Las Veas Convention in March '08

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in Med-Surg, free clinic.

Anybody going to the Nursing 2008 Symposium in Las Vegas March 18 - 21, '08? Has anyone been to previous conventions? are they worthwhile? Need a roommate?

I was looking at the med/surg programs, and they looked interesting, but maybe there are better choices.

Suggestions????

Can anyone tell my why they insist on holding these conventions in Vegas?? I know from personal experience that gambling is one of the fastest growing addictions in the country and the devistation is silently eating away at our individuals, our families and our society.

Many nurses are caught up in this destructive activity and it is affecting our profession and the care that patient's receive because burned out nurses are working long hours and extra shifts to make money to cover their gambling losses. The fact that they are miserable and tired and looking for a "quick fix" triggers them to try and win at the casinos so they can pay off their bills and cut back on the number of hours they are having to work. Some are hoping to win a jackpot so they can quit all together.

This is truely an illness that is growing in our society and we are apathetic to it if not totally blind to it.

Specializes in SRNA.

Hey Ariko, I'm not sure you have your dates right. Living in NV I thought I'd look this up to see what it's all about and the Vegas dates that I found are on July 28 & 29, 2008. It looks interesting! Let us know how it is if you decide to go. Vegas is way too hot that time of year for my liking!

Specializes in Anesthesia, CTICU.
Can anyone tell my why they insist on holding these conventions in Vegas?? I know from personal experience that gambling is one of the fastest growing addictions in the country and the devistation is silently eating away at our individuals, our families and our society.

Many nurses are caught up in this destructive activity and it is affecting our profession and the care that patient's receive because burned out nurses are working long hours and extra shifts to make money to cover their gambling losses. The fact that they are miserable and tired and looking for a "quick fix" triggers them to try and win at the casinos so they can pay off their bills and cut back on the number of hours they are having to work. Some are hoping to win a jackpot so they can quit all together.

This is truely an illness that is growing in our society and we are apathetic to it if not totally blind to it.

Radercat: We see you have strong feelings about this topic. First off, if someone was an addict gambler with big losses, I doubt they would invest the $$ in a nursing conference when they could be busy giving their money away at a casino... or even better yet online from home! Temptation will always be out there for those who are susceptible.

Personally, I think Vegas is a great place for a conference. A 24 hour atmosphere, nightlife, shows, shopping, and yes, even some gambling, if you wish. IMHO, it combines the opportunity to go on a short vacation getaway and also hopefully learn something new that will make your life (and life of your pts) a little better once you return home.

Specializes in orthopedics, ED observation.

Personally, I think Vegas is a great place for a conference. A 24 hour atmosphere, nightlife, shows, shopping, and yes, even some gambling, if you wish. IMHO, it combines the opportunity to go on a short vacation getaway and also hopefully learn something new that will make your life (and life of your pts) a little better once you return home.

DH and I have been there a couple times on business trips. We actually spend more time hiking Red Rock Canyon and other outdoor interests than anything else. Just like anywhere else, you can either find trouble or not depending on what you are looking for.

I just looked up the Nursing Symposium 2008, it looks like they have other locales available as well as some very interesting topics. http://greatnurses.com/exp/images/uploads/2008_Seminars.pdf Not something I'll be able to attend, but, OP - hope you learn lots and have a good time!

Specializes in Cardiac.
Can anyone tell my why they insist on holding these conventions in Vegas?? I know from personal experience that gambling is one of the fastest growing addictions in the country and the devistation is silently eating away at our individuals, our families and our society.

Many nurses are caught up in this destructive activity and it is affecting our profession and the care that patient's receive because burned out nurses are working long hours and extra shifts to make money to cover their gambling losses. The fact that they are miserable and tired and looking for a "quick fix" triggers them to try and win at the casinos so they can pay off their bills and cut back on the number of hours they are having to work. Some are hoping to win a jackpot so they can quit all together.

This is truely an illness that is growing in our society and we are apathetic to it if not totally blind to it.

Whoa!

Conferences are often held in Vegas for a variety of reasons. It's not so that people can waste away thier lives for a few days...

Vegas is an easy location to arrive at from just about anywhere in this country. There are always flights into Vegas.

There are always (usually) hotel rooms in Vegas, and they are usually cheap. If conferences were in NYC-I think we'd spend a little more money on the room. Also, I'd spend a heck of a lot more money on a conference in NYC than Vegas.

Vegas is cheap for most food and activities.

Vegas is fun! I sure as heck do gamble when I'm there-but that doesn't make me an addict nor am I looking for a 'quick fix' for my life....I'm just looking to have a good time. Most people are capable of handling themselves.

Just like I can go to a bar and not drink myself to death, I can go to Vegas and have a good time-just like the majority of most people who go to Vegas.

And just because you've had such a hard time with gambling doesn't mean that the rest of us do.

Specializes in ER/EHR Trainer.

Symposium is definately March 18 through the 21rst. I am hoping to be there! Depends on HR, our hospital pays for the classes and conference days. I might go anyway with or without it.

Gambling isn't the only thing Vegas has to offer. There are free shows, people watching (which is always fun), beautiful deserts and parks, hoover dam is close by, a short trip to the western edge of the grand canyon with Eagle Walk, Death Valley is 4 hours west, wild horses and burros, and many other attractions. It all depends on what you like.

I love to do it all! I love Las Vegas and the surrounding area! I'd move in a second, but my husband would miss the ocean.

I hope to see some of you, I've never been to the desert in spring. That would be new for me, and I am looking forward to it!

Maisy;)

Ok, the main reason conventions have been moving to Vegas is not only the 24 hour entertainment, but the fact that the labor for putting up the conventions and the halls themselves are way cheaper than any where else. My hubby puts up conventions in Chicago and it USED to be the main hub, until the rising cost of labor and even McCormick place raising their rates for floor space makes it impossible to make money off these shows. Only the bigger conventions stayed and even those have scaled back dramatically!!!

ANYWAY - is this a convention worth going even for a nursing student??? I need a vacation!! LOL

Specializes in SRNA.

Can someone post or PM me a link to the info for the one in March? I can only find the one in July.

Vegas always has cheap flights to there and plenty of hotel room and plenty to do besides gambling.

Specializes in orthopedics, ED observation.

Check out the link in my post to start. I goggled Nursing Symposium 2008 NV, which will give you further links.

ETA - never mind. That PDF is the July one you are refferring to, but still the google search was quite productive.

Specializes in ER/EHR Trainer.

www.nursingsymposium.com

Maisy;)

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