Gaining Traction: The Conference Recap

By Laura Kincheloe, Ed.D., MSN, RN, NE-BC

Would you like to share photos or videos you took at last weekend’s conference? Send them over to editor@texasnurses.org or post them online using the hashtags #TXNurses2024 #GainingTraction! 

The Texas Nurses Association annual conference “Gaining Traction, Nurses Driving Change,” was held May 31 and June 1st in San Antonio, TX, where nurses from various backgrounds gathered for networking, learning, and robust discussions on the future of
nursing. The event featured esteemed keynote speakers and moderators Rebecca Love, Sarah DiGregorio, Kim Carpenter, Kellie Bryant and RaDonda Vaught. Each speaker delivered insightful presentations that underscored the vital role of nurses in healthcare
innovation, trust-building, advocacy, and combating discrimination. Additionally, several Texas nurses were chosen to share their innovative work via a poster or podium presentation after going through the abstract submission process.

Nurse Innovation: A Forgotten History that will Lead the Future of Nursing – Rebecca Love

Rebecca Love, MSN, BS, RN, FIEL, kicked off the conference with a compelling keynote on “Nurse Innovation: A Forgotten History that will Lead the Future of Nursing.” Love emphasized the often-overlooked history of nurses as natural innovators and urged
the audience to reignite this spirit. She highlighted the importance of supporting nurse-led innovation and called for all nurses to engage in ways to seek additional funding opportunities, such as by joining the Commission for Nurse Reimbursement.
Love passionately argued for recognizing nursing as a STEM field, underscoring the necessity for nurses to reclaim their power and challenge the status quo. Her message was clear: the future of healthcare depends on the innovative spirit of nurses.

The Neuroscience of Trust – Kim Carpenter

Kim Carpenter’s presentation, “The Neuroscience of Trust,” delved into the essential role of trust in nursing. Carpenter explained how trust is foundational to effective healthcare, emphasizing the need for nurses to trust each other to foster a collaborative
environment. She discussed the concept of the amygdala hijack, where fear can override rational thinking, and provided strategies for recognizing and mitigating this response. Carpenter urged nurses to identify and label their fears as constructs
rather than reality, promoting a more resilient and trusting healthcare community.

Nursing Makes Us Human: The Enduring Power of Nursing to Bend the World Toward Justice – Sarah DiGregorio

Sarah DiGregorio’s ” Nursing Makes Us Human: The Enduring Power of Nursing to Bend the World Toward Justice,” explored the profound impact of the nurse-patient relationship. DiGregorio highlighted the unique and critical nature of this bond, stressing
that nurses, with their deep understanding of their communities, are in a unique position to drive radical transformation in healthcare. She encouraged nurses to share their stories and experiences, underscoring that these narratives are powerful
tools for advocacy and change. DiGregorio’s presentation was a moving reminder of the humanity and justice inherent in the nursing profession.

Voices for Change: Overcoming Discrimination in Nursing – Kellie Bryant, DNP, WHNP, CHSE, FSSH, FAAN

The conference continued with Dr. Kellie Bryant’s impactful panel discussion, “Voices for Change: Overcoming Discrimination in Nursing.” Bryant addressed the pervasive issues of racism and bias in nursing, citing personal anecdotes and research. She explained
the various forms of microaggressions, including microinsults and micro assaults, and their detrimental effects on patient care. Bryant highlighted the importance of a diverse healthcare workforce to reflect the diversity of the patient population.
She provided practical steps for becoming health equity advocates and allies, urging organizations to implement strategies to address bias and racism. Bryant’s call to action resonated deeply, emphasizing the need for nurses to engage in social justice
issues beyond the bedside.

Navigating Tragedy: The Criminalization of Medical Errors – A Conversation with RaDonda Vaught

The conference ended with TNA’s CEO having a conversation with RaDonda Vaught, a former nurse, who discussed her personal experience with a medical error and its profound impact on her career. She emphasized the importance of vigilance in nursing processes
and raising awareness of systemic safety issues. Vaught highlighted the necessity of having legal representation, as nurses, despite being the most trusted professionals, can be unfairly blamed for systemic failures. Her presentation underscored the
need for nurses to support each other through difficult times and advocate for systemic reform to prevent future tragedies. While we may never intend to make an error, we must understand their consequences and where to go for resources if ever impacted
by such errors.

Concurrent Sessions

Poster presentations and concurrent podium presentations were offered during the conference to present innovative work, resulting in a remarkable showcase of talent and creativity. The conference featured 49 poster presentations and 16 podium presentations
during the concurrent sessions, highlighting a diverse array of groundbreaking research and practical innovations. These presentations featured the ingenuity and dedication of Texas nurses, fostering an environment of knowledge sharing and professional
growth that enriched the overall success of the event.

General Atmosphere

With over 400 attendees and 70 exhibitors, the atmosphere was electric with renewed enthusiasm and a palpable sense of camaraderie. Trust was rebuilt as nurses from diverse backgrounds and specialties connected over shared experiences and challenges.
The dynamic presentations and interactive sessions inspired many to become more actively involved in shaping the future of healthcare. Attendees were particularly excited about the new ideas on nurse innovation, with many eager to bring these concepts
back to their employers to foster a culture of creativity and progress within their own organizations.

The conference ignited a fresh excitement for the nursing profession, as participants left with a wealth of new tools, resources, and connections to support their professional development. The involvement of nursing students and early career nurses added an invigorating energy, as they brought fresh perspectives and a hunger for learning. This intergenerational exchange further enriched the conference experience, highlighting the enduring power and potential of the nursing community. Nurses departed feeling empowered and equipped to drive meaningful change in their practices and advocate for the recognition and support they deserve.

Conclusion

The 2024 annual conference was a resounding success, providing valuable insights and actionable strategies for the nursing community. Rebecca Love’s call for innovation, Kim Carpenter’s insights on trust, Sarah DiGregorio’s focus on the nurse-patient relationship, Dr. Kellie Bryant’s advocacy for overcoming discrimination, and RaDonda Vaught’s personal experience with medical errors, all contributed to a comprehensive understanding of the current and future landscape of nursing. The Texas Nurses Association successfully highlighted the indispensable role of nurses in driving change, advocating for justice, and innovating within the healthcare system. As the conference concluded, it was clear that the nurses in attendance were inspired and equipped to take meaningful action in their practices and communities.

Explore the hashtags #TXNurses2024 and #GainingTraction on your favorite social media platforms and see more from attendees!