In just a few short weeks, the 37th annual Congress of the National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses will convene in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Culture, Courage, Competence is the theme of the meeting that takes place from May 20 to 23, 2017. As I reviewed the Congress program in the January/February 2017 issue of Orthopaedic Nursing, I couldn't help but think that once again the Congress Program Committee had put together a wonderful program that covers many aspects of orthopaedic nursing care.
I subscribe to the idea that one should take advantage of an opportunity that is here today as the chance may not come by again. Back in 2012, I said to my husband, "we need to go the National Bowl Championship Series game as the chance may never happen again in our lifetime." This was to watch our favorite college football team play in the Championship game. He agreed and so we spent a great deal of money to go watch our team lose miserably in the event but I would not change those few days for anything. Family and friends gathered in South Beach and we had an incredible time and now have some of the best memories ever!
I am going to go out on a ledge here and say, when will we ever have the chance to gather with colleagues on a Caribbean island to learn, network, and have fun at the same time? It seems to me that this might just be one of those "once in a lifetime events" and one that should not be missed.
It might just be one of those spur-of-the-moment decisions to grab a colleague or two and head to San Juan to spend a few days in the sun and at the same time have an opportunity to increase your orthopaedic nursing knowledge. Taking time to reenergize and engage with colleagues in a spectacular environment could not be more enticing. It is not too late to gather your friends and make your plans to make your way to San Juan.... Oh the memories you will have!