2007 AACN outstanding chapter educational program award.

North Central Florida Chapter

Gainesville, FL

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The North Central Florida Chapter of AACN prides itself on providing fun-filled, quality educational programs and professional enhancement for critical care nurses. In the winter months, the NCF chapter highlights its year with an educational program titled "Swamped with Knowledge" (SWK) named in part for its proximity to the University of Florida in Gainesville. The speakers, topics and exhibits for SWK seminars are based on the most current research and trends in nursing. It is the overall goal of the conference to provide participants with a professional, yet entertaining environment that fosters positive learning, provides valuable nursing-related information, and allows nurses an opportunity to network and learn with and from other nurses. This last year was no exception.

SWK expanded in 2006 from a one-day to a two-day learning extravaganza. The first day began chock full of knowledge, motivation, laughs and singing with Barbara McLean. That evening, there was a new, innovative event appropriately named "An Evening with the Divas," in which three of our most beloved nursing stars, Barbara McLean (Bette Midler), Kathleen Vollman (Cher) and Cammy House-Fancher (Celine Dion) came out in their furs and went head-to-head discussing case studies. Day two of SWK provided opportunities to learn from 15 multidisciplinary speakers. Connie Barden opened with the journey to healthy work environments. The rest of the day included lectures that reflected research-based practice and basic critical care nursing and knowledge.

In keeping with AACN's Mission, Vision and Values, SWK was designed to embrace lifelong learning, commit to quality, promote innovation, provide better patient outcomes and working environments, and provide nurses with the comprehension necessary to act as advocates for their patients.