Newswise — The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) brings together thousands of nurses this week in Orlando, Fla., at its annual National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition (NTI) with the theme “Together. Stronger. Bolder.”

AACN President Mary Stahl, RN, MSN, ACNS-BC, CCNS-CMC, CCRN, oversees heart failure management, cardiac transplantation and ventricular assist device nursing care in her role as cardiovascular clinical nurse specialist at Mid America Heart Institute, Saint Luke’s Hospital, Kansas City, Mo.

Stahl says the theme goes beyond a simple tagline. “Caring for high acuity and critically ill patients and their families can’t be done in isolation. When we work together, we achieve more,” she said. “At NTI, our community of exceptional nurses celebrates the value and impact of working together, how collaboration yields stronger work and outcomes, and the bolder voice we’ll achieve.”

AACN’s National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition runs Saturday, May 19, through Thursday, May 24, at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center with the Peabody Orlando and Rosen Centre also hosting official events.

AACN expects attendance to top 6,000 nurses and include many at the forefront of research, academia, staff development and management.

NTI, the world’s largest conference for nurses who care for acutely and critically ill patients, includes the Critical Care Exposition, the largest and most comprehensive trade show specifically for acute and critical care nurses. Spread over 200,000 square feet will be more than 350 exhibits that encompass cutting-edge healthcare equipment, devices, supplies and pharmaceuticals.

AACN’s National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition offers more than 300 sessions about best healthcare practices, now and in the future. Topics include the following:• Eliminating healthcare-associated infections and medical errors• Benefits and risks of healthcare technology, including tele-ICUs, simulation training and monitoring alarms• Managing medications for critically ill patients• Involving the family in patient care• Responding to disasters in the local community and across the globe• Providing palliative care to dying patients

AACN posted the 2012 NTI conference brochure with all sessions selected for presentation in Orlando to 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 240 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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