Novato, CA-May 25, 2004: "Precision Strategies for Managing Staffing Ratios and the Nursing Shortage" was the foundation for the Catalyst Systems 2004 annual User Conference. Catalyst clients and users of the EVALISYS^® Patient Classification System (PCS) and Patient Classification/ Staff Activity Study^® process convened in Long Beach, CA on May 21 and 22 to hear dynamic speakers share their expertise and experience.

Dr. Holly De Groot, PhD, RN, FAAN, Catalyst Systems, CEO, captivated the audience when she delivered the keynote address, "Creating Nursing's Preferred Future: Challenges and Opportunities." Dr. De Groot and Barbara Brantley, Catalyst COO, underscored the seminar's focus as co-presenters on "Catalyst Product Enhancements: What's Needed and What's New."

An array of spirited guest speakers and Catalyst consultants presented inspirational and informative sessions on effective and distinctive approaches to the management of staffing, realizing patient safety, acuity-based reimbursement, online training, professional work environment, etc.

The sessions were interactive with lively discussion, questions and answers. Participants also imparted feedback after separating into groups to discuss the impact of the implementation of staffing ratios and to complete the EVALISYS^® Staffing Support SoftwareT v2.4 Survey. Using computer examples in real time scenarios, the Help Desk was a popular gathering place for the Catalyst Project Consultants to work with participants.

Chief Nurse Executives, Project and Staffing Coordinators, Directors, and Managers who attended the conference emphasized that the key organizational strategies and lessons they learned would advance and expand their nursing practice and job performance

Catalyst Systems is a nurse-owned and operated company which has provided healthcare organizations across the nation with its leading EVALISYS PCS and objective workload studies for more than 18 years. Catalyst maintains the largest objective database of its type on workload and staff utilization and is the leading authority on the collection and usage of this data in meeting patient care needs. The information also ensures that nursing personnel are engaged in appropriate patient-focused activities. For more information on Catalyst, please email info@catsys.com, call 415-893-7600, or visit the website at www.catsys.com