A hospital administrator that I worked with years ago was explaining to employees why the hospital had cut funding for nurses to attend conferences in their specialty areas. "It doesn't make sense," he explained in a very logical tone, "to spend a thousand dollars to send one nurse to a conference, when we could spend the same amount of money to bring a speaker here, and have all of our nurses receive the same information." This seemed to make sense, except for the fact that in the 3 years he served as the CEO, the hospital never once brought in an outside speaker to educate all of us. He also failed to address the intangible benefits of attending a national conference.
Learning new information is the most obvious benefit of attending a national meeting. Conference planners work hard to provide a variety of topics and speakers who can convey the most up-to-date information in the field. Many of the speakers have conducted research in the topic they are presenting. They have reviewed the literature and the latest publications available. They are experts and leaders in their field.
This is important when one looks at the use of nursing research in directing bedside care. In a survey by Pravikoff, Tanner, and Pierce1 in 2005, many nurses lacked the skills and knowledge they needed to apply nursing research findings in the clinical setting. When asked how they found answers to questions that came up during their daily work, 67% of nurses surveyed said that they asked peers or colleagues. This lack of basic research methods inhibit our ability to function efficiently at the bedside.
Attending a conference allows participants to hear the latest research findings and dialog with researchers on how to apply the findings at the bedside. Although bringing a speaker to the hospital would help meet this need, this plan ignores the other major benefits of national conference attendance. Poster presentations of research findings and new ways of practicing expose nurses to the use of research in the clinical setting. Reviewing the data and talking to the author of the study or practice design makes research and best practice "real" and less intimidating to participants. Educational offerings, posters, and podium presentations not only present new evidence-based knowledge, but they also introduce the learner to variety of research tools.
In addition to exposure to current research and education, one cannot overlook the importance of networking with colleagues from across the country and other nations as well. It is inspiring to be in a room with hundreds of other nurses who want to make a difference in the lives of the babies and families they care for. Collaboration on new ideas and practices strengthens the practices of all of us.2 A single speaker brought in to our individual hospitals cannot substitute for a focus group discussing current issues in neonatal transport or staffing a NICU. This exchange of ideas is an intangible benefit, not only to the person attending, but also to the unit that receives these ideas when the nurse brings them back.
Networking with other professionals is the best way to make connections that lead to increased opportunities for professional growth. Getting to know nurse educators, authors, and researchers can prove invaluable when issues come up in your own practice that you need help and advice with. Meeting leaders in the profession can inspire others to become leaders themselves, by putting a human face on the expert whose name has only been seen on the spine of a book or the byline of an article. One gets the sense that if they can do this, perhaps you can too.
A neonatologist once complained to me that if you told a nurse practitioner something, the whole city would know about it within a day. I replied that we did not just network with other nurse practitioners in our city, but that we knew nurse practitioners all over the country!! He was not reassured by this, but I believe it is a direct benefit of networking with smart, fun, and dedicated nurses at the national conferences that I have attended. It is a great feeling to know that I can pick up the phone and call a fellow nurse in Texas, Virginia, or Florida, to mention a few, and get advice, direction, and moral support.
A speaker coming in cannot bring an exhibit hall filled with the latest technological advances and information from companies that are researching better ways to provide care to our smallest, most vulnerable patients. These products and materials represent continued efforts to provide safe, developmentally appropriate care and to treat common diseases and problems in neonates. New technology for thermoregulation, central lines, ventilation, and positioning are only a few of the things seen as one walks through the exhibit hall. What unit has not made mistakes in purchasing equipment that did not work out as planned? Viewing a variety of options is vital to selecting technology that works in our unit with our patients.
Although it might seem strange to talk about job security in the midst of a nursing shortage, those of us who have been in the profession for many years know that anything can happen. Developing a network of friends and mentors, both inside and outside your hospital, makes you a valuable resource in your institution.3 Opportunities for volunteer work, education, research, and networking are some benefits that a professional association offers, and a national conference brings these opportunities together under one roof. Nurses who are exposed to outside ideas and professionals bring an enthusiasm and sense of professionalism back to their units, an intangible benefit that a single speaker brought in for a day cannot.
Last but not least, the fun of getting out of town, away from your daily routine is refreshing and inspiring. Attending a conference offers the opportunity to explore new cities and view new landscapes. Perhaps that is what worried this administrator. He might have had visions of sending nurses to a conference only to have them spend most of their time at a mall or beach. I believe he underestimated us. A balance between work and play is the best way to recharge your batteries and return to work inspired to make a difference. There is no rule that says you have to stay in the hotel the entire time. This year's NANN National Meeting is in San Diego-a great place to shop, explore, and play.
Budgets are tight, both for hospitals and individuals. However, I encourage you to set aside funds to attend this year's conference. Offer to share the experience with your colleagues when you return in exchange for support from your institution. Point out the benefits, including those intangible ones. But you might need to leave out the part about the beach!!
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