Sharing my experience as a first-time attendee at the 2025 Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN) Convention in Austin, Texas, is both an honor and a joy.  Arriving in a new city and stepping into an environment with unfamiliar faces, I felt a blend of excitement and curiosity. Who would I meet?  What would I learn?  How would the experience inspire me? I am happy to report that the adventure met my expectations — and then some. What I anticipated to be a valuable learning opportunity became so much more: A chance to build genuine connections, engage in thought-provoking conversations, and walk away with a renewed sense of purpose.

Taking My Show on the Road

Selected as a poster presenter, I was already bursting with pride at the thought of contributing to the vast body of knowledge within medical-surgical nursing. Our topic, “‘WE CARED’: Leading Virtual Nurses to Optimize Safety and Experience,” had sparked a lot of conversation across our organization. Knowing the buzz around virtual nursing, I was interested to see how it shaped discussions about practice at the convention.

What I found was of great delight. Eager professionals yearning for more details about how the program was formed, its successes, and how to implement it at their institutions. In my mind, I had already done the work to prepare the poster; however, the true reward came as I spoke through my findings, hoping the impact could help others succeed in their settings.

As a poster presenter, it’s easy to focus solely on your own displayed work and overlook the opportunity to explore the other projects. One of the best decisions I made was to use some of my free time to walk through the presentation hall, taking in the wealth of valuable knowledge and creative ideas on display.  A particular highlight was conversing with my “poster neighbors,” learning about their own virtual nursing journeys and turning those encounters into lasting connections on LinkedIn.

Roping in New Adventures at the Rodeo

Put on your boots, let your hair down, and get ready to mingle! The AMSN Convention’s rodeo theme was a perfect nod to the live music and flavor only Austin could provide. Meeting fellow professionals in this intimate setting, enjoying food, conversation, and a general zest for all things medical-surgical nursing was quite the boost to gain momentum for events to come. If only I had my boots!  Next time, I’ll be sure to check my bag to leave room for such an essential part of the wardrobe.

One of my most memorable moments was having the honor of meeting the pioneers who created the Premier Recognition In the Specialty of Medical-Surgical (PRISM) award process. The PRISM Award is truly what defines an exemplary medical-surgical unit by spotlighting excellence in patient and care management, holistic patient care, elements of interprofessional care, professional concepts, and nursing teamwork and collaboration. Listening to how the idea came to light was incredible, and it was such a privilege to network with exceptional nurses who are carrying this journey forward for medical-surgical units across the nation and beyond.

From Stage to Practice: Lessons in Action

The AMSN Convention app made navigating the wide variety of sessions and events simple and seamless. From live chats and activities to exhibitor details, schedules, and session content, everything I needed was at my fingertips. Sticking to the theme, the Boot Scootin’ Scavenger Hunt was full of challenges, surprises, and awards along the way. The session, “Showcasing Your Scholarship: Writing for Publication,” was especially thought-provoking and influenced my future goal of submitting my work for the new AMSN journal, Advancing Medical-Surgical Nursing. Of course, the opening keynote encouraged the audience with the message that nursing spirit is still alive and well throughout the profession, hitting home that even the smallest of gestures can leave a profound impact on those who need it the most. The conference pinnacle was witnessing the legendary Dr. Bernadette Melnyk receive the 2025 AMSN Founders Award and lecture on evidence-based practice and well-being.

We laughed, we danced, and we certainly had our daily dose of Vitamin G! Gratitude creates an environment for joy to flourish, and joy undoubtedly resounded throughout the ballroom. The Town Hall finale served as a perfect conclusion to remind us that relational leadership is our true-north, one that we should keep front of mind and close to heart.

What Happens in Austin, Doesn’t Stay in Austin

Memories are made by sharing the sweetest moments, and the ones I carry from the 2025 AMSN Convention go far beyond what I learned — they’re about the amazing people I met. Fearless leaders paving the way for medical-surgical nursing, full of kindness, intellect, and genuine care. I felt seen, heard, and included. Those aren’t feelings you can fake — they come from true wisdom, and it’s wisdom I’m excited to pay forward!