Why I Speak at REACH
by Paul Prem Nathenson, DNP APRN NP-C
While working in a rehabilitation facility, I was fortunate enough to attend ARN’s annual education conferences for many years. I always felt that I benefitted more from ARN than I was able to contribute. I have been involved with ARN since the mid-1990s, serving as both president and president-elect of the organization in addition to other roles. In 2013, I transitioned from the rehabilitation facility to return to school to become a nurse practitioner and then earn my DNP.
At that point, I had a longing to reconnect with ARN, and after missing the conferences for several years in a row, I decided it was time to attend again. I was very passionate about my research project that I had completed for my DNP and thought it might be a good fit for the REACH conference, as my study was competed in rehabilitation settings. I submitted my idea through the REACH speaker portal and was fortunate to be chosen for a concurrent session.
My research focus related to the utilization of non-pharmacological measures (NPMs) in a rehabilitation setting. What was most gratifying about presenting was the lively discussion that followed the session where I was able to learn from other members’ experiences with NPMs. The discussion gave me the idea to do a follow-up study to determine what successes rehabilitation nurses have with NPMs and what barriers they face; and hopefully get some understanding about successful strategies for implementing holistic programs in rehabilitation settings.
ARN conferences provide excellent educational resources and networking opportunities, not to mention a chance to visit and explore a new city. In retrospect, the most important aspect to me was how networking with colleagues had transitioned into establishing lasting friendships. I highly encourage members and participants to submit their ideas for a presentation based on their experiences or study about the rehabilitation process across the continuum.
Paul Prem Nathenson is a nurse practitioner at Simple Path Health & Wellness. In addition to his clinic work, Prem teaches full time in the graduate nursing program at Clarkson College in Omaha, NE.
