ASPIRE TO INNOVATION
When most of us hear the word "Disney," our thoughts gravitate to creativity, transformation, futuristic thinking, and breakthrough ideas-all hallmark traits of innovation. What better place than Disney's Coronado Springs Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, for ANPD's 25th Annual National Convention! The convention is July 16-19, 2014, with preconvention workshops beginning on July 15.
The ANPD Annual Convention is the premier education and networking event for those who practice Nursing Professional Development (NPD) as their specialty. The convention provides unlimited networking opportunities for NPD professionals, inspiring keynote speakers on timely, relevant topics, and concurrent educational sessions arranged by specialty tracks. A 2-day NPD Certification Preparation Course and other half-day preconvention workshops are offered before the official convention kick-off. A full exhibit hall provides an opportunity for attendees to interact with vendors and see the latest products and services of interest. The ANPD Convention is planned by a very dedicated Content Planning Committee made up of member representatives and chaired this year by Linda Misko, MSN, RN-BC.
WELCOME TO ORLANDO
Orlando, Florida, is one of the most visited cities in America as a result of its renowned entertainment, recreational, and convention opportunities. The official hotel for the 2014 convention is Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, a Southwestern-themed haven inspired by the explorers who searched for the fabled Seven Cities of Gold. The convention location, rich with its own entertainment and recreational options, provides easy access to Walt Disney World Resort's famed theme parks and the wide array of other activities that Orlando has to offer. There should be something to appeal to every taste.
INVITED SPEAKERS
Opening Session: Patricia Yoder-Wise, EdD, RN, NEA-BC, ANEF, FAAN
The Opening Session for our 25th Annual Convention will provide inspiration and a look to the future. Dr. Patricia Yoder-Wise is recognized for her expertise in leadership and education. She is the current Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing and Nursing Forum. She is the author of the widely used textbook, Leading and Managing in Nursing. Dr. Yoder-Wise is co-chair of her state's Strategic Advisory Committee for implementation of recommendations from the Institute of Medicine (IOM) Future of Nursing report. In her many roles, one of the consistent themes is preparing for the future, a timely topic for all of nursing and especially for those whose practice focus is NPD.
Keynote Session: Angela McBride, PhD, RN, FAAN
Dr. McBride will speak to us on 21st Century Leadership: The Demand for Leadership. Dr. McBride is the Distinguished Professor-University Dean Emerita at Indiana University School of Nursing. As a member of the Indiana University Health Board, she chairs the Board's Committee on Quality and Patient Safety. Her book, The Growth and Development of Nurse Leaders, won the 2011 PROSE award in its category. Dr. McBride's recognized leadership expertise makes her an excellent choice to speak on this vital topic.
General Session: Dora Bradley, PhD, RN-BC
Dr. Bradley is nationally recognized for her work around NPD practices and evaluation. She led the workgroup that authored the 2010 Nursing Professional Development Scope and Standards of Practice (ANA & NNSDO). She has served NPD by serving on association boards, as a column editor for the Journal for Nurses in Professional Development, and as an ANCC Content Expert for NPD. Recently, Dr. Bradley received a grant, which is being used to develop innovative geriatric education materials. Her leadership and service to the specialty give her insight for her presentation, The Pioneer Spirit-Charting New Paths.
Closing Session: Donna Wright, MS, RN
With the directive to "Go Boldly Where No One Has Gone Before," Donna Wright will bring closure to the convention. Donna's influence in the world of NPD is profound. Her book, The Ultimate Guide to Competency Assessment in Healthcare, has become the standard for educators and human resources departments in establishing systems and processes for identifying, assessing, and documenting competency. Ms. Wright's expertise and irreverent wit will undoubtedly provide inspiration for attendees as they go forth to face their future challenges.
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
Hundreds of abstract submissions from aspiring presenters were reviewed by the Content Planning Committee before selecting 65 concurrent sessions to best meet the needs of NPD practitioners. In addition, the ANPD Board of Directors has invited a panel of speakers to present a "hot topic"-The QSEN Initiative: Moving From Academia to Clinical Practice. Each of the concurrent sessions has been assigned to one of the following tracks.
Nursing Professional Development
This track includes sessions focused on ensuring safe and effective patient care and ongoing professional development of nurses. NPD standards of practice are incorporated: assessment, identification of issues and trends, outcomes identification, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Career Development and Mentoring
This track supports lifelong learning through precepting, coaching, role modeling, advising, and/or mentoring nurses as they execute a professional development plan to facilitate professional goal attainment.
Evidence-Based Practice and Nursing Research
Sessions in this track spotlight innovative practices in NPD. Sessions that fall under the Evidence-Based Practice and Nursing Research track cover research processes, dissemination of new knowledge, and translation of best evidence into nursing practice.
Leadership
These sessions focus on influencing and leading change/excellence initiatives, advocating for NPD, and supporting a healthy, meaningful work environment.
Technology/Informatics/Simulation
This track includes sessions that highlight the use of technologies to advance professional development and nursing practice.
Professional Development Partnerships
This track focuses on collaboration with academia and/or community agencies to advance curricula to meet the needs of the nursing profession and healthcare organizations.
PRECONVENTION
Even before the convention starts, a myriad of opportunities are available to jump-start learning. Preconvention programming requires a separate registration and fee. A 2-day NPD Certification Preparation Course is offered to prepare participants for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) examination. Twelve half-day preconvention workshops offer in-depth opportunities to learn from nationally recognized experts on important topics in NPD. Full details are available at http://www.anpd.org.
POSTERS
In addition to the general and concurrent podium sessions, Poster Sessions are an ANPD tradition. This year's convention includes 72 posters that highlight the work of presenters in their own practice environments. The posters are categorized into the same tracks as the concurrent podium sessions. Poster presenters will be present to discuss their work with convention attendees at scheduled time. What a fabulous opportunity to learn from each other, to network, and to spark innovative ideas to take away from convention!
EXHIBIT HALL
Another opportunity to generate new ideas and creative problem solving is to visit the Exhibit Hall during convention. A variety of vendors and sponsors will be present and ready to share their products and services, which are of specific interest to nurses in professional development. These experts in the industry are a great resource for questions and present yet another networking opportunity.
HOTEL INFORMATION
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort is holding rooms for ANPD Convention attendees. A special room rate of $145 for single/double occupancy is available till June 13, 2014, or until the room block is filled-so make your travel plans early to ensure a reservation at the convention hotel. Guests of the Coronado Springs Resort are eligible for discounted tickets to Walt Disney World Resort theme parks. Additional information is available at http://www.anpd.org.
NEW THIS YEAR
This year, a free orientation webinar is available to convention attendees. The webinar, which will be released in June, contains vital information about how to get the most out of the convention experience. Watch for announcements about the webinar via e-mail and in Trendlines, the ANPD newsletter.
Also new this year, a Speed Networking session is planned for just prior to the opening session. The ANPD Board of Directors will be present to meet and greet attendees. Bring your business cards and see how many new connections you can make during this fun, invigorating activity.
While the Star Search session continues this year, new criteria have been added to the selection process and audience voting will provide input into selection of the winner. In addition, a door prize will be awarded to one lucky attendee!
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Full 2014 ANPD Convention program details, registration, and travel information is available at http://www.anpd.org. This year's convention has promise to be a great event that you won't want to miss. See you in Orlando!