Albany, NY – The Indian American Nurses Association (IANA) is finalizing preparations to welcome nurses from across the United States for the much-anticipated biennial conference of the National Association of Indian Nurses in America (NAINA).
Scheduled for October 4 and 5, the two-day event will be hosted at The Desmond – Crowne Plaza, according to Suja Thomas, president of NAINA. This marks the 9th biennial conference for NAINA, aimed at fostering the professional advancement of nurses by showcasing the latest innovations in nursing theory, practice, and education. Attendees can expect a diverse lineup of esteemed nurse leaders and subject matter experts who will provide insights on a variety of topics pertinent to the nursing profession. The conference themed “Innovate, Integrate, Inspire,” will also offer numerous networking opportunities for nursing professionals committed to enhancing healthcare outcomes in America.
The significant presence of Indian American nurses across the healthcare landscape has been increasingly recognized, as they excel in various fields including research, administration, education, and advanced practice. The first day of the conference will focus on strategies to drive nursing excellence through the integration of research and technological advancements. Panel discussions featuring prominent nurse scholars from across the country will explore the future of healthcare. On the second day, discussions will center around the critical role of nursing in promoting equity, advocacy, and innovation, as well as the impact of wearable technologies on nursing efficiency and outcomes. A significant focus will also be placed on nursing’s evolving role in health and well-being in the context of artificial intelligence. Both days will feature concurrent sessions covering pressing topics in nursing, including steroid-induced hyperglycemia in oncology patients, new management models for GERD in outpatient settings, collaborative leadership, and the implications of COVID-19 on cardiac health.
Notable speakers at the conference will include Dr. Debbie Hatmaker, Chief Nursing Officer of the American Nurses Association; Dr. Colleen Walsh-Irwin, co-chair of the AANP Cardiology Specialty Practice Group; Dr. Glenda Kelman, chair and professor of nursing at Russell Sage College; and nursing pioneer Dr. Alicia Georges, among others. Leading the organization of this significant event are esteemed Indian American nursing leaders, including NAINA president Suja Thomas, vice president Sandra Immanuel, secretary Umamaheswari Venugopal, treasurer and national convenor Tara Shajan, and hosting chapter president Dr. Ambili Nair. Registration is currently underway at nainausa.org, as excitement builds for this pivotal gathering in the nursing community.