Board Update
Gail Bagwell, DNP APRN CNS
NANN President
After a long winter, warmer weather is finally here, and summer is just around the corner! The warm weather, longer days, and increase in sunshine lets us have some freedom from our masks and feels good to all of us, especially those of us who live where winters can be difficult. I hope you’re enjoying all the beauty this season has to offer and getting in a good dose of self-care time that you deserve; you’ve all been working hard during this long pandemic!
At NANN, we’ve been working hard as well, pulling together our final plans related to our 37th Annual Conference this fall. As you’ve likely heard from other NANN communications, NANN’s meeting will be virtual again this year. This was a difficult decision that the Board of Directors had to make, because we were all looking forward to returning to a live conference this year in Denver just like our members were. However, COVID-19 regulations and recommendations at the federal, state, and local levels made it necessary to cancel the in-person portion of the conference. Hosting the conference virtually will allow all members and stakeholders to participate this year. That being said, we sure do look forward to hosting an in-person conference in Las Vegas in 2022!
For this fall’s conference, planned for September 13–15, 2021, expect the same wonderful virtual experience as last year, with even more opportunities to connect, learn, celebrate, and network with your neonatal nursing peers from all over the world. Once again, you’ll be able to join us live when you can and to watch other sessions as your schedule allows. Registered attendees can earn CE through February 1, 2022.
Throughout the year, the NANN E-News Board Update informs you about our latest achievements related to our strategic plan. This month, I’m excited to provide updates related to Community, one of our strategic pillars. Our connections with each other and the community we form is the lifeblood of the NANN organization and this is always an active strategic area of exciting work. One of the most exciting Community developments has been NANN Connections: our virtual events for all neonatal nurses. Through speakers, presentations, discussions, and time devoted to self-care, nurses and APRNs from all over gather to connect on topics that help them take better care of themselves and each other.
The next NANN Connections is right around the corner, this time with an important conversation circle about bullying in the NICU led by NANN’s Membership Committee. Be sure to join us to learn more about workplace bullying in our institutions and why it happens and to brainstorm how we can work together to mitigate and eradicate it. Register today for NANN Connections: Bullying in the NICU, scheduled for Thursday, June 3, at 6 pm CDT. Get details and register through the link in the Association News section of this edition of E-News. Spread the word to your nursing colleagues—all are welcome at this free event focused on creating meaningful connections in our community.
As the world continues to open up, the ways we connect will change as well, allowing us to plan community experiences where we gather together again. This includes exciting opportunities like in-person meetings and NANN delegations. We simply can’t wait to see you!
Until our next update, I wish you all the best. Take good care of yourself and be well!
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