Explore the gift of a good workshop

By Bridget Deegan-Krause
Conference Workshops Chair

It takes a lot to put together a good conference workshop. One researches and selects a topic, prepares clear objectives, and develops a compelling description. Then the hard work begins, crafting solid content and preparing the right structure that will help a group of diverse participants learn and grow.

Our theme, “Honoring the Gift,” is well-reflected in the efforts of those who will share their expertise and creative gifts for our March conference. NACC chaplains are joined by a small but mighty array of colleagues from complementary disciplines who are carefully crafting rich learning opportunities for all of us.

Whether you seek to explore innovation, develop competency, or attend to spiritual formation, I am certain you will find something of interest. Depending on your choice of workshops, you may learn about innovations in grief support; assess your skills for leadership; develop skills in holistic care of staff; build management competencies; explore the latest in charting methods; become a better researcher; learn how to navigate change and help others do the same; explore the history of the NACC; or reflect theologically on the paschal mystery.

To get even more out of your experience, come early for our pre-conference workshops. These high-quality offerings allow you to take a deeper dive into varied topics of great interest to our profession. Longtime NACC leaders Karen Pugliese and Rod Accardi will present on the latest on charting in the EMR environment with an eye to holistic care. Maureen Gallagher and John Reid of the Reid Group will help us assess and develop our critically needed management skills to lead in mission and spiritual care. Back by popular demand, NACC chaplain and pastoral psychotherapist Tina Lightner-Morris will teach us about navigating burnout and fostering resilience through mind/body skills. Acclaimed artist and NACC chaplain Monique Cerundolo will help us enhance our ministry to those living with loss through art, poetry, and ritual. Finally, award-winning musician and hospice chaplain Jesse Paledofsky and his colleague Cheryl Jones will teach us about weaving music into our ministry with multicultural sensitivity.

Our workshop team has worked hard to find the right blend for NACC’s learning and development. We are deeply grateful for all who put themselves forward to share a workshop proposal. We look forward to celebrating and learning with all of you in Arlington, VA, in March.