There’s no better place to get excited about nursing than at a nursing conference! I spent four days this month in Denver, Colorado at the Dermatology Nurses’ Association 30th Anniversary Convention. What an amazing group of nurses! From a keynote address by Michael R. Bleich, PhD, RN, FAAN which motivated us to enact the changes recommended in the IOM Future of Nursing Report to informative presentations by experts in the field, my days were filled. The camaraderie and networking among the attendees and interaction with the exhibitors was phenomenal. I left there feeling so good about being a nurse and feeling supported by my peers – thank you DNA nurses!

If you will be attending any upcoming conferences, take a moment or two to read A Closing Word: 10 Tips for Getting the Most From a Professional Conference. Here are the ten tips (but be sure to read the article in it's entirety - there is some good advice!): 

1.   Choose your sessions strategically.
2.   Networking is key.
3.   Dress the part. 
4.   Attend the poster presentations. 
5.   Attend the exhibits.
6.   Comfort is important.
7.   Take care of those who take care of you.
8.   Be respectful to your colleagues and to the speakers.
9.   Stay organized during the conference. 
10. Spread the enthusiasm and share what you learned.

Also, check out our events calendar for a complete list of upcoming nursing conferences.

Next up on my calendar is Nursing2012 Symposium in Orlando this April. Hope to see you there!

Reference: Aldridge, M.D. (2012). A Closing Word: 10 Tips for Getting the Most From a Professional Conference. Dimensions of Critical Care Nursing, 31(2).