Georgia Healthcare Summit Rescheduled from October to May 2022

United Advanced Practice Registered Nurses of Georgia (UAPRN), a non-profit organization dedicated to improving access to healthcare for Georgians, has moved the date of its annual United for Healthcare Summit and closing Gala from Oct. 22-23, 2021 to May 13-14, 2022. The location will remain the same: the Atlanta Evergreen Marriott Conference Resort at Stone Mountain. The schedule change was made due to a concern for the health and safety of attendees, speakers and guests, and the continued strain on healthcare workers due to the high case loads of COVID-19 patients in Georgia hospitals. www.uaprnofga.org/unityconf

“As healthcare professionals, our number one concern is always the health and safety of our peers and those with whom we interact, especially as the COVID pandemic continues,” said UAPRN of Georgia State president Michelle Nelson, Ph.D., RN, FNP-BC. “Also, at this time, the Summit’s attendees and participants continue to be deeply involved in patient care. Although we had planned a hybrid event in October with both in-person and virtual events, and with all COVID safety protocols in place, the reality is that COVID infections are still a serious risk in our state, plus our members, sponsors, vendors and other potential attendees simply cannot take the time away from their professional duties right now to participate in the Summit. I am not surprised Georgia’s nurses and healthcare workers are once again putting the welfare of their patients at the top of their priority list, and we want to honor and recognize their ongoing dedication to their work by holding the Summit and Gala at what we hope will be a safer and more convenient time for those who wish to participate.”

Sponsored by The Georgia Commission on Women, Black Women Leaders in Nursing, Georgia Nurses Association (GNA) and The Haitian American Nurses Association, the annual Summit is designed for nurses, advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), physician assistants, lab technicians, occupational and physical therapists and other healthcare professionals who want to learn new skills and hear presentations on the latest topics and legislative efforts affecting the medical profession in Georgia. There is also content for healthcare students, including undergraduate and graduate students.

Registration remains open at this time and current registrations will be honored for the May 13-14 event. Summit tickets range from $75-$300, excluding accommodations Those who retain their October registrations will avoid any potential fee increase for the spring event. Additional information regarding registrations or refunds may be found at [email protected]. Information on participating at the May event as a sponsor, vendor or exhibitor may be found at www.uaprnofga.org/unityconf/vendors.

The Summit’s keynote speaker will be Brandon P. Fleming, CEO of Harvard University’s Diversity Project and author of Miseducated, who will speak on Social Justice. Additional speakers will address such topics as:

• Suicide Among Black Youth: Prevention Strategies for Healthcare Providers
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• Intentionally Preserving Wholeness of the Self

The two-day event will feature both in-person and virtual presentations and workshops. Skills classes will be in-person only, and will include EKG Interpretation, Basic Suturing, Lab Interpretation, Advance Suturing and IUD Insertion. Those who attend the various healthcare lectures can earn CME (Continuing Medical Education) credits. The vendor exhibit hall will offer opportunities for attendees to network with healthcare partners from across the state. All in-person attendees will have access to the virtual lectures following the Summit.

On Friday, May 13, UAPRN will host its annual “Transitions Day” for RNs who have completed their APRN training and are transitioning to new roles that will impact their practice and scope. New APRNs will hear from various healthcare professionals and practice managers, and will also have the opportunity to polish their résumés and take new headshots. While there is a registration fee to attend the other Healthcare Summit programs, there is no fee to participate in Transitions Day.

“Our conference theme is “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion”, said Dr. Nelson. “Because nurses and nursing students encompass diverse backgrounds, ages, genders, races and nationalities, it is crucial that we listen to and learn from different viewpoints and experiences. Members of the medical profession at all levels have been united this past year, perhaps as never before, as we face the sometimes overwhelming challenges of caring for our patients during the COVID crisis. UAPRN of Georgia is excited to bring our members together May 13-14, 2022 to share our experiences, learn from each other, consider differing perspectives and celebrate our accomplishments together. The Summit is designed for a statewide audience, and we expect our attendance to exceed 400.”

About UAPRN of Georgia

United Advanced Practice Registered Nurses of Georgia is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving access to healthcare for the citizens of Georgia. The organization’s members support the advancement of the role APRNs play in the healthcare system by addressing and promoting legislative and practice issues and also provides professional role identification and mentorship to nursing colleagues, students and new APRNs. UAPRN has chapters throughout the state of Georgia, where members enjoy access to continuing education opportunities, networking, information on available jobs and much more. www.uaprnofga.org