WHAT ’ S HAPPENING in Local Chapters and State Associations
By Valerie Ross , 2023-2024 Imprint Happenings Reporter
Utah Student Nurses ’ Association 2024 Annual Conference : “ Self-Advocacy : Beyond the Bedside ”
The Utah Student Nurses ’ Association hosted its 2024 annual conference on February 10 , 2024 , at the Salt Lake Community College in Salt Lake City , Utah . The theme of the conference was Self-Advocacy : Beyond the Bedside . The keynote speaker , Kelly Ayala , DNP , APRN , BSN presented on the topic of self-advocacy in nursing , how it is important for nurses to recognize their value within their given roles so they may be fully self-aware and be empowered to be change makers which will lead to improved satisfaction and better care and health outcomes for their patients . Dr . Ayala is a primary care practitioner , co-founder , and innovator who has worked to develop paths for herself and her patients in the areas of advocacy , self-advocacy , and equity , ensuring that all her patients know how to receive care and advocate for themselves . The objective of this model is the quality improvements toward sustained health improvement . The conference hosted multiple speakers and various dynamic breakout sessions educating on NCLEX preparation , oncology nursing , ER nursing , PICU nursing , labor and delivery nursing , humanitarian nursing , self-care strategies , and tips for job interviews and was highly informative . The conference also held various service and educational projects during which they were educated on the Be the Match bone marrow registry and put together kits for the homeless within their communities . The conference was well attended with over 150 attendees from across the state of Utah , and not only were students able to leave the conference with a new perspective , but they were also able to network with other nurses and nursing students . The Utah Student Nurses ’ Association was excited about this opportunity to host this conference and looks forward to many more exciting educational opportunities for nursing students !
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