If you are an ER nurse, something you have to do at some point in your career is go to ENA. ENA is an emergency nursing conference that is held every year around the end of September in a different location. This years location was Pittsburgh, PA. When I heard this I said to myself, “oh great, this is gonna suck.” I thought there was nothing to do in Pittsburgh. Boy was I wrong! Pittsburgh was a pleasure and I’ll tell you all about why.
Where I stayed- Airbnb
Pro tip- Don’t wait till the last minute to book your hotel or Airbnb when you are going to any conference or event. They will be all booked up. I stayed on the other side of the water and it was fine, but I heard it was a bad area after I was there. I stayed in a house with the owner, a travel nurse, and a guy “trying to find himself”. I don’t mind renting a room, it wasn’t too bad, but I wish I had booked ahead of time. Start looking and book at least a month out.
ENA 2018!
If you are an ER nurse you need to go to ENA at least once in your career. I can not talk say one bad word about it. I have been to the conference twice and every time I come out more excited and pumped about being an ER nurse then before I went. There are a few reasons to go to ENA
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Education
From the time of the official start to the very end of the conference, there are lectures being held on any topic you would want to learn about. There are lectures on
Advanced Practice
Forensics
Trauma
Pediatrics
Research
Leadership and Management
There is Ultrasound Lab where you can learn how to do US IV for an extra fee of $50. Ever wanted to hold a lung or heart? Want to practice skills on a cadaver? I did the Cadaver Lab 2 years ago and it was worth it! For $100 it was worth every penny.
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Networking
If you are looking for a new job or new ways to run your ER, there is someone you can talk to here. I actually found a job here 2 years ago at this conference. For this reason, I would bring a few copies of your resume. The hospitals recruiting are at the exhibit hall. There is also a poster contest, (which my ER entered) where you can talk with other nurses about how they are improving their ERs. They also have a party during the conference to raise money for their scholarship fund. The theme this year was 80s theme. I say go and support a good cause.
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Exhibit Hall (FREE PENS!!)
There are so many vendors at this conference the free swag is ridiculous. I always grab as much as possible so I can bring things home for my coworkers. Some of the vendors are also education booths. You can go and have a CPR contest with your coworker or test your skills at SimLab (see clip below). I enjoyed seeing all the new products to make emergency medicine better.
Definitely check it out more then once while at the conference. See below a video from the SIMLAB.
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Visit A New City
There is so much to learn and see at the conference, you sometimes forget there is a city to explore! I recommend looking over the lecture schedule and planning your trip around that. I would also book an extra day or two in the city so you have at least one day to explore the city.
Andy Warhol Museum
Fun Fact- Andy Warhol was born in Pittsburgh. So it makes sense the largest collection of his work is located in this city. Admission is $20 and I thought it was worth it. I am a big fan of art and enjoyed seeing the progression of his art. Some of his famous painting including his soup cans, eight Elvis and his pop art of celebrities are featured here. The museum has seven floors of art and information. The museum is closed on Monday. Expect to spend about 2-3 hours here. For more information, click here.
Southern Tier
When I visited Pittsburgh it was football season. I was looking for a place with lots of games on since I’m a Jaguars fan. While searching I came across Southern Tier. Located in the North Shore area, this place is rather new, but they say that their are “Your favorite place to tailgate.” This place is close to Heinz Field, where the Steelers play, and PNC Park, where the Pirates play. They had the game on I wanted so I was happy. Southern Tier has over 30 beers on tap. They also have food, but I did not try any food. The beer was good and I liked the atmosphere. Definitely worth checking out if you are going to a game or in the area. For more information, click here.
Church Brew Works
My bosses wanted to have a welcome dinner the night everyone landed. I was confused when I got out of the Uber and arrived at Church Brew Works. The former church is now home to house-brewed beers, plus a mix of pizza, pierogi & bratwurst. The building itself is worth a visit. The food was just ok, but I enjoyed the beer. I’d say if you are looking for a place for a good beer that is not just your run of the mill beer, check this place out.
For more information, click here.
Primanti Bros
No one could shut up about this place when asked where to eat in Pittsburgh. So, of course, I had to check it out. (and I went twice!) There are over 5 locations in Pittsburgh and some located in other states as well. The chain is known for its signature sandwiches of grilled meat, melted cheese, an oil & vinegar-based coleslaw, tomato slices, and French fries between two thick slices of Italian bread. Was the sandwich the most amazing thing I’ve ever had? No. Do you have to get it before you leave Pittsburgh? Definitely Yes
For locations and hours, click here.
Incline to Mount Washington
There are 2 ways to get up the incline. The more famous one is Duquesne Incline. I tried to go to that one, but it was having mechanical issues that afternoon :-(. My last day
I went to the Monongahela Incline. For $5 both ways, you can use the oldest continuously operating funicular in the United States. The view from above was amazing. You can see all of Pittsburgh’s Golden Triangle (downtown) and have assess to the city’s Mt. Washington neighborhood. Its lower station is across the street from the Station Square shopping center, and can be assessed by the light rail system at the Station Square station. I found out after I went that you can go up one of the inclines, then walk along Grandview Avenue to the other incline, and going back down. I would recommend this so you can experience both views.
The location of the next ENA conference 2019 is Austin, TX.
See you there!
xoxox
nursewhotravels ❤
nursewhotravels 