San Diego Encore Yields Another CANP Conference to Remember
Education, inspiration and a prevailing sense of community were all in ample supply as more than 600 nurse practitioners and other health care professionals convened March 14-17 in San Diego for CANP’s 42nd Annual Educational Conference, supported by Nurses Service Organization (NSO).
With a program featuring more than 100 in-track sessions, workshops, poster presentations and symposiums, the four-day event presented the opportunity to learn from some of the leading figures in the industry. The conference was approved for 23.95 contact hour(s) of continuing education (which includes 18.08 hours of pharmacology) by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
In addition to the numerous and diverse educational opportunities, attendees took advantage of the chance to hear about the organization’s latest legislative advocacy priorities, network with peers, and bask in the scenic splendor of San Diego Bay.
Keynote Speaker Dr. Penny Kaye Jensen set an early tone for the gathering during the opening general session with her account of triumphs and travails she encountered while playing an integral role in the adoption of NP full practice authority by the U.S. Veterans Administration. CANP Legislative Advocate Kristy Wiese addressed California’s own full practice authority pursuit during her Friday Legislative Update session, providing the latest insight regarding Assembly Bill 890, which would remove NP practice barriers in California.
During both sessions, attendees got a sneak preview of a new CANP-produced video promoting nurse practitioners as the solution to the looming shortage of primary care providers, and urging support for AB 890.
In a conference tradition with a new twist, Kristin Rhodes was named the recipient of CANP’s 2019 Nurse Practitioner of Distinction Award. Beginning this year, the NP of Distinction and Bridging Health Care Needs awards will be presented in alternating years.
While professional development is the foundation of the conference, the social calendar is always a highlight. This year’s version bolstered that tradition with the annual Friday Night Event taking place at Punch Bowl Social, a multi-attraction entertainment venue. Friday night revelers were treated to food and drinks, along with bowling, arcade games, karaoke and a host of other activities.
Following two years in San Diego, CANP’s premier annual event moves inland for 2020. Mark your calendars for the 43rd Annual Educational Conference, taking place March 18-22, 2020 in Riverside.