2025 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.  

 

Virgie Roy

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Essay 1:  After attending the conference, I plan to share the valuable insights and learnings with my colleagues in several impactful ways. First, I will organize a dedicated presentation session during our team meetings, where I can highlight key takeaways related to best practices in post-anesthesia care. This will provide a platform for discussion and allow my peers to ask questions and engage with the material. Additionally, I will create a summary handout that outlines the most relevant information, including evidence-based practices and innovative techniques that can be easily referenced. To foster a culture of continuous learning, I will initiate a monthly journal club where we can delve deeper into specific topics covered at the conference. This will encourage ongoing dialogue and collaboration among our team. Furthermore, I will utilize our internal communication channels, such as newsletters or bulletin boards, to share insights and resources with the wider nursing staff. By inviting colleagues to share their own experiences and perspectives, I hope to create a collaborative environment that values shared knowledge. I also plan to mentor newer nurses, incorporating the conference learnings into our training sessions to ensure that best practices are instilled from the start. Ultimately, my goal is to ensure that the knowledge gained from the conference not only enhances my practice but also elevates the entire team?s approach to patient care in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). This collaborative effort will ultimately lead to improved patient outcomes and a stronger nursing community.

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Essay 2: Attending the conference as a PACU nurse and a Daisy Awardee will provide me with invaluable insights that I intend to incorporate into my practice. First, I will focus on the evidence-based practices discussed during the sessions, particularly those related to pain management and patient recovery. By integrating these strategies, I can enhance the quality of care I provide to my patients in the post-anesthesia care unit. Additionally, I plan to engage in collaborative discussions with my colleagues to share knowledge and foster a culture of continuous improvement. The networking opportunities at the conference will allow me to connect with other professionals who share similar challenges and successes, enabling us to learn from each other?s experiences. Furthermore, the emphasis on holistic patient care will inspire me to advocate for personalized recovery plans that address both physical and emotional needs. I will also explore innovative technologies presented at the conference to streamline our processes and improve patient outcomes. By participating in workshops, I hope to gain practical skills that I can immediately apply in my daily routine. Ultimately, my goal is to leverage the knowledge gained from the conference to elevate the standard of care in my unit and contribute positively to the nursing profession. This scholarship will not only support my attendance but also empower me to implement these learnings effectively for the benefit of my patients and the healthcare team.

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Essay 3: This specific conference will significantly support my professional goals as a PACU nurse and a Daisy Awardee by providing a platform for learning and growth tailored to my field. First, the conference features expert speakers who will share cutting-edge research and best practices in post-anesthesia care, which directly aligns with my goal of enhancing my clinical skills. By attending these sessions, I will gain valuable insights into innovative pain management techniques and recovery protocols that I can implement in my practice. Additionally, the networking opportunities available will allow me to connect with other dedicated nurses and healthcare professionals, fostering relationships that can lead to collaborative initiatives in the future. The workshops offered at the conference will equip me with practical skills and tools that I can immediately apply in my role, enhancing both my competence and confidence. Furthermore, the emphasis on holistic patient care at the conference will inspire me to advocate for comprehensive recovery plans that address the emotional and psychological needs of patients. Engaging with fellow Daisy Awardees will provide me with motivation and encouragement, reinforcing my commitment to excellence in nursing. The resources and materials shared during the conference will serve as a valuable reference as I strive to implement new strategies in my practice. Overall, this conference is a crucial step toward achieving my goals of improving patient outcomes and becoming a more effective leader in my nursing community. By attending, I will be better equipped to make a meaningful impact in the PACU and beyond.

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