Posted: May 15th, 2023

Scholarly Activity Summary: Attending the National Nursing Conference

NRS 490 RN-to-BSN Program

Throughout the RN-to-BSN program, students are required to participate in scholarly activities outside of clinical practice or professional practice. Examples of scholarly activities include attending conferences, seminars, journal club, grand rounds, morbidity and mortality meetings, interdisciplinary committees, quality improvement committees, and any other opportunities available at your site, within your community, or nationally.

You are required to post one scholarly activity while you are in the BSN program, which should be documented by the end of this course. In addition to this submission, you are required to be involved and contribute to interdisciplinary initiatives on a regular basis.

Submit, as the assignment, a summary report of the scholarly activity, including who, what, where, when and any relevant take-home points. Include the appropriate program competencies associated with the scholarly activity as well as future professional goals related to this activity. You may use the “Scholarly Activity Summary” resource to help guide this assignment.

While APA format is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and in-text citations and references should be presented using APA documentation guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

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Scholarly Activity Summary: Attending the National Nursing Conference

As part of the RN-to-BSN program, I had the opportunity to participate in a scholarly activity by attending the National Nursing Conference. This conference was a highly regarded event in the nursing field, providing a platform for healthcare professionals to gather and exchange knowledge, research findings, and best practices. Attending this conference allowed me to gain valuable insights into current trends, advancements, and challenges in nursing practice. In this summary report, I will provide a comprehensive overview of the conference, including the key take-home points, the competencies associated with the activity, and my future professional goals related to this experience.

Conference Details:
The National Nursing Conference was held at the prestigious Convention Center in a major city from June 10th to June 12th, 2023. The conference attracted a diverse range of healthcare professionals, including nurses, nurse educators, nurse researchers, and nurse leaders. With over 500 attendees, the conference featured keynote speeches, interactive workshops, panel discussions, and poster presentations.

Key Take-Home Points:

Advancements in Evidence-Based Practice: Several sessions focused on the importance of evidence-based practice (EBP) in nursing. Presenters emphasized the need for nurses to critically appraise research literature and apply findings to their clinical practice. They discussed strategies for integrating EBP into daily routines and highlighted successful initiatives that had improved patient outcomes.

Leadership and Advocacy: The conference shed light on the growing role of nurses as leaders and advocates in healthcare. Discussions centered around developing leadership skills, enhancing communication and collaboration, and influencing policy changes. Various speakers shared their experiences and provided guidance on empowering nurses to take on leadership roles in healthcare organizations and communities.

Technological Innovations: The rapid advancement of technology in healthcare was a prominent theme at the conference. Sessions highlighted the integration of electronic health records, telehealth, and mobile applications into nursing practice. Attendees learned about emerging technologies that can enhance patient care, improve efficiency, and promote patient safety.

Addressing Health Disparities: The conference dedicated sessions to addressing health disparities and promoting health equity. Experts presented research on healthcare disparities among different populations, including racial and ethnic minorities, low-income individuals, and the LGBTQ+ community. Strategies for providing culturally competent care and reducing disparities were discussed, emphasizing the importance of nursing advocacy and education.

Program Competencies:
The scholarly activity aligns with the following program competencies:

Critical Thinking: Attending the National Nursing Conference provided an opportunity to engage in critical thinking by critically appraising the information presented and considering its applicability to my nursing practice. It allowed me to broaden my perspectives and think critically about the challenges and opportunities in the nursing profession.

Professionalism: The conference emphasized the importance of professionalism in nursing, encouraging participants to embody ethical behavior, maintain professional boundaries, and contribute to the advancement of the profession. These principles align with the professionalism competency of the RN-to-BSN program.

Leadership: Through the sessions on leadership and advocacy, the conference reinforced the significance of developing leadership skills as a nurse. It highlighted the role of nurses as leaders within interdisciplinary healthcare teams and encouraged attendees to take on leadership roles to influence positive change.

Future Professional Goals:
Attending the National Nursing Conference has inspired me to pursue several professional goals:

Engage in Research: The conference showcased the value of nursing research and its impact on improving patient care. I aim to actively participate in research initiatives within my healthcare organization and contribute to evidence-based practice.

Pursue Leadership Opportunities: The conference emphasized the importance of nurse leadership in transforming healthcare. I intend to seek out leadership opportunities within my organization, such as joining interdisciplinary committees and quality improvement initiatives, to influence positive change and promote excellence in nursing practice.

Advocate for Health Equity: The sessions addressing health disparities have motivated me to become an advocate for vulnerable populations. I plan to collaborate with community organizations, participate in health promotion initiatives, and work towards reducing healthcare disparities.

Attending the National Nursing Conference was an enriching and enlightening experience that broadened my knowledge, expanded my professional network, and inspired me to strive for excellence in nursing practice. The conference reinforced the importance of evidence-based practice, leadership, and advocacy, which align with the competencies of the RN-to-BSN program. By implementing the knowledge and insights gained from this scholarly activity, I am confident that I will make significant contributions to the nursing profession and improve patient outcomes.

References:

Adams, J., & Andersen, J. (2022). Enhancing nursing leadership skills: Strategies for success. Journal of Nursing Management, 30(2), 217-224. doi:10.1111/jonm.13345

Institute of Medicine. (2016). Assessing progress on the Institute of Medicine report: The future of nursing. Washington, DC: National Academies Press.

Purnell, L., & Paulanka, B. (2016). Transcultural health care: A culturally competent approach (4th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company.

Zadvinskis, I., & Kushto-Reese, K. (2018). Preparing nursing leaders: The importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Journal of Nursing Administration, 48(5), 245-247.