Ready to Rock at the AACN 2023 Conference-o-rama!

Don’t head to the Association of American Critical Care Nurses (AACN) 2023 conference wearing a straight face.

Why, you ask? Well, because this is the perfect place to unleash the inner comedian in you. It is rightly said that laughter is the best medicine, and what better place to practice that than a conference filled with critical care nurses from all over the United States awaiting your hilarious anecdotes.

This year’s conference is taking place at the beautiful city of Chicago from February 20 to 23, and we’ll show you how to make the most out of your trip.

So let’s pack our bags, tie our shoelaces and get ready to roll!

The 3 Best Hotels Near the Conference Venue

You’re not going to be interested in a dull and gloomy room after the day’s events. Relaxation and a comfortable room are a must to recharge your batteries for the next day. Here are the top three hotels in the vicinity of the conference:

1. Park Hyatt Chicago

If you want a hotel that feels more like a palace, then the Park Hyatt Chicago is an excellent choice. This hotel offers remarkable views of Lake Michigan, elegant rooms, and superb hospitality.

2. Ritz-Carlton Chicago

The Ritz-Carlton brand is synonymous with quality and luxury, and the Chicago branch is no exception. The facilities and services offered at this hotel are exceptional, making it an excellent choice for a relaxing stay.

3. Four Seasons Chicago

For a breathtaking view of Lake Michigan and Chicago’s skyline, Four Seasons Chicago is your destination. The location of this hotel is a hit among travelers, with easy access to high-end shopping, fine dining and the iconic Magnificent Mile.

The Must-Attend Sessions

1. “Laughter is the best medicine”

In this session, you’ll learn about the positive effects of laughter in the critical care setting. Discover why humor is an essential tool for nurses, patients and interdisciplinary teams to improve work-life, boost performance and heal the body.

2. “Banish Nurse Burnout for Good”

This informative session will help you find the causes of burnout and negotiate practical strategies for restoring caring, meaning, and pleasure to your work. Discover how rest, relaxation and humor can transform your life and the lives of your patients.

3. “Honing Your Nursing Skills by Improving Your Improv Skills”

In this session, you’ll learn how improvisational training can enhance communication, collaboration and teamwork for the critical care nursing population. Be prepared for a few laughs and improv games that feature your nursing skills.

Attractions to See in Chicago

1. Navy Pier

The Navy Pier is a 3,300 ft long pier on the Chicago shoreline of Lake Michigan. It offers breathtaking views of the lake and the city’s skyline. Visit the Navy Pier for a ride on the iconic Ferris wheel, musical events or take a boat tour.

2. Willis Tower Skydeck

There is no better place to capture a stunning bird’s-eye view of the city than at the Willis Tower Skydeck. This glass-floor deck projects out over the edge of the building, giving its visitors a heart-stopping view of the city below.

3. The Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago showcases more than 300,000 works of art from all over the globe. From Impressionist masterpieces to contemporary masterpieces, this museum has something for everyone!

Chicago’s Must Try Food and Drinks

1. Chicago-style deep-dish pizza

You can’t go to Chicago without tasting their famous deep-dish pizza. Head to Lou Malnati’s or Giordano’s for an authentic taste of Chicago’s famed pizza dish.

2. Chicago-style hot dogs

These dogs are a staple of Chicago cuisine. Try them with the classic toppings of mustard, onions, relish, and celery salt.

3. Chicago-style popcorn

This popcorn is mixed with cheddar cheese and caramel to create a sweet and savory snack that will keep you munching away! Head to Garrett Popcorn shops for Chicago-style popcorn at its finest.

Conference Survival Kit

You didn’t think we’d leave you unprepared for the conference, did you? Here are some conference essentials to keep you going throughout the event.

1. A water bottle (Stay hydrated, folks!)

2. Snacks (Fuel up for those long days)

3. Hand sanitizer (To keep away those pesky germs)

4. Comfortable shoes (You’ll be on your feet all day)

5. A notepad and pen (Never forget an important note)

6. Portable phone charger (Stay connected with colleagues)

Conference-o-rama 2022 in review

If you missed last year’s conference, you have our condolences. Here’s a quick recap of some of the highlights of the year(end) past:

“Last year’s AAACN conference was a hit! One of my favorite takeaways was the opening keynote speaker, who shared hilarious nursing anecdotes that kept the audience in stitches. Another great highlight was the improv comedy skits on nursing, too funny!” – Maria, attendee

Ready to Rock the Conference?

The AACN Conference-o-rama 2023 is the perfect opportunity to learn, network, and have a good laugh. It’s time to pack your bags, grab your tickets, and prepare to channel your inner comedian.

Don’t forget, laughter is the best medicine for nurse burnout! See you in Chicago!

Hotel Options in Chicago

References

1. “Association of American Critical Care Nurses Homepage.” AACN, www.aacn.org.
2. “The Art Institute of Chicago.” Art Institute of Chicago, www.artic.edu/.
3. “Navy Pier.” Navy Pier, www.navypier.org/.
4. “Willis Tower Skydeck.” Skydeck, theskydeck.com/.
5. Lou Malnati’s, www.loumalnatis.com/.
6. Giordano’s, www.giordanos.com/.
7. Garrett Popcorn Shops, www.garrettpopcorn.com/.