps from any hospital (or on Ebay). We practiced on either pigs feet or carpet padding (the high density kind). If you need a practice board for knot tying you can get one for free from J&J by calling the rep or calling 1-800-255-2500.
http://www.omfsource.com/node/21

Simulab sells artificial skin but its really expensive. They also sell a nicer suture board with the skin but its around $75.
http://www.simulab.com/
Here is the suture board:
http://www.simulab.com/Knot%20Tying%20Board.htm

Hope this helps.

David Carpenter, PA-C