It’s been a while since I posted. I’ve been a little distracted. Of the many things that have distracted me, I would like to share with you that I have changed my name. I recently married the most wonderful man and we are getting to really know each other.
However, there are some things that do not change. My attendance at this annual conference is one of them. I recently returned home from an incredible conference. It was a conference for nurses in business and nurses exploring their business options. The National Nurses in Business Association started thirty-five years ago according to the organization’s president, Michelle Podlesni. The speakers at this year’s conference were outstanding. The content was timely, inspiring, and encouraging. Now imagine 300 nurses from across the united States and from many areas of practice in one place. There were nurses from all educational levels from basic associate degree/diplomas to doctoral-prepared registered nurses seeking to learn about the possibilities for their future.
The energy that was present was electrifying. Everyone was excited to share their experiences. Nurses who had been attending over the years openly shared with the new/first-time attendees what influenced their decision to branch out from the traditional roles we’ve been socialized to pursue. These conversations took place from the speakers platform to the coffee center, to the nurses in the seats. Breaks and mealtime found strangers quickly breaking down the barriers a becoming a community of like-minded individuals.
In addition to the speakers, there were a number of exhibitors, many were nurses selling and promoting their products. This demonstrated that this conference went beyond theory and possibilities, but the evidence was before our eyes. Exhibits ranged from nurses providing consultation services, legal services and education topics related to clinical roles, housing, aesthetic services, how to grow your business and how to start a business. There were even workshops on online businesses.
If you’ve ever thought about starting your own business but did not know where to start, this is the group for you. I go every year because I am always looking for new ideas or ways to improve what I am doing. I always come away having my goals met and exceeded. I feel energized, encouraged, and inspired to continue on this journey. I invite you to explore this organization and to plan to attend next year’s event if you see change and business ownership or entrepreneurship as a possibility in your life.