2015 ANNUAL CONVENTION REFLECTIONS
Aspire to Excel, the theme for the 2015 Association for Nursing Professional Development (ANPD) Annual Convention aptly described this year's program. Held at the Mirage Hotel Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, over 1200 attendees took advantage of the opportunity to learn from national experts and from peers who shared their expertise through podium and poster presentations. A robust exhibit hall provided participants a chance to visit with vendors and other sponsors to obtain valuable information and make key contacts.
NETWORKING
Beginning with "Rapid Roulette," a networking session, participants had an opportunity to connect with each other in a fun and interactive session to jumpstart their convention experience. A meeting for ANPD Affiliate leaders and members also provided an opportunity for participants to share challenges and ideas as they work to support their local groups. The opportunity to connect with colleagues on an ongoing basis is supported by way of the ANPD LinkedIn page of Web site discussion forum.
PRESENTATIONS
Jerry Mansfield, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, delivered an inspirational opening session, "Ensuring Relevance in a Complex Healthcare World." He identified key challenges for the future of health care and explored the role of transformational leaders to guide healthcare delivery. He also shed light on the challenges for nursing professional development (NPD) specialists of the future as they look for innovative solutions for existing problems. Dr. Mansfield challenged us to consider leadership from within ourselves, keeping self-concept and self-awareness at the center of what we do as NPD specialist/leaders.
Keynote speaker Nancy Spector, PhD, RN, FAAN, shared timely information of interest during her presentation, "Transition to Practice: Results of NCSBN's Multisite Study of Hospital Programs." The newly reported data is a product of a multiphased research study done by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, examining the impact of transition-to-practice programs on safety, competence, stress, and satisfaction of new graduate nurses. Ongoing analysis of the results of this study will provide vital information that will influence practice for years to come.
Showing the value and worth that NPD specialists bring to the healthcare environment is important to the future of our specialty. Julia Aucoin, DNS, RN-BC, CNE; Mary Harper, PhD, RN-BC; and Joan Warren, PhD, RN-BC, NEA-BC, shared the results of two recent ANPD-sponsored research studies-the NPD Organizational Value Demonstration Project and the NPD Role Delineation Study-during a plenary session, which answered the question "Who Are You? Articulating NPD's Role and Value." This work is foundational to future organizational efforts to further define and support the role of NPD practitioners.
In her keynote address, "Wisdom, Passion, and Transformational Leadership," Kari Schmidt, MS, RN-BC, ACC, defined unique aspects of transformational leadership for the NPD specialist role. She identified priority attributes such as effective listening and effective communication, being visionary and able to motivate others, persistence, and the ability to make connections, ask for feedback, and share your passion. Kari spoke to working with learners to identify what they need to know and be able to do, and to be present with them in the moment.
Nurse, author, and neurohumorist, Karyn Buxman, RN, MSN, CSP, CPAE, closed the convention in a way that had everyone inspired, rejuvenated, and laughing. Her presentation, "I've Got One Nerve Left[horizontal ellipsis]And You're Standing on It!", left participants appreciating the power and benefits of humor to heal and empower in our personal and professional lives.
2015 ANPD Award Recipients
Each year, ANPD members are recognized by their peers for their exemplary practice. These individuals were honored at convention. The Educator/Facilitator Practice Award recognizes an individual who facilitates the adult learning process and actively involves the learner, assists in the selection of teaching methods, evaluates outcomes, and/or acquires resources needed for quality program design and delivery. This year's recipient is Melissa Davis, MS, RN, from St. Peter's Health Partners/Albany Medical Center.
This year's Educator/Academic Liaison Practice Award was given to Pamela Meinert, PhD, CRNP, RN-BC, from Penn State Hershey Medical Center. This award recognizes an individual who manages academic relations, serves as a preceptor, collaborates with academia to advance curricula, and/or provides supportive educational resources or opportunities.
The Educational Technology Award recognizes an individual whose creative use of technology increases learners' accessibility to learning programs and modules, promotes efficient use of resources, and supports evidence-based nursing practice. This year's recipient is Julie Ormsby, MS, BSN, RN-BC, from Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
The Leader/Communicator Practice Award recognizes an individual who provides support and direction to carry out organizational goals, promotes NPD as a practice specialty, shows leadership, and integrates ethical principles in all aspects of practice. This year's recipient is Elizabeth Angelo, MSN, RN-BC, from Carle Foundation Hospital.
Cynthia Standish, MSN, RN-BC, from Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center is this year's recipient of the Collaborator/Advisor/Mentor Practice Award. This award recognizes an individual who supports lifelong learning in collaboration with other organizations and institutions by advising or mentoring nurses as they execute a professional development plan and models professionalism and integrity.
The Change Agent/Team Member Practice Award recognizes an individual who incorporates change into learning activities, collaborates with intraprofessional and interprofessional groups, facilitates team building, and problem solves when identified changes are needed. This year, that award goes to William Rosa, MS, RN, LMT, AHN-BC, ACPCNP-BC, CCRN-CMC, from NYU Langone Medical Center.
The Belinda E. Puetz Award is the highest award bestowed by ANPD in honor of our association's founder. This award recognizes overall pursuit of excellence in NPD. This excellence is shown through the recipient's creativity, productivity, exemplary leadership qualities, and efficiency. The individual must take creative or innovative approaches to professional development or continuing education, lead professional development programs that impact patient care, use cost/benefit principles to enhance productivity, and assist ANPD in meeting its goals. Mandi Walker, MSN, CCRN, RN-BC, from the University of Louisville Hospital was honored with this year's Belinda E. Puetz Award.
Also recognized at convention was Kevin Briggs, MHSA, BA, BSN, RN-BC, from University of Kansas Medical Center who was this year's Star Search Winner for his presentation "Say What? Communication for Nursing Professional Development." As a result of this achievement, Kevin will have a podium presentation at next year's convention.
MOVING AHEAD
At the closing of convention with their terms of service ending, President Joan Warren recognized outgoing Directors Nicole Gooding and Nancy McManus for their hard work, dedication, and contributions to the organization. Director Chris Wilson will change positions and assume the role of President-elect for ANPD for the coming year. New Board Members Cathy Gage, Patsy Maloney, and Michelle Noble were welcomed as they assume their Director roles for 2015-2017.
"Aspire to Inquire" will be the theme for the 2016 Annual Convention when new and returning conventioneers arrive at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from July 19 to 22, 2016. Named one of the "Top 15 Places to Go in 2015" by Conde Nast Traveler, Pittsburgh provides great food, outdoor adventure, history, a thriving cultural district, and sports. Besides a program filled with learning for attendees, the locale will have a bit of something to meet everyone's interests. See you in Pittsburgh!