Newswise — Emerging trends in patient care combine with advances in healthcare technology at a conference where thousands of nurses who care for high acuity and critically ill patients convene next month in New Orleans.

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) hosts its annual National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition, (NTI), May 16-19, with preconferences May 15.

AACN expects more than 7,000 attendees, including nurses at the forefront of research, academia, staff development and management.

The premier annual event for critical care nursing, the conference offers hundreds of sessions to improve clinical practice, patient outcomes and the hospitals’ bottom line with a comprehensive program that incorporates the best evidence-based education.

“It’s just incredible seeing all of your colleagues together. It’s just a great opportunity to help nurses learn and grow but also get reenergized and excited to share what they learn. It makes me excited for the future of nursing. It’s an exciting time to be a nurse,” said Gabriela Paniagua, RN, a first-time NTI attendee who works at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City.

Conference sessions cover clinical education reflecting today’s diverse critical care environments. Topics include:• Eliminating healthcare-associated infections and medical errors• Improving patient outcomes and financial savings with nurse-led innovations• Understanding the benefits and risks of healthcare technology• Integrating new research findings into evidence-based patient care

Most of the 280-plus sessions will take place at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, with the nearby Sheraton New Orleans Hotel also hosting official events.

NTI, the world’s largest conference for nurses who care for high acuity and critically ill patients, includes the Critical Care Exposition, the largest and most comprehensive trade show expressly for acute and critical care nurses, and one of the 50 fastest-growing trade shows in America in both event attendance and exhibitors, as ranked by Trade Show Executive.

There will be more than 400 exhibits spread over 300,000 square feet that encompass the latest healthcare equipment, devices, supplies and career opportunities.

This year’s NTI Summit addresses nurse staffing and its impact on the overall work environment. “Staffing Through the Lens of HWE: Many Shades of Gray” will explore the relationship between barriers to practice, current staffing methodologies and healthy work environment standards. A diverse group of expert panelists will also share potential strategies to manage the challenges of staffing and barriers to practice. The interactive half-day event will be held Wednesday, May 18, from 12:30-4:45 p.m.

Among the learning opportunities, NTI offers more than 55 sessions specifically for clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners and other advanced practice nurses. These Advanced Practice Institute preconferences and concurrent sessions address leadership role development, public policy, healthcare reform, clinical systems and pharmacology.

Participants can earn up to 34 hours of continuing education during NTI. As an added value, attendees registered for the full conference will receive free online access to certification review courses, webinars and recorded sessions from previous NTIs during the conference. After NTI, more than 170 recorded sessions from NTI 2016 will be available online through July 31 to extend the on-site learning offered during the conference.

View the complete conference program with all educational sessions and special events offered in New Orleans.

About the National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition: Established in 1974, AACN’s National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition (NTI) represents the world’s largest educational conference and trade show for nurses who care for acutely and critically ill patients and their families. Bedside nurses, nurse educators, nurse managers, clinical nurse specialists and nurse practitioners attend NTI.

About the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses: Founded in 1969 and based in Aliso Viejo, California, the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) is the largest specialty nursing organization in the world. AACN represents the interests of more than 500,000 acute and critical care nurses and includes more than 225 chapters worldwide. The organization’s vision is to create a healthcare system driven by the needs of patients and their families in which acute and critical care nurses make their optimal contribution. www.aacn.org; http://www.facebook.com/aacnface; www.twitter.com/aacnme