Congress - what an adventure!

Congress – what an amazing adventure.  I have had three fantastic days.  Congress was so much more than I thought it would be.  I have come away exhilarated and full of enthusiasm, it was such a fantastic opportunity and I am so glad I jumped at the chance to attend. 

The fire and enthusiasm of the keynote speakers, the debating sessions, educational events and seminars were amazing.  I feel like I have learnt a huge amount and I still have more information to digest from leaflets and journals I picked up that piqued my interest.

The only disappointment for me was students’ day, but that was purely due to the fact that illness prevented the 2 speakers I had particularly been looking forward to hearing attending.  The organisers did a fantastic job in managing to find replacement guest speakers and apparently students’ day 2009 was the most successful yet with around 1500 students attending.

I also got to know my fellow UCLan students very well as 16 of us crammed into 4 hotel rooms and randomly borrowed clothes and make up from each other (the blokes as well). 

But the best bit for me was meeting some wonderful people.  The evening receptions were fantastic opportunities to circulate and meet other nurses, students, professionals and important delegates of the RCN and NHS.  I met many, names have now blurred as I was overwhelmed by job titles and status but the thing that thrilled me the most was that no matter how important these people were – they all seemed happy to speak to us.  I have to admit though that my favourite people were an A&E charge nurse and a respiratory nurse from Newcastle.  They were funny, down to earth and probably deserve the award for the most enthusiastic dancing if such an award exists. 

Most of all, I have come away from Congress amazed at the opportunity it provides for Nurses to voice their concerns and to be heard.  Nursing is a tough profession, but its evolving and growing.  It felt like that everyone who was there wanted to make a difference.  I am so glad I got to experience and witness for myself the passion and enthusiasm that is Congress.  Put me down to attend next year please!