This article was originally published in the Q4 2023 issue of Med-Surg Nurse Life Magazine.
Jackpot! While some nurses left the 2023 AMSN Annual Convention in Las Vegas with some extra cash due to Lady Luck blessing those dice rolls, every attendee left with a golden nugget of nursing knowledge, a new nursing friend, or a renewed spark for the nursing profession. The convention was held Sept. 21–23 at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino and brought 966 medical-surgical nurses from across the country together under one roof for a few days of camaraderie, inspired learning, and time to recharge.
Highlights of the 2023 AMSN Annual Convention
The convention started with a standing-room-only orientation session as 598 first-time attendees learned how to maximize their convention experience. The AMSN Mobile Platform allowed attendees to participate in fun leaderboard activities, access the most updated convention information, and claim up to 15.75 credit hours.
Multiple sessions explored the topic and incorporation of virtual nursing into medical-surgical practice. Virtual nursing allows nurses to provide care remotely, leveraging technology to monitor patients, deliver education, and support and coordinate care. This innovative approach has the potential to improve access to healthcare — especially for individuals in remote or underserved areas — and paired well with the announcement of a soon-to-come MSNCB certification, the Certified Acute Virtual Registered Nurse (CAVRN).
Other clinical-focused sessions reinforced skill advancement in wound care, discussed ways to optimize peripheral lines, provided further understanding of chronic kidney disease, and tackled all we learned from the COVID pandemic.
A showstopper session addressing stress and burnout had the whole room erupting in giggles with an introduction to laughter yoga. It was infectious! Self-care, stress management, and strategies to prevent burnout are pivotal lessons for nurses to remember. By addressing this critical issue, AMSN aims to support nurses in maintaining their physical and mental well-being while providing exceptional care to their patients.
A master series on evidence-based practice gave the established nurse a primer on how to approach a problem, conduct a proper literature review, and create the framework for the investigative process. (While you are planning the next quality project, did you know that your AMSN membership gives you access to full-text articles through CINAHL Complete and MEDLINE for just $5 a year?)
The session on health policy and advocacy shined a light on how to weigh in on issues important to the nursing profession at the local and federal levels. It is easier than you might imagine! It brought awareness to how powerful the voice of the nurse — the most trusted profession — is in advancing the needs of our industry. The session addressed how AMSN has provided testimony and public comments to shape the future of nursing and ensure the profession can meet the anticipated demands in healthcare. It underscored the actions AMSN takes toward creating a healthier and more sustainable nursing profession.
Eyes opened during the somber panel discussion about nurses caught diverting drugs. The session included the legal perspective from a nurse attorney. Hearing that 1 in 10 nurses will divert drugs at some point in their career was a sobering statistic. The audience was left with important reminders and a raised awareness of practices that could call credibility into question.
In a more casual learning environment, over 80 nurses had the opportunity to present the projects they worked on to convention attendees. A variety of topics were represented and generated a constant buzz of discussion during poster viewing sessions. Best practices were shared, “a-ha” moments felt, and perhaps the next podium presentation was born.
Time for Fun
In addition to the varied educational sessions delivered by dynamic thought leaders and colleagues in the nursing profession, there was time for other activities. The exhibit hall hosted over 40 vendors showcasing and demonstrating their products or services. Representatives from prospective employers and educational institutions rounded out the offerings, and of course, there was swag! The AMSN on-site store was the place to pick up a T-shirt, tumbler, or the newly released sixth edition of Core Curriculum for Medical-Surgical Nursing.
The opening reception and lunch breaks gave ample opportunity for networking and meeting new friends. After daily sessions, attendees and their new friends tried their luck at the hotel’s casino, took the monorail to the Strip for dinner and entertainment, and some (me included) danced to the Copacabana along with Barry Manilow at his concert at the Westgate!
Final Thoughts
The 2023 AMSN Annual Convention was a resounding success, providing nurses with a wealth of knowledge,inspiration, and connections. Overall, the convention provided nurses with a platform to learn, grow, and be celebrated for their invaluable contributions to the healthcare industry. As we conclude our coverage of the 2023 AMSN Annual Convention, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the nurses who attended and continue to make a difference in the lives of their patients. We hope you will join us next year, Sept. 12–14, in Toronto. Get those passports ready!