So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, good night

Well the final sessions have ended, the exhibits are closed, the prizes have been won, and all traveling leaders have left Indianapolis. The end of the Annual Meeting was as informative as the first - ending with outstanding keynote speakers and enlightening sessions.

The combination of stories from the sessions I attended reaffirmed why I became a nurse. The story of Dr. Steve Robbins’ family tragedies and Vicky's story swept me into the lives of individuals I had never met. I could see their pain and view the road to recovery, and I knew that brilliant healthcare professionals were there to help.

I have come away from our meeting with many new ideas, friends, and colleagues. I look forward to implementing and share these ideas with my peers and colleagues at home - with the understanding that I have a network of thousands to lean on when I am presented with a barrier.

Thank you all for a great time.

Be well.

Mark Ambler, RN

twitter.com/MarkInfoRN

AONE Concurrent Session Update

This afternoon I attended several great sessions presented by extraordinary leaders. I love listening to the stories of leaders and how they are overcoming issues that each of us face.

One of the sessions I would like to highlight was the session titled: Design and Implementation of an Interdisciplinary Shared Governance Model. Why am I teasing out just this one session? One of the presenters was Amy Brown, MS, RN, NE-BC; a fellow 2008 Nurse Manager Fellow alumna.

It was great to see how Amy and Vanita (pictured above) presented a topic that was noticeably near to their core. I really enjoy seeing how each of the Nurse Manager Fellows continue to branch out and lead in different ways. All sessions were a great learning experience. I can't wait for tomorrow.

Be well.

Mark Ambler, RN

twitter.com/MarkInfoRN

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First Day at the AONE Meeting

Today was a great start of the Annual Meeting & Exposition. The opening ceremony began with a short video that enticed the audience. Since we are in Indy, it was fitting to see a video that opened with someone donning racing gear - with an auspicious helmet with the label #1. Soon we noted that the driver, walking to the car, was wearing high heels. "What is this," we asked. The drive then took the car around a lap which ended in the winner's circle. And who got out of that car? It was Pam Rudisill, President of AONE!!! Pam then walked on stage and welcomed all the leaders to the opening of the meeting. She delivered a riveting talk.

Next, Donna Herrin, immediate past President, presented Tim Porter O'Grady with the Lifetime Achievement Award. A very deserving Dr. Porter O'Grady then spoke. He graciously accepted the award but questioned its underlying meaning. He asked Pam Thompson if this award was the sunset of Tim Porter O'Grady - the outspoken nursing leader. He was assured that this was not the sunset; instead it was a new beginning. And with that caveat, he accepted his award followed by laughter from the crowd. As always, Tim provided the attending leaders with insight and humor.

Finally, the opening ceremony ended with the introduction of David Whyte, poet, author, and leader of leaders. He excited the audience with a woven story of how leaders need to seek out their fears by engaging in courageous conversations. What a wounder way to learn about leadership. David not only held our attention with stories but also with fascinating poems both personally written and also recited from the greats like Shakespeare and Frost.

And now the sessions...

My next post will be about the concurrent sessions. I wish I could have listened to all of them.

Before those sessions I did visit the Exhibit Hall. I met many of our great sponsors and vendors as well as visiting with distant friends.

Be well.

Mark Ambler, RN

twitter.com/MarkInfoRN

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Hello from Indy!

I made it to Indy without issue. That is a first for me - I am directionally challenged.

I attended the New Member and First Time Attendees Networktonight. I know, I'm not new to the AONE meetings; but I like going to this first meeting to talk to newcomers and see the excitement in their eyes. It reminds me of the first meeting I attended.

Tonight's meeting was great! We had a "Speed Date-Like" meeting. Each of us had to ask and answer questions within 3 minutes and then move on to the next person. It was a great way to introduce myself to numerous people and learn about their roles, experiences, and history as nursing leaders.

See you all tomorrow morning for the Opening Ceremony at 08:00.

Be well.

Mark Ambler, RN

twitter.com/MarkInfoRN

Follow the conversation on Twitter - use #aone with each tweet