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Nursecon at Sea: Who's Excited About NurseCon at Sea 2024?!
By April Rowe, RN
Cruise attendees Share what they are looking forward to in Mexico
We reached out on social media to attendees of the NurseCon at Sea cruise, sailing April 9-14, 2024, and their excitement is contagious! If you’ve ever been on a NurseCon at Sea cruise, you know what makes it stand out from the rest. It is truly so much better than your average cruise vacation. Nurses and healthcare professionals have a unique camaraderie, and imagine being on a ship FULL of them! It’s an energy and experience that you can’t find anywhere else.
HERE’S WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
IRISHIA FINISTER, BSN, RN
This is the second NurseCon at Sea cruise for Irishia Finister, BSN, RN from Shreveport, Louisiana. After her first nursing conference cruise experience to The Bahamas last year, Irishia knew she had to go back. “I had so much fun that I was eager to sign up for the next [cruise] during that one,” she said.
Irishia appreciated all the little nursing-related details, like the drinks, portraits of Nurse Becky, and the cooter canoe elevator art! “I loved that the cocktails were related to nursing. I danced away at the sail away party with the Code Blue cocktail in my hand. I have been on cruises before, but NurseCon [at Sea] had the best sail away party. Thank you, NurseCon [at Sea], for giving me something to look forward to. I left feeling proud to be a nurse. Nurse Blake has done a wonderful job at creating a fun yet therapeutic environment,” added Irishia.
JACQUELINE LEDBETTER, MSN, BSN, RN
Jacqueline Ledbetter, MSN, BSN, RN (a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit/baby nurse for 25 years) from Cypress, Texas, said, “The most exciting aspect of the upcoming cruise to Mexico is the camaraderie among like-minded professionals in the nursing field, the chance to relax and unwind in a beautiful destination, and the opportunity to explore Mexican culture, cuisine, and scenic attractions with a group of friends and colleagues.”
Jacqueline went on her first NurseCon at Sea cruise solo and couldn’t be happier with that experience. “Nobody would go with me, so I went solo, and I felt like everyone on the cruise were friends for life! What an awesome experience to bond with so many in the medical field,” she said.
I am excited to be around nurses and professionals who understand what my everyday life is. There is a camaraderie among nurses; we all put our hearts and souls into our careers and our patients, and it will be great to let loose around a ship full of new friends! And to also earn CEUs, what could be better! – ALLI WOLFE, RN
WHY REPEAT CRUISERS KEEP COMING BACK
KRISTINA BOUYER, RN, CPN
NurseCon at Sea seasoned cruiser Kristina Bouyer, RN, CPN from Davis, California, and her husband, Shawn, will be sailing for the third time in April. “What I love most about going on a NurseCon at Sea cruise is that I can earn CEUs, meet amazing nurses from around the country where we can talk about nursing issues, and then attend fun nurse-themed activities or workshops,” she said.
Kristina also commented, “I am most excited about seeing friends I have met on the previous NurseCon [at Sea] cruises I have attended. I also look forward to the CEU classes, the theme parties, relaxing by the pool, and visiting new places.” The upcoming cruise will offer over 85 continuing nursing education (CNE) credits and has numerous port excursions in Cozumel, Mexico, and Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Travel, adventure, and learning all in one cruising experience!
SARAH N. GRAVES, RN-BSN, EMT
Sarah N. Graves, RN-BSN, EMT from Dallas, Texas, has been on all of the cruises. She said, "I am mostexcited about going to Mexico during this NurseCon at Sea [cruise] because I have never been to Mexico before. I also love going because I enjoy the classes so much. They hold such an informational value, and I love learning something new.
Plus, there are a few instructors that are coming back that I adore!”
I attended last year’s cruise to the Dominican Republic. My friend and I loved the cruise so much - we booked on the ship for Mexico! I love that I can blend a vacation with education! I would absolutely recommend this cruise to others. - STEPHANIE RUNNER , RN
TRAVEL, RELAXATION AND ADVENTURE, PLUS LEARNING
The CNE instructors are experts in their fields and bring so much knowledge and experience to NurseCon at Sea. Hearing their stories and getting to know them is one of the aspects that brings attendees back.
“My favorite thing about the NurseCon [at Sea] cruises is the camaraderie. We all share the same situations and issues about nursing, but we also have our own stories to tell. It is a feeling of being together and understanding what others have gone through that makes it unique,” Sarah noted.
BERLINDA E. BOWDWIN, MBA, MSN, RN
Berlinda E. Bowdwin, MBA, MSN, RN from Portsmouth, Virginia is a native New Yorker who was raised in The Bronx. Berlinda attended the NurseCon at Sea cruise in 2023. “[It] was my first cruise with Nurse Blake - and I went solo! The cruise was fabulous, and I met so many fellow nurses and healthcare workers! I felt like there was one big family on the ship. I made many friends from waiting to embark through the final day at sea,” she said.
“NurseCon at Sea is the ultimate nursing conference! You can have tons of fun, network, and learn — all on the sea! There were so many exciting activities: meetups, game shows, campfire talks, Drag Bingo, Nurses Got Talent, educational opportunities, theme nights, and more! I have gone on many cruises, but I felt right at home with my comrades — nurses from everywhere,” Belinda added.
Mexico will be my 4th NurseCon at Sea cruise. I love how it brings nurses from all walks of life together to celebrate being nurses. It is rare to find such a large gathering and safe space for people who just understand you and your job. The bonds you create with fellow NurseCon [at Sea] attendees are bonds that can last a lifetime! - AUDRA C.
REGISTER BEFORE IT’S ALL SOLD OUT
So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready for an unforgettable journey to Mexico with NurseCon at Sea. The Norwegian Breakaway features gorgeous staterooms, plus epic bars and restaurants. Did we mention the ship has its own Ice Bar!? Inspired by the original ice hotels in Scandinavia, the Skyy Vodka Ice Bar is a unique arctic-like frozen chamber where the bar, seating, and glasses are made entirely from ice. The cruise is an unforgettable experience that combines fun, relaxation, education, beaches, and partying with Nurse Blake — everything you could ever wish for in one amazing learning vacation! Head over to nurseconatsea.com to register for the cruise and see for yourself what all the excitement is about!
