After thoughtful discussion and analysis concerning the continuing impact of the coronavirus, the AACN Board has decided to cancel the in-person National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition (NTI) 2021 event.
This difficult decision was driven by the individual and public health implications of large gatherings during a pandemic of this magnitude, the health of nurses, the patients they care for, our staff and our NTI partners. As always, we were guided by scientific data — the known facts related to COVID-19’s unrelenting grasp on our country, as well as predictions about when vaccines might be distributed to slow the pandemic.
By making this decision early, we can now fully commit to providing the most exhilarating and important aspects of NTI virtually—from education to rejuvenation and inspiration—in a completely new way to thousands more nurses than an in-person event allows.
While we are so disappointed to share this news, we know wholeheartedly that this is what’s right for our community of exceptional nurses. Our work now is to embrace the vast possibility that this new journey holds to offer fresh modes of learning, inspiration and recognition to the nurses who have worked so courageously during this unprecedented time.
We know there will be many questions to follow and we will navigate these times together as the exceptional partners that we are. You can expect regular updates about NTI planning efforts as we continue learning the virtual event landscape.