Celebrating 50 Years of the NBNA at the 49th Annual Virtual Conference

One of the biggest and most prestigious healthcare events in the country is taking place online right now! The National Black Nurses Association is hosting its 49th Annual Conference to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this legendary organization. Thousands of black nurses and industry professionals are meeting virtually this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

It’s a historic moment for black healthcare professionals and their colleagues, giving them a chance to talk about the issues that matter the most to their communities at this pivotal point in history. The event gives everyone a chance to reflect on how the industry has changed over the last 12 months. From groundbreaking research to topical conversations on race, nurse empowerment, mentorship, and leadership, find out what’s happening at this year’s conference.

The 49th NBNA Conference at a Glance

This year’s conference runs from August 4th through the 8th on the NBNA website. Dozens of notable speakers will be giving presentations and conducting seminars online with a focus on some of the most pressing topics in the industry. These programs feature in-depth conversations on what’s happening in every corner of the field. The event offers a wide variety of options for nurses and providers of all different backgrounds, including nurse practitioners, RNs, and unlicensed students.

The organization decided to host the conference online back in May to make sure everyone can attend safely amid the pandemic. Everyone is anxious to meet and discuss these issues in person, but the Delta variant had other plans.

The conference wants everyone to have the chance to learn about these issues from the comfort of their own homes. We all need to stay healthy as our country continues fighting this deadly virus.

Some of the biggest names in healthcare are being honored during this year’s conference, including Representatives Cori Bush (D-MO) and Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-IL), both of whom are nurses. With personal knowledge of the industry, they continue fighting for issues that affect providers and patients in their home districts and in Washington. The organization is also honoring several high-ranking providers currently practicing medicine, including leaders from the American Academy of Nursing, Association of Black Cardiologists, and The Rockefeller Foundation. 

The NBNA is proud to celebrate the many contributions and achievements of black nurses and their colleagues as they continue fighting for the health and safety of their communities.

A Year Unlike Any Other

Providers from all different backgrounds have had to face enormous challenges over the last 16 months. This year’s conference is designed to help nurses reflect and utilize their recent experiences in the field so they can emerge stronger and more capable on the other side. 

The pandemic also exposed the growing health disparities between white and black Americans. Much of this year’s conference will focus on reducing these disparities by improving outcomes for patients of color. There are several seminars focused on how various diseases and conditions affect African Americans and why people of color tend to be more susceptible to conditions like Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and various forms of cancer.

The conference also presents vital information for providers, particularly those of color, looking to further their careers, including tips for how to navigate the healthcare industry as a person of color. Providers can also learn how to be better mentors to the next generation of nurses and nursing leaders to make sure we keep this valuable knowledge and experience in the industry.

Scrubs Mag is honored to be an official partner of the National Black Nurses Association. We will be covering the event throughout the week with several high-profile interviews with some of this year’s featured guests. Be sure to register online to gain access to this year’s program.