Conferences: Not Just another Module

Let's jump right into it: Attending conferences can be a transformative experience, and one of the best opportunities for both personal and professional growth opportunities!

POV: You're a new nurse attending your first conference: NICU nurse Gabriel at NANN✨

In September 2023 I took a road trip to Anaheim, CA from Las Vegas, NV. As I drove through the desert on I-15 blaring Beyoncé, I was not sure what to expect at my first conference. My first conference was the 2023 National Association of Neonatal Nurses Annual Conference. I knew the leadership team fairly well after traveling to United Arab Emirates with some of them, but a conference? I had no expectations.

This conference was life changing to say the least. It had always been a dream of mine to present at a conference, but I never thought it would be my first one! The sessions were not “over my head” as a nurse with 1.5 years of experience. In fact, they were rather engaging; not just someone up there clicking through a PowerPoint. Besides the presentations, most conferences have exhibition halls. You can meet vendors for products found in your NICU, or maybe vendors for products you WISH were in your NICU. Not all tables are sales pitches. Some offer resources for professional development, such as the National Certification Corporation.

Networking was by far my favorite part of my first conference experience. In fact, I met the former manager of my current unit there, who told me I should apply. A year later here I am typing this, I am between cares at that same facility. It is also to see the many individuals who have made a national difference in neonatal care in a more casual setting after sessions. NANN even has “NANN after Dark,” a dance party for conference attendees!

NANN is not the only association to hold a conference. ANN, AWHONN, NeoHeart, and Audrey Harris Vision, are just a few of the many who hold annual conferences. Many smaller organizations may hold regional conferences as well!

No matter your license, you must earn contact hours or CEUs to maintain. You can either sit at a computer and earn them or make a trip of it! Check with your healthcare facility as well. Some offer stipends to help cover the cost of the conference, and some even offer a form of “professional time off” so you don’t have to use your precious PTO to attend a conference!

Hope to see you at a conference soon!

Xoxo Gabriel Hutson, MN, RN, RNC-NIC, C-ELBW, C-NNIC

Nurse Tori's Conference Insights & Experience

My initial foray into the world of conferences was at the NANN conference in Nashville. I went with my best friend, and we managed to squeeze in a visit to the Grand Ole Opry—talk about a memorable first experience! Little did I know then that this trip would ignite my passion for attending conferences and shape my career in ways I hadn't anticipated.

The NANN conference was an eye-opener. It wasn't just about the sessions and workshops—it was about the networking opportunities, the chance to learn from others, and the excitement of being in a place where innovation and expertise collided. That experience set me on a path that led me to truly value the importance of conferences in both personal and professional growth.

Fast forward to today, and I’ve had the privilege of presenting at the Audrey Harris Neonatal Conference and being a contributing panel speaker at the NeoHeart conference. The NeoHeart conference is a hub for learning, growth, and networking, with a focus on congenital heart disease (#CHD) and improving outcomes for premature patients. It brings together a diverse array of professionals from around the globe—surgeons, cardiologists, neonatologists, nurses, and many more. The wealth of knowledge and perspectives shared at NeoHeart is unparalleled, and it's a fantastic platform for discussing the latest evidence-based research and even some spicy opinions.

Last year, I had the honor of speaking at the NANN conference again, this time alongside Dr. Prem Port. We presented on the evolving world of healthcare and social media. We focused on the positive strides we've made over the past decade and the crucial role that healthcare professionals play in social media. It was a rewarding experience to share insights and engage in meaningful discussions with fellow professionals.

For those of you newer to the field or looking to make a mark in your specialty, here are my top 5 reasons to take the plunge and attend a conference:

Networking: Conferences are a goldmine for meeting people who share your interests and passions. You never know who you might connect with—potential mentors, collaborators, or even future employers. Building these relationships can open doors to new opportunities and insights.

Exposure to Innovation: Conferences often showcase the latest technologies and innovations. It’s an excellent chance to learn about new devices, methods, and trends that you might be able to bring back to your unit or practice. Staying ahead of the curve is crucial in our ever-evolving field.

Learning Opportunities: Whether it's through formal presentations, panel discussions, or informal conversations, conferences offer a wealth of knowledge. You get to hear from experts and peers about advancements in the field, best practices, and emerging research.

Fun and Travel: Conferences can also be a lot of fun. They often take place in exciting locations, giving you the chance to explore new cities and unwind with colleagues. For instance, my Nashville trip wasn’t just about the conference; it was also about enjoying the vibrant culture and making memories with my friend.

Showcasing Your Work: If you’re working on something innovative or noteworthy, conferences provide a platform to present your work. Submitting an abstract and presenting your research can be incredibly rewarding and can help establish you as a thought leader in your field.

Attending conferences is more than just a professional obligation—it's a powerful tool for growth, learning, and networking. Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned expert, conferences offer invaluable experiences that can enhance your career and enrich your professional journey. So, pack your bags, bring a colleague if you can, and dive into the world of conferences—you won’t regret it!

Interested in learning more and attending a conference? We've compiled a list of all the best ones happening this year on our resource page HERE!