On Tuesday, May 28, 2024, Clarity Locums had the privilege of attending the annual INMO (Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation) Nursing Conference for Care of the Older Person. Held in Portlaoise, this year’s conference was a melting pot of innovation, learning, and networking, all centred around the theme of gerontology and the comprehensive care of older adults. The day's agenda was packed with insightful sessions and valuable networking opportunities, leaving attendees enriched and inspired.
The day kicked off at 9:00 AM with registration and a trade exhibition. This initial hour allowed attendees to familiarise themselves with various exhibitors, including our team at Clarity Locums. We had the opportunity to connect with fellow nursing professionals and discuss our agency and our support for Agency Nurses and clients alike.
At 9:30 AM, Caroline Gourley, President of the INMO, delivered a compelling opening address. Caroline's speech set the tone for the day, emphasising the importance of innovation, compassion, and continuous professional development in nursing.
Deirdre Lang, Director of Nursing and National Lead in Older Person Services, commenced the sessions with a comprehensive overview of gerontology at a national level. Her talk shed light on current trends, challenges, and future directions in the care of older adults, providing valuable insights for all attendees.
Georgina Conroy, RANP in Diabetes from Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise, followed with an informative presentation on diabetes management. Her expertise and practical advice on managing this chronic condition were highly appreciated by the audience.
After a refreshing coffee break, Aoife Dillon from St James Hospital captivated the audience with her talk on transforming care for older LGBT+ individuals. Her emphasis on inclusion, respect, and dignity highlighted the need for sensitive and personalised care approaches.
Eithne NiDhomhnaill, a Nurse Consultant, delivered an engaging session on assisted decision making. Her insights into ethical considerations and practical strategies were particularly relevant for professionals involved in complex care decisions.
Amanda Phelan, Professor in Ageing and Community Nursing at Trinity College Dublin, addressed the issue of resident-to-resident aggression in care settings. Her presentation provided a deep dive into current perspectives and preventive measures, sparking meaningful discussions among attendees.
The lunch break offered a chance for attendees to relax, enjoy a meal, and continue networking. The trade exhibition remained a hive of activity as professionals exchanged ideas and explored new products and services in the nursing field.
The afternoon sessions maintained the momentum with a series of focused talks:
An insightful look into ongoing clinical trials and nutritional support for cognitive health.
Brian McDonald provided practical strategies for managing sexualized behaviour in care settings.
Maurice Healy introduced the MEAS model, offering a structured approach to behaviour support.
Debora Muresan discussed the innovative pre-assessment tool designed to enhance integrated care for older persons.
The day concluded with an evaluation session, draws, and a closing address. Attendees left the conference with a wealth of new knowledge, fresh perspectives, and a renewed sense of commitment to excellence in nursing care.
At Clarity Locums, we are proud to have been part of such an enriching event. The insights gained and connections made will undoubtedly enhance our mission to provide exceptional staffing solutions in the nursing sector. We look forward to applying these learnings and continuing our collaboration with the INMO and other key stakeholders in the nursing community.
Stay tuned for more updates from Clarity Locums as we continue to engage in events that shape the future of nursing!
First of all check out our FAQs section, it might just have what you need.