Don't Miss Great Opportunities!

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The 18^th annual national conference will be held in Tucson Arizona this September 3^rd to the 6^th. We will hear internationally known speakers such as Margo McCaffery, Chris Pasero and Debra Gordon. This year the presentations offered are labeled either basic or advanced to meet the various needs of the attendees. There will be a great variety of topics discussed. The Pain Management Certification examination will also be offered. Also don't forget the poster presentations. And of course the exhibitors will be there to give away goodies and food.

As is customary there are many sponsored events that involve FREE food! Breakfast symposia, lunches, and dinner symposia. We are fortunate to have a party which was graciously hosted by the family of Annabel Edwards.

The conference is a good way to connect with fellow pain management nurses. You can meet with editorial board members to ask questions, give feedback or make requests. Make certain to bring your business cards and address labels (for sweep stakes cards or book orders).

Find out about volunteer opportunities. Talk to people who are currently in office to learn about the responsibilities and of course the rewards. You can volunteer to introduce a speaker. Or ask Barb St. Marie is she needs any authors or reviewers for the new core curriculum.

Feel free to inquire about submitting to our journal Pain Management Nursing. The editorial board would be interested in a case study, book reviews, letters to the editor, guest editorials or apply to become an editorial board member. There are numerous ways to get involved.

Another opportunity is to volunteer for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). There are opportunities to serve on the Content Expert Panel. Or consider serving as an item writer. The ANCC holds item writing workshops so that you can write the questions at home.

Don't miss a good opportunity. You will get much more in return for a little time.