The 2021 Spring OSNA conference is just around the corner. Visit our event website to register!! This conference is a unique opportunity for learning which is critical to advancing our school nursing practices. Presentations by National caliber speakers, including Nina Fekaris, Immediate Past President of NASN, and Erin Maughn, Director of Research at NASN in addition to Oregon’s own Dr. Paul Cieslak, Medical Director, Communicable Diseases and Immunizations will combine with interactive sessions to create an engaging learning experience!
With many schools opening for the first time and others changing their models in response to guidance supporting 3 foot distancing, unfortunately, school nurses are running ragged and out of time. Recognizing that school nurses have unpredictable schedules in the best of times, and determined to make learning accessible during a pandemic, the OSNA Board has decided to follow the direction NASN took last summer and offer a virtual conference using a web-based learning platform.
The Whova App platform will support learning during this frantic and frenetic time by making content and connection available using both web-based and mobile apps. Participants will be able to observe presentations and participate in discussions on the day of the event. However, if the work of the pandemic makes live attendance impossible, nurses will be able to access the enduring content from the conference for 6 months following the event, so as we regroup from this year, we will still be able to view and review the presentations and earn CEU’s.
Using a learning platform conference does require us to do a little advance planning, just as we would when we attend a live conference. Planning for our trip after we register, we reserve hotel rooms and check maps to be sure we know the locations of the conference center. As we arrive, we find the lay of the land, to ensure we know where we are going first thing in the morning… where is breakfast, where is the first session room, etc.
As you prepare for the Spring Conference, please take the time to do some planning. In these hectic times, it is tempting to look for the conference link first thing in the morning and click the it the minute the meeting is set to start. Using the Whova app is intuitive (even easy), but it does take a few simple steps to get started. Consider these the same as driving to the conference and finding the lay of the land for an in-person event.
First, and MOST important as you start this journey, be sure to use the correct email address when registering for this conference. Your email address is essentially your personal key to get into the meeting, so if you have someone else registering you, ensure they use your email.
Next, before the conference, you need to log into the platform and create your account. Once you are on the platform, you will see the possibilities for reviewing content and connecting with other attendees. Take a tour of the platform and become familiar with it.
Finally, on Pre-Conference day from 2:00-3:00 there will be opportunities to “rehearse,” checking to be sure you can access the platform content and navigate the tools. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to access a meeting last minute. We want to be sure that you have the support you need to successfully engage.
Registration is open and will continue until the end of the day on Wednesday, April 14th. You will receive your conference link during the week of the conference. When it arrives, be sure to do your advanced planning to ensure your best experience!