The Association for Nursing Professional Development (ANPD) Annual Convention was held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in the beautiful "City of Bridges," Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The theme "Aspire to Inquire" rang true for the over 1,200 participants, some of whom inquired about each other at the speed networking event, listened intently to the national experts, shared the excitement with award recipients, and left the convention with new colleagues, inspired to move forward and continue their inquiry into improved nursing professional development (NPD) practice.
NETWORKING
The first event for many participants was the wine and cheese reception, followed by "Building Bridges Speed Networking." Participants came prepared with a 1-minute elevator pitch, as recommended on the convention orientation webinar, and business cards to exchange. Networking continued throughout the convention, especially in the exhibit hall, where participants visited numerous exhibitors, purchased books including the newly revised Nursing Professional Development: Scope and Standards of Practice, and met the contributors and editors at the book signing.
PRESENTATIONS
The presentations were inspiring and informative. Participants were challenged to inquire during poster sessions, concurrent sessions, and general sessions. The opening and closing sessions of the conference were presented by NPD practitioners.
Dr. Mary Harper, PhD, RN-BC, and Dr. Patsy Maloney, EdD, RN-BC, CEN, NEA-BC, opened the conference with "Nursing Professional Development 2016: Scope and Standards of Practice Update." The audience engaged in the discussion and expressed excitement about the new edition of Nursing Professional Development: Scope and Standards. Many ran directly to the exhibit hall to purchase the newly released third edition and were not deterred by long lines.
Dr. Marlene Kramer, PhD, MSN, RN, FAAN, presented the keynote, "Integrating Into the Professional Nurse Practice Role." She shared her research and her wisdom with refreshing, unfiltered humor. After completing her presentation, Dr. Kramer was awarded the inaugural "Marlene Kramer Award for Lifetime Achievement in NPD." This award is not an annual award, but will be bestowed by the ANPD Board of Directors as appropriate to NPD legends such as Dr. Kramer.
Professor Art Kohn engaged the audience with demonstrations of learning and memorization, explaining the importance of boosters (reminders after the educational session) and even offering to boost the audience's retention of his presentation. Those who took Professor Kohn up on his booster offer received these boosts long after his educational session.
Dr. Veda Andrus, EdD, MSN, RN, HN-BC, presented "Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: The Art of Engagement Begins With You!" She had the audience participating by taking deep, relaxing breaths for self-care. Her session allowed a refreshing break from the high intensity of convention.
Dr. Lynn Gallagher-Ford, PhD, RN, DFNAP, NE-BC, Dr. Mary Harper, PhD, RN-BC, Dr. Joan Warren, PhD, RN-BC, NEA-BC, FAAN, and Ms. Michelle R. Troseth, MSN, RN, DPNAP, FAAN, presented "The Current State of EBP in Nurses Who Are ANPD Members: Where Are We? Where Do We Go From Here?" These researchers challenged us to engage in and develop evidence-based practice competencies.
Dr. Susan Bindon, DNP, RN-BC, CNE, ended the conference with her engaging and inspiring presentation, "Building Bridges: One Question at a Time." She had us laughing, thinking, and beginning our work of practice transformation.
AWARD RECIPIENTS
One of the most exciting events at the convention was the announcement of award recipients. Six awards were presented for NPD and four for poster presentations, including this year's first time "Participant's Choice Award." As the name indicates, this award was selected by the convention participants. (See the article ANPD 2016 Poster Winners.) Last, but certainly not least, was the Star Search winner.
The 2016 Excellence in Professional Development Educator/Facilitator Practice Award winner was Amy Droskinis, RN, MSN, an Education Specialist on the Clinical Staff Development Team within the Department of Education at Coordinated Health in Pennsylvania. She has been in this role for 4 years and was the project leader on a large redesign of "The Adult Critical Care Course." Her work on the critical care course exemplified the application of adult learning principles that include the active involvement of the learner. She exemplifies the award's purpose.
This year's Excellence in Professional Development Educator/Academic Liaison Education at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Waxahachie, Texas. She successfully developed an education strategy for moving a facility, onboarding new employees, and updating current employees on all new equipment, processes, and culture changes.
Ms. Carol Noriega, MSN, RN, CEN, Clinical Educator at the Rutland Regional Medical Center in Vermont, was awarded this year's Excellence in Professional Development Change Agent/Team Member Practice Award. This award recognizes an NPD practitioner who serves as a change agent, facilitating team building, and problem solving. Carol was instrumental in the incorporation of high-fidelity simulation into Advanced Cardiac Life Support preparation, making the course more experiential.
The Excellence in Professional Development Leader/Communicator Practice Award recognizes an individual who promotes NPD as a practice specialty, demonstrates leadership in the achievement of organizational goals, and integrates ethical principles into practice. The 2016 winner was Ms. Shelly Pignataro, MSN, RN-BC, the education coordinator for surgical services at Boston Children's Hospital. She was the backbone and catalyst for her institution's success in obtaining Center Accreditation status for a new Adolescent Bariatric Surgery Program, which is the first in the country for pediatric patients.
Dr. Stacey Brull, DNP, RN, NE-BC, the Senior Director of Research, Education and Informatics at Mercy Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland, was the winner of the Excellence in Educational Technology Award. This is awarded for the creative use of technology in education. Stacey uses gaming elements and gamification in professional development. Her innovations were recognized externally and recommended as exemplars for all organizations.
The Excellence in Professional Development Collaborator/Advisor/Mentor Practice Award recognizes an NPD practitioner who supports lifelong learning through collaboration, advising, and/or mentoring nurses. Dr. Jeanne Thomas, EdD, MSN, RN-BC, NPD Specialist at the Hospital for Special Care in Wolcott, Connecticut, received the award for preceptor development. She conducted action research in the hospital, identifying ways that nurse preceptors gain self-efficacy. Using the research outcomes, she enhanced the preceptor program to improve education and support to preceptors to promote self-efficacy.
Although late in the day on Thursday, the four excellent Star Search participants presented to a packed room. The winner was Ms. Kristine Buffa, MSN, RN, OCN, BMTCN, who presented, "Modern Magic: Opportunities and Barriers for App Development." This innovative topic mesmerized audience members, who are excited to learn more next year when Kristine presents a concurrent session.
MOVING INTO THE FUTURE
ANPD thanked and recognized outgoing President Joan Warren, Treasurer Ann Colvin, and Directors Sara Levin and Linda Misko for their commitment to grow the organization and its influence. Incoming President Chris Wilson, Treasurer Mary Golway, and Directors Susan Johnson and Tina Spagnola were welcomed with high expectations for building on the contributions of those who have gone before. Three board members, Directors Cathy Gage, Patsy Maloney, and Michelle Noble, continue to serve and will join you at the 2017 Annual ANPD Convention July 18-21 at the Hyatt in New Orleans. The theme for the convention and the ANPD theme for 2016-2017 is "Aspire to Transform." See you in New Orleans.