7 Continuing Education Conferences for Emergency Nurse Practitioners
When I started working in the emergency department 5 years ago, I felt a little lost. Nurse practitioners working in the ED have to be a sort of jack of all trades. We do a little bit of cardiology, OB/GYN, gastroenterology, dermatology, and some psychiatry to name a few specialty areas. Treating patients of all kinds means there’s always room for learning. This is one of the things I love most about working in the emergency department.
If you work in the ED, are an aspiring NP, or are simply a nurse practitioner looking to brush up your emergency medical education, here are a few upcoming conferences targeted to your interests.
1. ACEP Scientific Assembly: Boston, MA
Last year I attended the American College of Emergency Physicians’ annual conference and was impressed with the event. It was energizing to spend time with thousands of other medical providers working in my specialty. Courses were right on point and directly applied to my practice. While the conference is marketed primarily to physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants are welcome to attend. This year’s ACEP 2015 conference takes place in Boston, MA October 26-19, 2015.
2. Original Emergency Medicine Boot Camp: Las Vegas, NV
While I haven’t attended an emergency medicine boot camp myself, I hear great things from other nurse practitioners who have attended the conference. Designed to help NPs, PAs, and MD’s brush up their urgent care and ED skills, the conference covers topics like electrolyte disorders and cardiac dysrhythmias. Register by August 12th to save $50 on tuition for EM Boot Camp’s upcoming conference in Las Vegas September 23-26, 2015.
3. Urban Emergency Medicine: San Francisco, CA
Emergency departments situated in cities have their own set of unique challenges. This conference hosted by Symposia Medicus discusses everything from sepsis and atrial fibrillation to treatment of domestic violence and sexual assault. Hands-on breakout sessions also teach nurse practitioners skills like bedside ultrasound and airway management. This year’s Urban Emergency Medicine conference will be held in San Francisco from August 6-8. Side trip to Napa, anyone?
4. Mass Casualty and Disaster Management: Alaska
If you’re looking to complete your emergency continuing education seaside, this conference is for you. Learn more about mass casualty incidents and their appropriate medical management on this 7-night Alaskan cruise. Having attended an onboard conference previously, I can attest that a cruise offers the perfect mix of entertainment, education, and relaxation.
5. Emergency Medicine Update: Denver, Colorado
Featuring 300 days of sunshine, a thriving cultural scene, and unmatched outdoor beauty, Denver provides an amazing backdrop for your continuing education conference. Northwest Seminar’s August 24-27, 2015 Emergency Medicine Update gives a well-rounded overview of emergency medicine topics from syncope and head injuries to oncology in the ER and radiographic findings not to miss.
6. Casting and Splinting: Chicago, IL
If your emergency department skills could use a more targeted brush up, the National Procedures Institute offers a variety of conferences geared toward teaching specific procedures. For example, this casting and splinting conference hosted in Chicago August 26-29, 2015. Master the anatomy and function of the body’s joints as well as their appropriate splinting and casting techniques. NPI also offers courses in pain management, ultrasound, and suturing to name a few.
7. The Emergency Ultrasound Course: Vienna, Austria
Ultrasound is the hottest new thing in emergency medicine. Many nurse practitioners don’t learn this important technique during their NP education, so this course aims to fill the gap. The introductory ultrasound course takes providers through the basis from turning on the ultrasound machine to the specifics required for identifying medical conditions like DVT. If you aren’t up for a European getaway, the course is also offered stateside in various locations throughout the year.
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