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 San Diego.

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) hosts its annual National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition, (NTI), May 18-21, with preconferences May 17.

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

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

Conference sessions represent the best 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 300-plus sessions will take place at the San Diego Convention Center, with the nearby Manchester Grand Hyatt and Marriott Marquis & Marina hotels also hosting official events.

NTI includes the Critical Care Exposition, the largest and most comprehensive trade show specifically for acute and critical care nurses. More than 350 exhibits spanning an area larger than two football fields encompass cutting-edge healthcare equipment, devices, supplies and career opportunities.

This year’s NTI Summit addresses factors that contribute to an increased risk for burnout among nurses in critical care. “Burned Out or Fired Up: The Choice Is Yours” will explore the personal and professional impact of work complexity, time and outcome demands, expectations from patients and families, ethical challenges and a host of other issues. A diverse group of expert panelists will also share individual and organizational solutions that minimize burnout and drive resiliency. Fully integrated into NTI, the interactive half-day event will be held Wednesday, May 20, from 12:30-5 p.m.

Among the learning opportunities, NTI offers more than 60 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 more than 35 hours of continuing education during NTI. An added value new this year, 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 200 recorded sessions from NTI 2015 will be available online through July 31 to extend the on-site learning offered during the conference.

The complete conference program with all educational sessions and special events offered in San Diego is available at www.aacn.org/nti.

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, Calif., the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) is the largest specialty nursing organization in the world. AACN joins together the interests of more than 500,000 acute and critical care nurses and claims more than 235 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; facebook.com/aacnface; twitter.com/aacnme

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