Nurses to Gather in Florida for Pediatric Nursing National Conference

June 23-25, 2011 || Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin || Lake Buena Vista, FL
www.pedconference.net

PITMAN, NJ - Pediatric nurses are the frontline health care providers for children and adolescents, many of whom suffer from serious illnesses. Because the specialty calls for high-level critical thinking skills, nurses must constantly stay on top of the latest advances in care.

To help these nurses meet their education needs, Pediatric Nursing journal assembles the nation's top pediatric health care experts each year at its annual conference. This year, the meeting will be held June 23-25, 2011, in Lake Buena Vista, FL, and will cover topics that span the specialty.

The conference features three tracks: Evidence-Based Practice and Research, Leadership at the Point of Care, and Clinical Potpourri. Participants may focus on one track for targeted education in a specific area or mix and match tracks for a broader learning experience.

In addition to the education sessions, attendees will also network with their colleagues, enjoy special events, and view the latest pediatric health care products and services in the exhibit hall.

Full program information and registration details are available on Pediatric Nursing's official conference Web site, www.pedconference.net.

Pre-Conferences
Two pre-conference workshops are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, June 22 and 23. The Pediatric Nursing Certification Review Course, presented by Louise Jakubik, PhD, RN-BC, and Janice Selekman, DNSc, RN, NCSN, will span both days and will prepare nurses for the Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN®) exam and the Pediatric Nurse Examination (RN-BC). The course will offer practical tips for studying and test-taking. There will also be an in-depth pediatric nursing content review (13 contact hours; must attend both days).

On Thursday, June 23, Michael B. Grossman, DM, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, CNML, will present the pre-conference session, Sharpening Your Leadership Skills to Lead Effectively. He will discuss the many facets of effective leadership including visionary planning to fostering teamwork (6.5 contact hours).

Conference Program
Pamela Landwich, president of "Give Kids The World," a non-profit organization that offers joyful experiences to children facing life-threatening illnesses, will present the Opening Session, Give Kids the World - "Inspiring Hope Through Happiness," on Thursday, June 23. Landwich will describe the mission of her organization and how it has helped children and their families cope with severe illness.

On Friday, June 24, Dr. Selekman, who is an esteemed pediatric nursing leader and author, will deliver the conference Keynote Session, Bullying: It Isn't What It Used to Be. She will discuss how bullying has become an even more serious issue than in the past, the impact on both bully and target, and preventive measures to protect children.

Concurrent sessions will be held Friday and Saturday, June 24 and 25. Topics include:

• Tools to improve adolescent immunization rates
• Managing pediatric asthma
• Sharpening pediatric laboratory interpretation skills
• Building a mentoring culture in nursing
• Dealing with conflict in emotionally stressful environments
• Improving children's oral health
• The dangers of energy drinks for adolescents

On Saturday, Dr. Grossman will inspire attendees with his entertaining and dynamic address on Passion: Finding Work that You Can't Wait to Get to in the Morning. Dr. Grossman is a nationally-known consultant and career coach specializing in communication, leadership, and team building.

Special Events
The conference features several educational and career-enhancing activities, as well as interactive and social events. On Friday morning, participants can visit the exhibit hall for a Poster Session featuring the latest research and clinical innovations. Leading nurse experts will be on hand to answer participants' questions. Attendees may stop by the Pediatric Nursing booth for writing tips and to discuss article ideas with Pediatric Nursing Editorial Board members.

Registration
Complete registration information is available on the Pediatric Nursing official conference Web site, www.pedconference.net. For additional registration information or to request a brochure, contact Pediatric Nursing at East Holly Avenue, Box 56, Pitman, NJ, 08071-0056; or e-mail pnconference@ajj.com.

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Pediatric Nursing is a clinically-based journal focusing on the needs of professionals in pediatric practice, research, administration and education.