Sigma Theta Tau International (the honor society of nursing) and Nursing Spectrum (a communications company and division of Gannett, Inc.) have announced that they have partnered to develop professional development conferences for nurses across the United States.

Each conference will feature two educational tracks: Career and Leadership. The Career Track will offer information and resources for the RN seeking career opportunities in nontraditional nursing settings such as TV & film, research, pharmaceutical industry, and many others. In addition, this track will present information on networking, business image, writing for publication, and much more. The instructor, Donna Cardillo, RN, BS is a nationally recognized speaker on career development and is Nursing Spectrum's career expert. Cardillo recently published her first book, Your First Year as a Nurse, Making the Transition from Total Novice to Successful Professional.

The Leadership Track offers tips on how to be a leader, make changes in clinical practice, and improve patient care with evidence-based practice. Gail L. Ingersoll, RN, EdD, FAAN, will discuss practical use of research to stimulate change. Also included in this track will be ideas and resources for RNs new to the management role, such as financial basics, giving feedback, and delegating. Presented by Colleen D. Hole, RN, MHA, an expert on leadership and organizational management in America, this track will provide ideas and resources for RNs looking to improve their practice and leadership skills.

There are four locations and dates across the United States to choose from. Each conference is preceded by a free preconference Expo.

Houston, TX - March 14, 2002, Preconference Expo; March 15 - 16, 2002, Professional Development Conferences

Atlanta, GA - May 2, 2002, Preconference Expo; May 2 - 4, 2002, Professional Development Conferences

Philadelphia, PA - September 26, 2002, Preconference Expo; September 27-28, 2002, Professional Development Conferences

Phoenix, AZ - October 17, 2002, Preconference Expo; October 18-19, 2002 Professional Development Conferences

Nurses may attend the Preconference expo, which offers up to four free continuing education sessions as well as an exhibit hall featuring employers from around town and around the United States. Nurses can then choose to attend the Professional Development Conference for one or two days at a cost of $175 for one day or $275 for both days.

``Both Sigma Theta Tau and Nursing Spectrum strive to help nurses succeed in their careers, so this is a natural partnership,'' says Patti Rager, RN, MSN, MBA, president and publisher of Nursing Spectrum. ``These course will allow nurses to boost their career skills in important areas.''

Sigma Theta Tau International, Honor Society of Nursing, is dedicated to improving the health of people worldwide by increasing the scientific base of nursing practice. Members are nursing scholars committed to the pursuit of excellence in clinical practice, education, research, and leadership.

Nursing Spectrum is a RN-led communications company and a division of Gannett Company, Inc. For more conference information send an e-mail to ce@nursingspectrum.com or for exhibiting and sponsorship information send an e-mail to saleshelp@nursingspectrum.com.