Ready for this year’s conference circuit? Events can offer a lot. But getting the most from them requires some planning and prep work. Whether you’re a nurse, tech, manager, or anyone else, here’s how to get the most out of the dialysis and nephrology conferences you attend.
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Need a new dialysis job, stat? Search job openings here
Dialysis Event To-Do List: Top Dialysis & Nephrology Conference Tips
Nurses and techs, are conferences on your radar? Attending dialysis events and nephrology conferences is a great way to build clinical skills, network, and get insights and opportunities that could change the course of your career.
Top dialysis conferences and events
So, what’s out there? Some of the top dialysis events and conferences include:
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The ANNA National Symposium is a multi-day conference designed to "empower nephrology nurses,” and as a hybrid event, lets you choose between in-person and virtual attendance. Get details here.
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The American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology (ASDIN) Annual Scientific Meeting is a science-focused dialysis event that focuses on international innovations and access to life-saving care. Learn more.
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The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) has many events across the U.S.A. each month, from renal care roundtables and practical info on transplants and collaborative care to galas, luncheons, and celebrations, and even a golf classic. Check out their full list here.
Looking for a new dialysis job? Explore this month's featured opportunities!
• Dialysis RN - Per Diem - West Hills, CA • Resident RN - New Grad - Nashville, TN • Certified Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) - Full-Time - Sebring, FL
Conference To-Do List: 10 Essential Tips
We know how busy you are as a dialysis professional, and we know it's not always easy to attend events. So, we’re here to help you get the most of your time and effort with this list of essential dialysis events and nephrology conference tips.
Tip #1: Study that agenda
Every conference offers an early agenda of sessions, speakers, and activities. Read it and figure out your best course of action — where you’ll get the CE credits you want, hear the expertise you’re interested in, rub shoulders with people want to meet, or whatever your priorities may be.
Tip #2: Sign up in advance
Space at popular sessions can go fast, so if you see something you like, register as soon as you can. For some conferences, you’ll be able to choose alternates. Do so to avoid disappointment and wasted time.
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Pro Tip: Be realistic — balance your schedule, don't overload it. If you’re too tired to get value from a session, or only see the last 10 minutes, then you’re probably not spending your time well.
Tip #3: Be ready for your sessions
Try not to walk in cold. Your time will be best spent (and you’ll be more likely to impress others) by knowing the topic and discussion points ahead of time, so you can jump in and participate asap.
Tip #4: Make your travel plans ASAP
Start looking at flights and hotels as soon as you can. In general, the earlier you book, the better the rates you'll get, as well as the best rooms (i.e., closest to the action). Missing the chance to get a room at the main hotel, for instance, could impact your experience.
Tip #5: Gather your supplies
Make sure you have everything you need well before you travel. Business cards, a backup phone charger, a reusable water bottle, and a notebook and pen are all essential.
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Pro Tip: There’s usually plenty of free food, it’s good to be prepared with essentials like snack bars, fresh fruits and veggies, and a full water bottle.
Tip #6: Dress smart
Dress for business casual, but don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes for walking and a backup sweater or hoodie (or your layers of choice) for those famously chilly conference room temps.
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Pro Tip: Pack smarter and bring more with these packing tips.
Tip #7: Follow event etiquette
Remember that events are ultimately work functions, so you'll want to present yourself (and potentially your employer) in the best possible light. Arrive early at sessions, and try to avoid leaving early — but if you must, sit near the exit.
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Pro Tip: When muting your phone, remember that vibrating can be disruptive in certain rooms.
Tip #8: Be ready to network
Whether or not you’re the type who talks naturally to others, it’s good to have a plan for meeting new people. Put together some talking points — like an elevator pitch — to quickly and favorably describe yourself, your career, and your goals. If you’re traveling with colleagues, be ready to break out of your comfort zone and talk up some new folks, especially at meals and outings.
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Pro Tip: For a built-in icebreaker, wear a name-tag and talk to others who do, too!
Tip #9: Follow up
Take the time to interact with the people you meet, via text, email, or LinkedIn, and fill out any evaluation materials from the event (which is usually how you'll get your CE credits).
Tip #10: Be open to new types of opportunities
Today, more and more dialysis jobs provide emergency care in acute care facilities, rather than chronic care in standalone clinics. So, f you’re attending events to job hunt, boost your chances by being open to other settings and types of opportunities, including per diem jobs and dialysis residencies for new nurses.
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Pro Tip: Find the HealthTrust team at your next event for the best dialysis careers, including full-time, per diem, residencies, and more. Search jobs now!
