This week, the AARC launched the ACCS course live in Las Vegas. Ok, so it wasn't on the scale of Celine Dion or Donny and Marie. However, a good number of respiratory therapists decided to make the trip and learn more about adult critical care. Day 1 of the course was yesterday and here I sit with my first cup of coffee reflecting on yesterday's events.
The first thing that struck me was that people REALLY wanted to be here. Yeah, it's Vegas. But beyond that, everyone was ready to participate. We've all been to conferences where some attendees were almost angry about being there (grumble, grumble..."I can't believe I have to get these CRCEs"...grumble, grumble). I've been involved in conference planning for over 12 years. I've been involved in planning conferences with over 500 attendees and conferences with less than 20. I've been involved in planning specialty conferences and general sessions. I've worked the registration booth more times than I care to remember. I have to say...this is the first time I've felt an overwhelming sense of camaraderie amongst the participants. As with all conferences, there were a couple of hiccups but the attendees have laughed at my corny jokes, answered questions presented by the faculty, and contributed nuggets of vital information willingly.
The second thing that struck me was that the FACULTY really wanted to be there. These folks are dedicated respiratory therapists who walk the walk. They've earned that RRT-ACCS, they work in critical care, they research the literature, they fight the good fight. They're here to help other respiratory therapists increase their critical care knowledge, prepare for that examination, and remind them of some facts and facets of critical care respiratory therapy that they might have misplaced over the years.
The third thing that struck me is that a significant number of people love Starbucks. Not really a surprise, though.
So, as I get ready to head to the conference center for Day 2 of the ACCS course, I am even more excited than yesterday. I'm so excited that I'll even put on those shoes that killed my feet yesterday without an argument (I've learned shoes don't listen, anyway).