2024 Nursing Conference Grant Winning Essays

The questions for this year’s application cycle were as follows: 

1. Please describe how you will share what you learn at this conference with colleagues. 

2. How will you incorporate what you learn from this educational offering into your practice? 

3. How will this conference advance your long-term career goals (beyond the attainment of continuing education hour requirements)? 

 

Essays were lightly edited for grammar, flow, and readability.  

 

Maile Bradford

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Essay 1:  After attending the International Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Nurses (ISPAN) conference, I'm dedicated to sharing the valuable insights and knowledge gained with my colleagues. To accomplish this, I plan to organize informal lunch-and-learn sessions or educational workshops at our healthcare facility. These sessions will serve as a platform for me to present key findings from ISPAN, discuss emerging trends in aesthetic nursing, and facilitate interactive discussions where colleagues can engage and share their perspectives. Additionally, I will create comprehensive summary reports or presentations highlighting the most impactful workshops, seminars, and innovations encountered at the conference. These materials will be shared electronically with colleagues who couldn't attend ISPAN, ensuring that everyone in our team has access to the latest updates and insights in aesthetic nursing. Furthermore, I'll engage in one-on-one discussions with interested colleagues, offering personalized insights and recommendations tailored to their specific interests or areas of practice. By adapting the information to their needs, I aim to foster meaningful dialogue and encourage further exploration of the topics discussed at ISPAN. Overall, my objective is to cultivate a collaborative learning environment where knowledge sharing is encouraged and valued. By actively disseminating information from ISPAN to my colleagues, I'm confident that together, we can enhance our practice and provide even better care to our patients in the field of aesthetic nursing.

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Essay 2: Transitioning from oncology to aesthetics represents a deliberate pivot driven by a passion for innovation and a dedication to personalized care. With a solid foundation in nursing, including extensive experience in oncology care, I am poised to seamlessly integrate into the dynamic field of aesthetics. Attending the International Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Nurses (ISPAN) conference in person is a crucial step in this journey, offering me invaluable opportunities to immerse myself in the latest advancements and techniques shaping aesthetic nursing practice. By participating in ISPAN's workshops and seminars, led by industry leaders, I aim to expand my knowledge of non-surgical aesthetic procedures and refine my injection techniques. Leveraging my expertise in administering intravenous medications and fostering effective communication, I intend to develop tailored treatment plans that meet each patient's unique needs and aspirations. Moreover, I am eager to connect with fellow aesthetic nurses and industry professionals at ISPAN, fostering meaningful relationships and gaining insights that will support my transition into this new specialty. In essence, my attendance at ISPAN represents a strategic investment in my professional growth and development. Armed with a blend of experience, passion, and a commitment to excellence, I am confident that ISPAN will equip me with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to thrive as an aesthetic nurse.

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Essay 3: Participating in the International Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Nurses conference offers a pivotal opportunity to propel my long-term career goals beyond mere fulfillment of continuing education requirements. Tailored to my professional trajectory and ambitions, ISPAN promises to significantly enrich my expertise in aesthetic nursing, dovetailing seamlessly with my ongoing educational journey as I pursue my Nurse Practitioner degree at Chamberlain University and lay the groundwork for my envisioned medical spa venture. Attending ISPAN will deepen my understanding of cutting-edge advancements and refined techniques in aesthetic nursing, complementing the advanced clinical training I am currently undergoing. By immersing myself in the latest industry insights and best practices, I can refine my clinical acumen and equip myself with the proficiency needed to deliver holistic care to patients seeking aesthetic treatments. ISPAN serves as a nexus for networking, offering invaluable connections with industry luminaries, fellow nurses, and seasoned professionals. These interactions hold the potential to provide mentorship, guidance, and insights crucial for navigating my career trajectory toward becoming a Nurse Practitioner and, ultimately, realizing my entrepreneurial aspirations in the health, beauty, and wellness domain. By leveraging these connections, I can forge partnerships, seek collaborative opportunities, and access resources to propel me closer to my overarching career objectives. In essence, ISPAN represents a pivotal stepping stone in my professional journey, offering the knowledge, skills, and connections necessary to excel in aesthetic nursing, advance my career as a Nurse Practitioner, and materialize my entrepreneurial vision in the health, beauty, and wellness industry.

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