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We've moved from Baltimore in the fall to Orlando in the spring!! Network with other NPs, see the sights, and enjoy the magic of Disney!!

 

This year, the National Conference for Nurse Practitioners will be held in sunny Orlando, Fla., at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort May 18-21. Outstanding speakers and top-rated faculty have joined together to present a powerful series of topics focused on adult and family practice as well as a broad range of practical specialty topics. Everything from pediatrics to geriatrics, business and legal issues, mental health, women's health, and more will be presented.

 

Specialty Topics

The meeting will kick off with afternoon breakout sessions, including such topics as, "Avoiding Renal Insufficiency," "The Diabetic Foot," "Acute Coronary Syndromes," and "Differential Diagnosis of Abdominal Pain."

 

"NCNP features top-notch speakers presenting on the latest in practice and hands-on workshops to build your skills as an NP."

 

-NCNP 2005 Conference Chairperson Margaret A. Fitzgerald

 

Renal Insufficiency

In "Avoiding Renal Insufficiency," conference chairperson Margaret Fitzgerald, MS, APRN, BC, NP-C, FAANP, discusses the factors that can place your patient at risk for developing renal insufficiency. In this case-based session, you will learn the latest recommendations from the National Kidney Foundation, JNC-7, and ADA for protecting renal health.

 

The Diabetic Foot

Steven R. Kravitz, DPM, FAP-WCA, FACFAS, presents a capsule summary of the diabetic foot in this dynamic, educational session. This discussion will include risk factors for ulceration and amputation, interventions that can be employed to decrease risk and basic treatment options that can be employed to treat early stage ulcers, proper documentation of a lower extremity ulcers, and parameters to decrease the probability of recurrence with a prior lower extremity ulcer history.

 

There's still time to register forThe Nurse Practitioner'sNational Conference for Nurse Practitioners (NCNP) in Orlando!! Call 1-800-346-7844 ext. 7798 or visit http://www.ncnpconference.com.

  
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Abdominal Pain

In "Differential Diagnosis: Abdominal Pain," Sally K. Miller, PhD, APRN, BC, FAANP, will describe the various causes of abdominal pain, a common complaint in primary care. Dr. Miller's presentation discusses techniques for differentiating the surgical abdomen, and uses a case study approach to demonstrate diagnostic reasoning.

 

Other sessions offered during NCNP include, "Contraceptive Options: Menarche to Menopause," Diagnosis and Treatment of Foot and Ankle Pain," "Osteoporosis Uncovered," "Otitis Media: New Guidelines and Beyond," "Confusing Case Studies in Laboratory Diagnosis," and "Differential Diagnosis: Dizziness/Vertigo/Syncope." Sessions at NCNP offer significant pharmacology and continuing education credits that are valid wherever you reside.

 

Keynote Address

Later, the keynote address will be delivered by Tom Bartol, NP, CDE, Family Nurse Practitioner, Richmond Area Health Center, and Adjunct Faculty at Husson College, Manchester, Maine. Mr. Bartol will be speaking on, "Healthcare Reform: Change Through Practice, Not Politics!!" This discussion will teach NPs how to be involved in the political process through practice. The message is that NPs have the power and the opportunity to make changes for the profession and for individual practices.

 

"NPs can make a difference in healthcare, our community and in this country. Come and hear an informative and inspirational talk and learn how you can make a difference."

 

-Keynote speaker Tom Bartol describing his upcoming talk on healthcare reform.

 

New this Year

Also of note this year, NCNP will offer the Fitzgerald Health Education Associates (FHEA) Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam and Practice Preparation Course-the nation's leading review course. More than 35,000 NPs have used this course to successfully achieve certification. If you are an NP who is graduating soon, changing your practice focus, considering certification, or getting ready for clinical rotation, this course if for you!! The prep course is offered to those seeking ANP, FNP, or GNP certification.

 

Family Friendly

What better place to bring your family than Walt Disney World? There are many activities in the area for family members to enjoy while you are at the conference. Camp Dolphin is a fun-filled place for kids 4 to 12 years of age. Located next to the Walt Disney World Dolphin, Camp Dolphin is the perfect alternative for kids while parents take advantage of other activities the hotel has to offer. In addition, complementary theme park shuttles will transport guests of the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin resort to the Walt Disney World Theme Parks and attractions. Discounted park tickets are available at http://www.orlandomeetinginfo.com/ncnp.