An interview with Dr. Laurie Nagelsmith, first-time AAMN conference attendee.

Interview conducted by Bridget Nettleton, AAMN Foundation Board Member

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Bridget: Laurie, can you describe some of your expectations for this conference before coming to Lexington?

Laurie: I anticipated getting a different perspective on issues and that the issues also would be different, yielding different discussions and conclusions. What I discovered was that I didn't know what I didn't know about gender issues. This experience has opened my eyes and will help me think differently about gender issues. I have also come to realize that gender bias permeates all aspects of the nursing profession.

Bridget: Thanks Laurie. Can you speak to your overall impressions of the conference?

Laurie: I am really impressed with the collegiality and the dynamic I observed between seasoned and new members. It was heartwarming to see how welcoming and inspiring the seasoned members were and it gives me hope for the profession. It's nice to see that level of support for novice members. Also, I expected to see more women in attendance. I think you need to market the assembly to men and women. We need both women and men to move the profession; we can't do it alone.

Bridget: Are there areas for improvement?

Laurie: Encourage novice members to volunteer for a special project or task force. Highlight that it will be a time limited commitment. Encourage engagement with the association.

Bridget: What positives should be kept as part of the conference?

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Laurie: I liked the concurrent sessions, along with a couple of keynotes.

Bridget: Any final comments?

Laurie: I plan to be an active member and having the meeting next year in San Francisco is a damn good idea - see you there.