2004 NACNS National Conference

Abstract

This year's annual NACNS conference was held in San Antonio, Tex, from March 11 to 13, 2004. Over 300 clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) attended along with graduate faculty from CNS programs, nurse administrators, and nurse researchers. The theme of the conference, Renaissance in CNS Practice: Transforming Nursing in the 21st Century, was the vehicle for showcasing the way that CNSs reinvigorate, refine, and introduce innovation in their specialty practices. Four preconference sessions were held. One session focused on reimbursement; another addressed best practices and evidence-based care of older adults. A 2-part educational summit for CNS educators focused on curriculum design, teaching strategies, and indicators of quality in the curriculum that link to the NACNS standards for program review and excellence. The conference began with a keynote presentation that reviewed nearly 50 years of nursing research of relevance to CNS practice; the closing keynote speaker focused on how knowledge is transformed into evidence for use in CNS practice. A panel presented current work on nursing language, communicating nursing practice, and the electronic record. A total of 77 abstracts for podium and poster presentations were submitted; 74 were selected; 4 graduate student posters were also selected. Populations of CNS practice represented in the abstracts were children (13%), hospitalized patients (65%), critically ill patients (15%), and communities (5%). The abstracts addressed the 3 spheres of CNS practice with a strong emphasis on clinical practice improvements. A number of the abstracts described credentialing and other processes uniquely designed to reduce barriers to CNS practice. Collectively, these abstracts reflect the breadth, depth, and richness of CNS practice. You may want to contact individual presenters to network, collaborate, consult, or share your own ideas about these topics. We hope you will consider submitting an abstract (if you haven't already) for our next conference in Orlando, Fla, March 10–13, 2005.