I can't tell you how much the nurses we sent to the Nursing2004 Symposium in April loved the conference. Here are just a few highlights:

* The keynote speaker told them to let people know you appreciate them on their first day, not their last day. Our managers are now implementing a new employee welcome program.

* The session on ethical issues provided very down-to-earth guidelines, including how to approach physicians. Our staff will be presenting this topic at our clinical coordinator "day-away" in July.

* The speaker on documentation put many things in perspective for one of our managers, who did a presentation for the staff the week she got back.

Overall, the conference was well worth the participants' time and my organization's expense. The value of coming back to work excited about our profession and eager to share new ideas with others can't be measured in dollars.

We're already talking about who will attend next year.

SUSAN HOWELL, RN,BC, CNA, BSN

Beaufort, S.C.

The Nursing2004 Symposium gave us all a chance to learn. Leaving Las Vegas when it was over was bittersweet, but returning home to our practices and teaching what we've learned is rewarding.

Many of us got together and had fun too-I even met a nurse who remembered me from 23 years ago, when I was wet behind the ears; I hope she doesn't remember how wet!! I think I speak for many when I say that the symposium won't be forgotten easily or soon.

ANNE NOWLIN, RN, BS, BSN

Des Plaines, Ill.