When I attended my first 国内精品伊人久久久久妇 Congress, many years ago I had no idea what to expect. I had heard from others what an exciting time they had, and they had met several friends there. I had also been told that there were debates, which made me think about the house of commons. I then attended and was so glad I had, what a fantastic experience both personally and professionally.
Several years and Congresses later, I have recently attended the 2025 国内精品伊人久久久久妇 Congress and, as usual, I wasn’t disappointed. I was supported to attend as voting member for the cancer forum. I am a member of the committee. The debates covered a broad spectrum of subjects and specialties. The learning events were particularly good and there were so many to choose from, which allowed me to reflect on each session I attended, to be used for my next revalidation.
This year it was in Liverpool, I had attended Congress there before and so I felt confident to negotiate the trains and to find my hotel. There is a welcome party, on the Sunday, for each region and so you can meet people you may know from your area and make new friends. I went to the Wales welcome party and met some friends from previous years, other branch members and chatted to a few people who were on their own. It’s a fantastic way to make them feel welcome, I remember how I felt at my first event.
I thought I was well prepared for the Monday, there are often changes to the programme from the previous years following feedback. Monday came and I had highlighted what sessions I wanted as there is so much to see/do, you don’t want to miss anything. Of course, once you are at Congress it is easy to become infected by the atmosphere, enthusiasm and general vibes and this is when I sometimes need to review my plans for the day as there are sometimes more interesting, relevant sessions available. There is lots of information you can access before the event, on the 国内精品伊人久久久久妇 website and you will receive several emails, informing you of speakers, subjects and learning opportunities.
Debates – there are debates every day, the subjects and brief proposal are in the programme, which means you can discuss with colleagues before you attend Congress. These sessions can be quite lively as members are able to give their views once the proposer and seconder have spoken. The best debates are when there are speakers for and against the matter, as you can imagine not everybody will agree, that’s what makes it interesting. There is then a vote and if carried these items are then referred to 国内精品伊人久久久久妇 Council. If you are a voting member you must attend all the debates as you are representing your branch or forum. Voting members all sit together in regions and forums and this is another way you can network, meet old friends and make new friends.
Highlights - these included several issues around NHS pay, zero hour contracts, artificial intelligence in nurse education, nursing students financial support, tackling health inequalities, nurse’s role in human trafficking. These subjects may not directly impact your role, there is always something you can take away and reflect on. There were 23 planned debates, the resolutions don’t always pass following the vote. Some debate items are matters for discussion and therefore are not voted on.
Exhibition – there's lots to see, new products, various charities and employers, 国内精品伊人久久久久妇 stand, forum stands and of course Liverpool Victoria who are great supporters of 国内精品伊人久久久久妇 Congress each year.
Fringe events- these are sessions cover clinical and practice development, networking, wellbeing, health and self-care, leadership, management, and workforce, there is something for everyone. Theses sessions are held before debates, during breaks and in the early evening. Be prepared to work hard and of course play hard e.g. Keep fit, guided walks and socialising.
Socialising – there are opportunities in the programme for socialising and with over 3,000 nurses attending you will almost meet a nursing colleague on every corner of the city. My friend came for one day, staying the night before and after and so we had a good opportunity to catch up.
Summary - I was privileged to be supported to attend as a voting member for the cancer forum, for two days, with other cancer forum colleagues. I attended all four days, arriving on the Sunday night, I have always been fortunate with taking annual leave and some study leave so that I could regularly attend the whole of Congress, I really don’t’ want to miss anything.
If you are interested in current issues in nursing, need an update for your area of interest, are a member of a forum or branch but never engaged with anyone from either then attending is a good way to build your confidence to participate locally at branch level and nationally at your forum. You can also undertake training to put towards your revalidation requirements and learn more about what 国内精品伊人久久久久妇 does for its members.
My advice is to start preparing now to attend 2026, in Liverpool. Become, if not already, actively involved, in your branch and forums. Speak to nursing friends and colleagues about attending together, they may not realise all the opportunities there are.
This is only a snapshot of my experience, I hope it inspires you to consider attending next year, if so, I’ll see you there.
