Your First Nursing Conference: How to Make it Count

When you're a student, attending your first professional nursing conference is a big step, and an exciting one.

• You’re not just showing up as a student.
• You’re stepping into the profession.

This year, for the first time at TNA's annual conference, you’ll have access to a student-centric track designed specifically for where you are right now, while also being part of a much larger community of nurses across Texas.

What This Experience Is Really About

• This conference is designed to help you begin building:
  • Your professional identity
  • Your confidence in real-world practice
  • Your understanding of the nursing profession beyond school
  • Your network of future colleagues and mentors
• You’ll explore topics like:
  • Patient safety and speaking up
  • Real-world challenges like mental health and substance use in nursing
  • Career pathways and choosing your first role
  • Advocacy and how your voice matters early in your career
  • Evidence-based practice (yes—you can use research!)

How to Plan Your Day

To get the most out of your experience, follow this simple model:

Session à Poster à Exhibitor à Connection

1. Start with Student Sessions

• These sessions are built just for you:
  • Real-world topics you won’t always get in class
  • Practical advice for your transition into practice
  • Space to ask questions and learn in a supportive environment
• Pro Tip: Write down one question during the session, even if you don’t ask it out loud. It helps you stay engaged and gives you something to follow up on later.

2. Explore Poster Presentations

• Posters are one of the best-kept secrets of conferences.
  • Here’s why:
    • You’ll see how nurses improve care in real settings
    • You can ask questions directly (no pressure!)
    • You’ll start to understand how ideas turn into practice
• Pro Tip Question: “How did you get started with this project?”

3. Visit the Exhibit Hall

• This is your chance to explore your future.
• You’ll meet:
  • Universities and graduate programs
  • Healthcare organizations and potential employers
  • Professional organizations and resources
• Pro Tip Question: “What should I be doing now to prepare for my first nursing role?”

4. Make One Connection

• This might be the most important step.
  • Talk to a nurse after a session
  • Introduce yourself to a poster presenter
  • Ask someone about their career path
• Pro Tip: Start simple: “Hi, I’m a nursing student. Do you mind if I ask you one quick question?” Most people will be happy to talk, and one short conversation can turn into a meaningful connection.

Strength in Unity Begins with You

While these sessions are designed to support you where you are today, the full conference experience is an opportunity to step into who you are becoming. From your first conversation with a practicing nurse to your first exposure to real-world innovation, every moment is part of building your professional identity.

You don’t need to have all the answers, you just need to be willing to show up, stay curious, and take one step forward. Because today, you’re attending as a student, but tomorrow, you’ll be the nurse shaping the future of the profession.

STUDENT TRACK @ TNA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
DATE: June 11, 2026
LOCATION: Gaylord Texas Resort and Convention Center (1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, Texas)
PRICE: $125.00 - Prelicensure Nursing Student (Unlicensed/Undergraduate)

REGISTER

PLEASE NOTE! The one-day pass is for the event only. If you need lodging, the host site has rooms available at a conference room rate. Room rate reservation deadline: May 19, 2026.