Emergency Nursing 2023 is finally upon us. For the next three days, thousands of emergency nurses from around the world will get the chance to level up. The conference is the place to be to enhance their clinical and leadership skills, catch up with old friends, meet new ones, and celebrate the remarkable emergency nursing community.
“In addition to the variety of educational offerings, the networking opportunities are what brings me back to EN every year,” said Emergency Nursing Conference Education Planning Committee Co-Chair Brett Pickens, DNP, RN, CEN, CPEN, CNE. “Through ENA, I have developed relationships that are invaluable to me personally and professionally.”
“Worldwide nursing has changed so much in the last few years, and I think we could all use some time to connect, learn and celebrate our profession,” said Emergency Nursing Conference Education Planning Committee Co-Chair Kat Hammond, DNP, FNP-C, APRN, CEN. “EN allows nurses from all over the globe to learn the latest and greatest information and make new connections and friends.”
As ENA’s premier educational and networking event kicks off in sunny San Diego, Hammond and Pickens share their insights and tips to maximize the extraordinary opportunities Emergency Nursing 2023 offers.
What advice do you have for attendees to make the most of their time at Emergency Nursing 2023?
Pickens: I would recommend attendees to get involved. In addition to the education, there are events for entertainment and networking. I always encourage attendees to get out of their comfort zone. ENA members love making new friends.
Hammond: Because there are more than 100 educational sessions and plenty of social and networking events, attendees should plan their days ahead of time so they know which presentations and activities they are going to and where they are located. I would also recommend using the ENA Events app to find the rooms — the conference center is large.
What are you looking forward to the most at the conference?
Pickens: I’m looking forward to connecting with friends and networking to create new friendships in the association. I am also excited to see the new formatting for the Closing Session with stand-up comedians Liz Glazer and Nancy Norton. The format differs from previous years, but we hope to lighten the mood for emergency nurses who have worked so hard throughout the pandemic. Kat and I have charged the closing presenters to inspire us as we return to our roles.
Hammond: I am looking forward to our networking opportunities, such as the new Attendee Meet and Greet, APRN Meet and Greet, Military Meet and Greet, and the Welcome Party. I am also excited about our less traditional learning opportunities, such as the Legal Bootcamp session and the Edutainment event, which is an interactive dinner theater-style program that follows a patient through his journey in a busy ED.
What should attendees know about this year’s programming?
Pickens: The committee worked so hard to pick an array of content that would appeal to a diverse audience. There are some first-time speakers this year, which always excites me as an education planning committee member. It is always such a joy to feel the nervous excitement a first-time speaker has during the mentoring process and to have the opportunity to be in the room during their first presentation.
Hammond: The committee took the feedback from last year’s conference and tried to ensure we had the topics people wanted more of. We also tried to have a variety of topics during each time slot so there is something for everyone to enjoy.
What are your top three pieces of advice for conference attendees?
Pickens: Take the day off of work after you return home so you can rest. Wear comfortable shoes. And, if you see Kat or me, say hi to us.
Hammond: Wear comfortable shoes. Go to the Welcome Party. And take notes about things you learn that you can take back to your places of employment.