Hundreds of emergency nurses brought their sparkle to Emergency Nursing 2024’s Welcome Party, fully embracing the “Shimmer and Shine” theme.
“You’re never too old for glitter,” said Tammy Matthews from Alabama, as she waited for her turn to get shimmery face paint. Matthews said she has been coming to Emergency Nursing conferences for 25 years and recalls early ones that were more traditional ball gown affairs. She said she prefers the extravaganzas that have become a high point of the conference’s social events, with a new theme each year.
The Emergency Nursing 2024 Welcome Party theme “Shimmer and Shine” drew on both ENA President Chris Dellinger’s theme of “Shine” and the lights and nightlife of Vegas in one flashy festivity.
“I can’t wait to get the theme for the party each year. This is fun,” she said.
Attendees sported numerous interpretations of Shimmer and Shine, from sequined dresses to light-up sunglasses and capes that appeared to be made of rope lights.
In typical ENA style, the Welcome Party was far more than a cocktail and snack event. This year managed to draw on both ENA President Chris Dellinger’s theme of “Shine” and the lights and nightlife of Vegas in one flashy festivity.
A magician strolled through the crowd. The Roller Skating Vortex Duo gave a dizzying performance. The dance floor filled up, and nurses enjoyed some high-energy fun after a day filled with education sessions.
As guests entered the party, they passed by “living walls,” where white-gloved hands reached through to offer glasses of wine and cookies to guests. In addition to shimmery face painting, attendees could stop by a custom jewelry station or treat themselves to a hand-rolled cigar. They commemorated the week at various photo op stations, including a 360-degree photo booth, touch-screen mirrored photo stand and rows of LED string lights.
A “living wall” offered glasses of wine and cookies to guests via white-gloved hands.
Jayne Debrular, MSN, RN, who was attending with colleagues from the Lantern-winning Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, has been a nurse for 25 years, but this was her first Emergency Nursing conference. She said she definitely plans to attend more in the future.
“It’s been great. I love this,” she said, gesturing to the party scene. “I think they’re innovative. And it invigorates me that there are 4,000 nurses in one place that have a passion for emergency nursing.”
The evening included the Party with a Purpose, an add-on to the Welcome Party that raised money for the ENA Foundation. Those who purchased the Party with a Purpose tickets — which included a donation to the Foundation — received VIP treatment, including an extra beverage and an exclusive bar, designated lounge seating behind a rope and stanchions and front-row seats to the Duo Vortex performance.
Between donations made at registration, Text to Give, Party with a Purpose and raffle tickets, funds raised during annual Emergency Nursing conferences and General Assembly provide a substantial boost for the Foundation, said ENA Foundation Manager Meghan Higham. This year’s goal was to raise $20,000 over the course of the five days. By Thursday night, the Foundation was well on its way. Text to Give continues through the end of the conference.