As the Director of CE and Conferences, I have a bird's-eye view of the activities at the National Conference for Nurse Practitioner. While not being able to summarize the entire conference in this blog, I will share five notable observations and factoids that I learned this week in Chicago.

1. According to statistics presented by Kismet Rasmussen on Women in Heart Disease: 2010 Update, health care providers continue to be unaware of women’s high risk for heard disease and that more women than man die from heart attacks. For a full list of data go to: http://www.womensheart.org/content/HeartDisease/heart_disease_facts.asp
2. Mimi Secor shared that very few NPs are trained in the insertion of implantable and intrauterine contraception underscoring the importance of networking with colleagues and identifying willing preceptors.
3. The Michael Loughran, President of AON Affinity Liability Insurance and Bruce Dmytrow, VP CNA presented research data collected from a 10 year period from1998 to 2008 that debunks the myth that years RN experience prior to becoming a nurse practitioner is a predictor of avoidance of malpractice. The research shows that a greater number of years as an NP is more protection from malpractice claims.  
4. More health systems are tapping into the value of employing NPs as hospitalists for full-time coverage. Some conference participants shared examples hospitals that employ over 100 NPs. Consequently, acute care nurse practitioners need more continuing education related to their specific learning needs.
5. Last but not least, Chicagoans are extremely friendly and helpful. This may not be what you were expecting, but it is very important when conference attendees are navigating an unfamiliar city and complex convention space. Kudos to the Hyatt Regency hotel and convention staff, local security team, and registration workers!