Attending any conferences this spring? Here’s a list of tips and timesavers to help you make the most of your time! 

1. Make a schedule. Plan which sessions you’ll attend and create your itinerary! Use the most convenient form that works for you – paper and pencil list or electronic device. Some conferences even have a smartphone app to help you do this. Check the attendee program or ask at the registration desk for details.

2. Pack comfortable shoes. Conference centers can be large, especially if it’s a big event with a large number of attendees. Also, remember that the walk through airports, train stations, and other public transportation centers can be long as well.

3. Do your homework. If you would like to speak with a presenter or are interested in connecting with a particular exhibitor, prepare your questions ahead of time. Sometimes the lines can be long and there may be limited time between sessions. Make sure you make the most of your time and convey your message clearly and succinctly.

4. Bring a notebook. Make notes on your computer, mobile device, or use pen and paper. Things you are learning and hearing will be fresh and exciting at the time, but when you return to your “real world,” you might not remember everything like you thought you would.

5. Keep some snacks handy. Not all airlines provide snacks, or if they do, there may be a charge for them. Also, if you are attending back-to-back sessions without much of a break, having a snack or two on-hand can help ease your hunger and keep you alert.

6. Consider packing an extra bag. You may accumulate quite a bit of ‘extras’ during the conference. From handouts and journals to goodies from the exhibit hall and souvenirs, it might make packing for your return a little easier. Be aware of airline restrictions and fees however! You could even consider using a larger bag than you need so you’ll have extra room for your return trip.

Enjoy your conference! Let me know which you’ve attended or are planning to attend, and what exciting and innovative things you learn. Also, please share your own tips too!

As I write this, I’m on my return flight from Nursing2013 Symposium in Las Vegas, Nevada. With each conference I attend, a highlight for me is developing new relationships and strengthening older ones with nursing colleagues from around the country and world. As nurses, we have an incredible amount of knowledge and experiences to share and getting away from our workplaces and joining together to talk and learn is exhilarating! By the nature of my work, so many of my relationships are “virtual” ones – communication via email, text, and social media is more the norm for me than face-to-face conversations, so it thrills me to connect in person with nurses that I’ve only “met” online.

I have quite a bit to share from this conference, but let me start with quotes that inspired & educated me during this event!

“Many times, a patient’s history leads to a diagnosis; the physical examination supports that diagnosis.”
Anne Dabrow Woods, MSN, RN, CRNP
Physical Assessment Skills for Adult Patients

“The most accurate way to take a blood pressure is by using the bell of the stethoscope.”
Anne Dabrow Woods, MSN, RN, CRNP
Physical Assessment Skills for Adult Patients

“It doesn’t take a title to be a leader.”
Jeff Doucette, MS, RN, CEN, FACHE, NEA-BC
Leading From Where You Are: Creating a Culture That Inspires

“Staff nurses are front-line leaders and often hold the key to resolving turnover drivers.”
Jeff Doucette, MS, RN, CEN, FACHE, NEA-BC
Leading From Where You Are: Creating a Culture That Inspires

“The best leaders are personal leaders.”
Charles Denham, MD
A Lifesaver for Lifesavers: How to Survive the Rough Seas of Patient Safety and Value-Based Purchasing Demands

“Human factors that contribute to the complexities of patient handoffs include too few nurses, fatigue, rushed report, memory, nursing turnover, emotion, and information/sensory overload.”
JoAnne Phillips, MSN, RN, CCRN, CCNS, CPPS
Effective Handoff Communication: A Key to Patient Safety

“Every time lactate increases by 2, the risk of death [from sepsis] increases by 20%.”
Julie Miller, RN, BSN, CCRN
Sepsis: Nurses Implementing the Latest Guidelines

“The mortality for sepsis equals that of an acute MI in 1960.”
Julie Miller, RN, BSN, CCRN
Sepsis: Nurses Implementing the Latest Guidelines

“For every organ system that fails, mortality [from sepsis] increases by 22%.”
Julie Miller, RN, BSN, CCRN
Sepsis: Nurses Implementing the Latest Guidelines

“Falls are an adverse drug reaction.”
Anne Dabrow Woods, MSN, RN, CRNP
Recognizing and Treating Adverse Drug Reactions

“Angioedema from ACE inhibitors is not dose dependent.”
Anne Dabrow Woods, MSN, RN, CRNP
Recognizing and Treating Adverse Drug Reactions

“Start with what you know best, maybe a case study, and start writing.”
Denise Drummond Hayes, MSN, RN, CRNP
Bylines and Deadlines: Writing for Professional Publication

“Our work is based on science and evidence, but we are best known for our caring side.”
Margaret A. Fitzgerald, DNP, FNP-BC, NP-C, FAANP, CSP, FAAN, DCC
Finding Your Nursing Voice

“The person with a strong nursing voice is an expert problem solver who is more proactive than reactive.”
Margaret A. Fitzgerald, DNP, FNP-BC, NP-C, FAANP, CSP, FAAN, DCC
Finding Your Nursing Voice

As many of the sessions were happening concurrently, I know there is so much that I missed and I look forward to listening to several of the presentations when they are available online. For those of you who attended this conference, please share what you learned and what inspired you too! 

Also, you can view some photos from the conference on our Facebook page!