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.  

 

Kim Apurado

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Essay 1:  Sharing the learnings from the National Teaching Institute (NTI) with my colleagues is crucial for fostering a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing within the ICU. Here's how I would go about sharing this valuable information:

 

1. Organize a Post-Conference Debriefing Session Plan a Formal Presentation: I would organize a formal debriefing session for my colleagues to go over the key topics and findings from NTI. I would create a PowerPoint presentation or a handout summarizing the most important takeaways, such as evidence-based practices, new technology, or updates in critical care management. This session would be interactive, encouraging colleagues to ask questions and discuss how these findings could be applied in our unit. Focus on Relevance: I would highlight the aspects of the conference that are most relevant to our current ICU practice, such as the latest research on patient safety, sepsis management, or ventilator care protocols. This would ensure that the information shared is practical and immediately applicable to our patient care.

 

2. Share Evidence-Based Guidelines and Resources Distribute Conference Materials: If the NTI provided any evidence-based guidelines, articles, or resources, I would distribute them to my colleagues for further reading. This could be in the form of printed handouts, emailed articles, or links to online resources. Create Quick Reference Guides: I would create concise, easy-to-follow reference sheets or posters summarizing key points from the conference, such as updated clinical protocols or safety checklists, and post them in common areas of the ICU for easy access by the entire team.

 

3. Implement "Lunch and Learn" Sessions Casual Knowledge Sharing: I would set up informal "Lunch and Learn" sessions where we can meet during breaks and discuss specific topics from the conference. This relaxed environment encourages open discussion, and we could go over complex concepts in critical care that were presented at NTI. Encourage Peer Presentations: I could also invite colleagues who attended the NTI with me to share their own key takeaways. This peer-led approach can enhance learning and encourage collaboration among staff.

 

4. One-on-One or Small Group Discussions Targeted Sharing: I would approach specific colleagues or teams who may benefit most from particular NTI sessions, such as new technologies or advanced care techniques. These smaller discussions would allow for more in-depth conversations and provide tailored advice based on the individual or team's needs. Mentoring New Nurses: If I have newer or less experienced nurses on my team, I would use what I learned at NTI to provide mentorship and guidance in areas where they may feel less confident, such as managing critical patients or using advanced ICU equipment.

 

5. Collaborative Learning Through Case Studies Present Relevant Cases: I would work with my colleagues to review patient cases we?ve encountered in the ICU and apply the new knowledge from NTI to those situations. For example, if NTI emphasized a new approach to managing ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome), I would lead a discussion about how we can implement those practices in our current patient care strategies. Simulations or Role Play: For more hands-on practices or new equipment introduced at NTI, I would suggest organizing mock simulations or role-playing exercises. This allows us to practice these skills in a controlled, supportive environment before applying them in real-life patient care.

 

6. Create an Informal Knowledge Sharing Platform Shared Digital Platform: I would set up an informal platform (e.g., a group chat, email thread, or shared document) where we could exchange ideas, resources, and ongoing questions related to NTI content. This would allow ongoing conversations and provide a space for team members to ask questions and share successes or challenges as they apply the new learnings in practice. Post-Conference Follow-Up: I would encourage colleagues to provide feedback on how they?ve integrated what they?ve learned from NTI into their practice. This could include sharing patient care improvements, identifying any challenges, and discussing solutions in team meetings.

 

7. Incorporate Learnings Into Staff Education Sessions Develop Continuing Education Sessions: Using the knowledge gained from NTI, I would collaborate with the nursing leadership to develop continuing education sessions for the unit. For example, if NTI highlighted the importance of early mobility in ICU patients, I could help create a workshop that trains staff on how to safely implement mobility protocols for critically ill patients. Integrate into Unit Rounds: I would incorporate the key learnings into daily ICU rounds, where I could share specific points with the team as we discuss patients? care plans. This would be a more natural, integrated way to spread the knowledge in the context of actual patient care. By actively sharing the knowledge and best practices gained at NTI, I can contribute to the overall improvement of the ICU team?s skill set, patient outcomes, and the unit's culture of ongoing learning and professional development.

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Essay 2: Incorporating learnings from the National Teaching Institute (NTI) into my practice as a nurse in the intensive care unit (ICU) would involve applying evidence-based practices, improving patient outcomes, enhancing communication, and focusing on continuous professional development.

 

1. Evidence-Based Practice Utilizing Best Practices: The NTI often highlights the latest research and guidelines in critical care nursing. I would ensure that I stay current with evidence-based practices in patient assessment, interventions, and care protocols. For example, implementing updated protocols for ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention or following the latest sepsis management guidelines. Incorporating New Technologies: NTI provides insights on cutting-edge technology in ICU care. I would actively learn how to integrate advanced monitoring systems and technologies (e.g., remote monitoring or new infusion pumps) to improve patient care, and ensure I follow all best practices in utilizing these technologies.

 

2. Patient-Centered Care Tailored Care Plans: Learning about individualized care from NTI can help refine my approach in creating care plans that are specific to each patient?s needs. This could involve enhancing communication with patients and families about care plans, treatment options, and prognosis, ensuring that their preferences are considered. Cultural Sensitivity: NTI sessions often stress the importance of cultural competence. I would focus on understanding the diverse backgrounds of ICU patients and their families, making sure to provide respectful and culturally sensitive care.

 

3. Team Collaboration and Communication Interdisciplinary Teamwork: The NTI emphasizes the importance of teamwork in critical care. I would improve collaboration with other healthcare professionals, such as respiratory therapists, physicians, and physical therapists, ensuring that all team members are on the same page regarding patient goals and interventions. Effective Communication: I would apply effective communication strategies learned from NTI to ensure clarity when discussing patient conditions, changes in treatment plans, and updates during handoffs, particularly during shift changes. This would help reduce errors and enhance patient safety.

 

4. Improved Patient Safety Error Prevention Strategies: NTI offers workshops on reducing human error in high-stress environments. I would incorporate tools and strategies to minimize mistakes, such as double-checking medications, equipment, and patient identifiers, especially in critical situations. Focus on Infection Control: I would implement best practices for infection prevention and control learned at NTI, such as proper hand hygiene techniques, sterile procedures, and maintaining a clean environment to reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections.

 

5. Self-Care and Resilience in Nursing Stress Management Techniques: The NTI highlights the importance of self-care for ICU nurses. I would practice techniques for managing stress and preventing burnout, such as mindfulness, regular breaks, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Peer Support: I would actively engage in supportive networks with colleagues, using the strategies learned at NTI to create a more resilient ICU team.

 

6. Mentorship and Teaching Teaching Junior Nurses: NTI encourages experienced nurses to share knowledge. I would mentor and educate less experienced nurses in the ICU, helping them navigate complex patient care situations and fostering a culture of learning and improvement. Incorporating Teaching Moments: While caring for critically ill patients, I would use opportunities to teach both patients and their families about disease processes, procedures, and recovery, ensuring they feel empowered in their healthcare decisions.

 

7. Continuous Professional Development Ongoing Education: After attending NTI, I would commit to continuous learning by attending relevant conferences, seeking certifications (e.g., CCRN), and engaging in online educational resources to keep up with the evolving field of critical care nursing. Evaluating My Practice: I would use the tools and frameworks from NTI to assess and reflect on my clinical practice regularly, identifying areas for improvement and setting goals for professional growth. Incorporating these elements would not only enhance the quality of care I provide to ICU patients but also contribute to my own professional development, ensuring I remain an effective and compassionate caregiver in a high-pressure environment..

 

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Essay 3: The National Teaching Institute (NTI) offers a wealth of resources, educational opportunities, and expert insights that directly support the professional goals of critical care nurses. Here's how NTI can help me achieve the goals I?ve outlined:

 

1. Enhance Evidence-Based Practice NTI features presentations from leading researchers and clinical experts who share the latest evidence-based practices and clinical guidelines in critical care. By attending sessions and workshops focused on specific critical care topics like sepsis, ARDS, and cardiovascular management, I?ll gain access to cutting-edge research and best practices that I can immediately apply to improve patient care. NTI often provides comprehensive materials, such as journal articles, clinical protocols, and research summaries, which I can take back to the ICU and integrate into daily practice.

 

2. Master Advanced Clinical Skills and Technologies NTI offers hands-on workshops and demonstrations of the latest technologies used in critical care, including ventilators, monitoring systems, and infusion pumps. These sessions will allow me to gain practical experience with new equipment in a safe and educational environment. NTI's interactive sessions and vendor exhibits are ideal for learning about emerging technologies, giving me the chance to ask questions and gain insights on how to integrate new tools into ICU practice.

 

3. Improve Patient Safety and Quality of Care NTI includes numerous sessions dedicated to improving patient safety and quality of care. These might cover areas such as preventing hospital-acquired infections, reducing medication errors, and improving handoff communication during shift changes. The Institute also provides frameworks for quality improvement initiatives that I can apply to my unit. Attendees are often provided with practical tools such as checklists, protocols, and case studies focused on patient safety that can be directly implemented in the ICU.

 

4. Advance Critical Thinking and Decision-Making Skills NTI offers educational content designed to strengthen critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills, such as case-based learning, simulation exercises, and expert-led discussions. These opportunities allow me to improve my ability to make rapid, evidence-based decisions in complex and high-pressure situations. Through hands-on simulations and role-playing activities, NTI helps nurses like me build confidence in managing complicated patient cases and practicing advanced clinical reasoning.

 

5. Enhance Leadership and Mentorship Abilities NTI provides leadership development sessions that focus on building leadership skills in high-acuity settings. These may include workshops on team dynamics, conflict resolution, and strategies for mentoring new nurses or leading quality improvement initiatives. I can gain valuable resources for leadership development, such as leadership models, team-building exercises, and mentorship techniques, which will allow me to support and guide my colleagues more effectively.

 

6. Strengthen Interdisciplinary Collaboration Many sessions at NTI emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, focusing on team communication, shared decision-making, and collaborative problem-solving. NTI is a unique opportunity to learn from colleagues across specialties, including physicians, respiratory therapists, and pharmacists. Networking opportunities at NTI allow me to engage with professionals from diverse healthcare backgrounds, fostering better communication and collaboration when I return to my unit.

 

7. Promote Patient-Centered Care NTI features sessions on enhancing patient and family communication, cultural competence, and approaches to end-of-life care. These sessions will provide me with tools to deliver more compassionate, patient-centered care in the ICU, ensuring I consider both the clinical and emotional needs of patients and families. I will have access to strategies and guidelines on how to integrate family-centered care and effective communication into ICU practice, improving the overall patient experience.

 

8. Expand Knowledge of New Nursing Trends and Innovations NTI is a leading platform for discovering the latest trends, innovations, and technological advancements in critical care nursing. From telemedicine to artificial intelligence, the conference features sessions on emerging trends and their practical applications in ICU settings. By attending specialized workshops and networking with innovators in the field, I can stay ahead of new developments in critical care, ensuring that I?m utilizing the latest tools and methods in patient care.

 

9. Personal Professional Development and Certification NTI provides access to continuing education sessions, certification exam preparation workshops, and networking opportunities with experts who can guide me through the process of certification (e.g., CCRN). The conference often offers resources like study guides, review sessions, and tips for obtaining advanced certifications, helping me feel more confident and prepared to take certification exams. 10. Prevent Burnout and Foster Resilience NTI recognizes the emotional and physical challenges of working in critical care and often includes sessions on nurse well-being, stress management, and burnout prevention.

 

These workshops provide tools to help nurses build resilience and cope with the demands of the ICU. NTI offers practical resources for managing stress, fostering a positive work-life balance, and prioritizing self-care, which will help me maintain my passion for nursing and ensure long-term career satisfaction. NTI offers a dynamic and comprehensive learning environment that aligns with my professional goals. By providing access to the latest research, hands-on workshops, networking opportunities, and resources, NTI enables me to stay at the forefront of critical care nursing while improving my clinical skills, leadership abilities, and overall well-being. Attending NTI will undoubtedly enhance my ability to provide high-quality care, support my colleagues, and advance my nursing career.was a Wound Care Nurse for almost 7 years in my previous work in United Arab Emirates. All the time, I loved to help the patients and their families in dealing with wounds. I was able to attend different conferences in these field which were very useful specially in my area. These conferences will help me gain advance and up-to-date knowledge about wounds. If chances aid, I want to pursue studies and researches that are related to the latter. I am also planning to continue in becoming a Wound Care Nurse in the future. I am also planning to take Master's degree and to step into Nursing education where I can share all the experiences and knowledge that I gained to the future nurses. I also want to meet different people with the same passion and drive, just like me, when it comes wounds. These conferences that I might attend will help me boost lots of confidence to interacts with others and get out of my comfort zone. It will also give me motivations on pursuing the nursing career that I am choosing right know. It will give me a clear view on all the steps that I took since I started on this profession and hopefully on where I will be in the years to come.

 

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