Tara Shajan / Dr. Ambili Nair

The 9th Biennial Conference of the National Association of Indian Nurses of America (NAINA) took place on October 4-5, 2024, in Albany, New York, under the dynamic leadership of NAINA President Suja Thomas. Themed "Synergy in Action: Innovation, Technology, and Collaboration," the event epitomized NAINA's mission to inspire, integrate, and innovate within the nursing and healthcare sectors.

A Platform for Excellence

The conference, hosted by the Indian American Nurses Association of Albany (IANA-A) and organized by National Convener Tara Shajan and Chapter Convener Dr. Ambili Nair, brought together over 250 nurses and healthcare professionals nationwide. It served as a forum to inspire excellence, integrate emerging technologies, and innovate solutions for evolving healthcare challenges.

Keynote Insights

Two esteemed keynote speakers headlined the event:

Dr. Colleen Walsh-Irwin, Associate Director, Evidence-Based Practice, Office of Nursing Services, Washington, D.C., delivered the opening keynote on Friday, October 4th.

Dr. Debbie Hatmaker, Chief Nursing Officer, ANA, addressed the audience on Saturday, October 5th.

Their thought-provoking addresses underscored the critical role of Indian nurses in advancing inspiration, integration, and innovation within healthcare.

Distinguished Guests and Special Recognition

Prominent speakers included Cheryl Peterson (ANA), Dr. Alicia Georges, Dr. Simmy King, Mukul Bakshi, Dr. Harilal Nair, and Dr. Glenda Kelman, who shared insights on the conference's central theme.

Sibu Nair, Deputy Director for Asian American Affairs of New York, and Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan graced the event, with Mayor Sheehan presenting a proclamation that recognized Indian nurses' contributions to U.S. healthcare. This honor celebrated the conference's dedication to empowering nurses to lead through collaboration and innovation

Conference Highlights and Purpose

The event emphasized how innovation, collaboration and technology are transforming nursing practices, spotlighting the critical role Indian nurses play in improving healthcare standards nationwide. NAINA, as a professional association, organizes biennial conferences to foster education, networking, and professional growth among its members. The 2024 conference theme aimed to inspire innovation, encourage teamwork, and explore cutting-edge solutions in healthcare. 

 encourage teamwork, and explore cutting-edge solutions in healthcare. 

Conference Overview and Purpose: NAINA, a professional association for Indian nurses in the U.S., holds biennial conferences to foster networking, education, and professional growth among its members. This year, the conference focused on "Synergy in Action," an approach to advancing healthcare through teamwork, innovation, and the latest technology. It created a platform for healthcare professionals to share their knowledge, address common challenges, and inspire new ideas.

Key Highlights and Sessions: 

The conference included keynote speeches, breakout sessions, and workshops designed to explore different aspects of nursing in today's world. Each segment of the event was geared towards enhancing skills and introducing new strategies for patient care.

Innovation in Nursing Practice

This session highlighted groundbreaking approaches in nursing, from telemedicine to artificial intelligence in patient care. Speakers shared how technology is transforming healthcare, making it easier for nurses to provide quality care. My suggestion is to revise this sentence as "Speakers shared about advancement in technologies including Artificial Intelligence (AI), its benefits and challenges with implications including real-world applications, like how AI can assist in predicting patient needs and improve care efficiency.

Embracing New Technology

Technology has become integral to healthcare, and this session was dedicated to understanding and embracing these advancements. Topics included electronic health records (EHR), remote patient monitoring, and data security. Nurses discussed the benefits of these technologies, like improving communication between healthcare providers and enabling better patient outcomes. Panelists also addressed some of the challenges, such as learning new systems and ensuring patient data privacy.

Collaboration Across Disciplines

Effective healthcare requires teamwork across various roles in the medical field. This session emphasized the value of interdisciplinary collaboration, where nurses work closely with doctors, therapists, and other healthcare professionals. By sharing case studies, speakers demonstrated how teamwork can lead to better diagnosis and treatment. The session aimed to inspire nurses to take a more active role in collaborative practices.

Synergy in Action: Real Stories from the Field

One of the most engaging parts of the conference was hearing from nurses who shared their experiences working on challenging cases. These stories brought to life the theme of synergy, showing how teams can come together to overcome obstacles. This session was especially powerful, as it highlighted how nurses' dedication and teamwork make a real difference in patient lives.

Panel discussions: 

In addition to presentations, the conference featured interactive panel discussions. 

Also focused on enhancing communication skills, particularly in managing patient relationships. Nurses learned techniques for clearer, more empathetic communication, essential for building trust with patients. Another discussion was on stress-management practices, recognizing the demands placed on nurses and offering tools to prevent burnout.

Networking and Professional Growth:

NAINA's biennial conferences are not only educational but also serve as a valuable networking platform. Indian nurses from across the country gathered to exchange ideas, build professional connections, and support one another. Mentorship sessions allowed experienced nurses to share insights with newer members, offering guidance on career growth and navigating workplace challenges. This sense of community is essential, as it reinforces the role of Indian nurses in the American healthcare system. The 9th Biennial Conference of NAINA, held on October 4-5, 2024, offered 11.25 contact hours of continuing education. The event featured four breakout rooms with five sessions at a time for podium presenters, allowing attendees to engage in a diverse range of educational topics. These sessions covered cutting-edge advancements in healthcare and nursing practices, including topics such as artificial intelligence, remote patient monitoring, and collaborative care. The interactive format enabled in-depth discussions and provided ample opportunities for networking and professional growth.

Looking to the Future:

The conference concluded with a discussion on the future of nursing and healthcare, particularly how Indian nurses can be at the forefront of these changes. NAINA emphasized its commitment to supporting nurses as they continue to adapt to the demands of modern healthcare. The organization plans to increase its focus on education and professional development, ensuring that its members remain equipped to lead in the healthcare field.

Impact of the Conference:

This year's conference was not only a chance to learn but also a source of motivation and inspiration for the attendees. The theme was brought to life through various sessions, showcasing how nurses can harness the power of collaboration, innovation, and technology to improve patient care. Attendees left the conference with new skills, ideas, and a renewed sense of purpose. Attendees had the opportunity to join multiple concurrent sessions covering diverse topics in nursing and healthcare

Gala Event:

The conference wrapped up with a memorable and celebratory gala on October 5, 2024, highlighting the hard work and dedication of nursing professionals. The awards ceremony was a highlight, honoring individuals for their professional developments and achievements. The Arizona chapter's recognition with the Chapter Excellence Award is a significant honor, acknowledging their exceptional contributions and impact to the community.

The induction of the new NAINA officials is another key moment, setting the stage for the next chapter in the organization's leadership. The inclusion of entertainment, like dance performances from nurses, added a fun and engaging touch to the evening, reflecting the vibrant spirit of the community. During the 9th Biennial Conference of NAINA, the Vidya Kangaraj Awards and Scholarships Chair proudly announced the following honorees:

Legacy of Caring Award: Sandra Emmanuel, Vice President of NAINA

Nightingale Award: Bridget Vincent

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Award: Anne Luckose

Outstanding Academic Performance Award: Anto Paul

These prestigious awards recognize the outstanding contributions and achievements of NAINA members, underscoring the organization's dedication to excellence, leadership, and the ongoing advancement of the nursing profession.

Additionally, during the gala night, NAINA granted 11 scholarships to undergraduate students of Indian heritage and nursing students from the U.S. as part of its continued support for the next generation of nursing leaders. A $1,000 scholarship was also awarded to one doctoral student of Indian heritage, further emphasizing NAINA's commitment to empowering future nursing professionals. These awards and scholarships highlight NAINA's dedication to inspiring, integrating, and innovating within the healthcare community.

During the 9th Biennial Conference of NAINA, the induction ceremony for the new officers of 

the 2025-26 term was held during the gala night, marking a pivotal moment for the organization. 

Members of the Executive Board and National Committee were officially inducted, solidifying the leadership team for the upcoming term.

The following are the incoming executive board:

Incoming President: Uma Venugopal

Executive Vice President: Liffy Cherian

Vice president: Tara Shajan

Treasurer: Dr. Sheela Sajan

Secretary: Dr. Munira Wells

The induction of these new leaders reflects NAINA's dedication to empowering individuals who will guide the organization to new heights.

The 9th Biennial Conference of NAINA was a resounding celebration of progress, unity, and forward-thinking in healthcare. By championing the theme "Synergy in Action: Innovation, Technology, and Collaboration," the event showcased the transformative power of inspiring, integrating, and innovating to shape the future of nursing. It underscored the pivotal role of Indian nurses in the U.S. healthcare system, blending cultural insight, compassion, and professional excellence to advance patient care and drive systemic improvements.

This milestone gathering not only reinforced the vital contributions of nurses but also envisioned the boundless possibilities that can emerge through teamwork, cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to continuous innovation. The conference served as an inspiring reminder of the invaluable role nurses play in healthcare and set the stage for a brighter, more collaborative future in the profession.