Conference Recap

Celebrating a Decade of Innovation: Highlights from the 10th Annual FNA Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Conference



The 10th Annual FNA Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Conference took place on July 27, 2024, at the picturesque Harry P. Leu Gardens in Orlando, FL. The conference brought together nursing professionals and researchers from across the state to discuss innovative practices, share groundbreaking research, and collaborate on advancing the field of nursing.

The conference opened with a powerful keynote presentation by Ashley Rivera, RN, PhD, Jonas Scholar. Titled "Preserving Advocacy Research in an Anti-DEI Political Climate," Dr. Rivera addressed the challenges faced by nursing researchers advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion in an increasingly polarized political environment. She emphasized the importance of resilience and strategic advocacy to ensure that DEI principles remain integral to nursing research and practice.

The conference featured a series of insightful podium presentations, showcasing innovative research and evidence-based practices:

Caroline Chu, MSN, RN, NPD-BC from Orlando Health, presented her research on Decreasing Blood Culture Contamination Rates in the Emergency Department. Chu's findings highlighted effective strategies that significantly lower contamination rates, leading to more accurate diagnoses and better patient outcomes. Her presentation emphasized the importance of meticulous technique and continuous education in minimizing contamination.

Susan Bednar, DNP, CNM from Aspen University, discussed the implementation of screening protocols for adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) during prenatal care in her presentation titled Implementing Screening for Adverse Childhood Experiences During Prenatal Care. Bednar underscored the long-term benefits of early identification and intervention for ACEs, which can improve both maternal and child health outcomes. Her research advocated for integrating ACEs screening into routine prenatal visits to enhance early support and resources for expecting mothers.

A collaborative study titled Are Nursing Students Food Insecure? Outcomes from Multisite Food Security Research was presented by Karen Aul, PhD, RN, CNE, CHSE; Kailey Rinaldi, PhD, APRN, CPNP-PC, CNE; Brittany Nettles, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CNE; and Lauren Boardman, DNP, RN, Alumnus-CCRN, CNL; from the University of South Florida, University of Florida, University of North Florida, and University of Tampa. This study explored food insecurity among nursing students across multiple sites. The researchers presented compelling evidence of the prevalence and impact of food insecurity on nursing students' academic performance and overall well-being, calling for institutional support and interventions.

Kristina Perez, BSN, RN, CMSRN from West Kendall Baptist Hospital, highlighted the positive impact of conducting evidence-based clinical audits on patient outcomes in her presentation titled Evidence-Based Clinical Audits Translate to Improved Patient Outcomes. Perez's research demonstrated that systematic audits lead to enhanced clinical practices and improved patient care quality. Her work showcased the importance of regular evaluations and adherence to evidence-based guidelines in achieving optimal patient outcomes.

One of the biggest highlights of the conference was the impressive showcase of 78 poster presentations, which spanned a diverse range of categories. These included clinical practice and patient care, community and public health, ethics and legal issues, evidence-based practice, healthcare systems and politics, nursing education and professional development, patient and family engagement, specialty nursing, and technology and informatics. The poster presentations not only highlighted cutting-edge research but also facilitated dynamic discussions and networking opportunities among attendees. This extensive display of research and innovation underscored the conference's commitment to advancing nursing practice and improving patient outcomes.

The conference concluded with an inspiring keynote by Lois Marshall, PhD, RN. Her presentation, "The Impact of the FNA Research and Evidence-Based Practice Conference: The First 10 Years and Moving Forward to Infinity and Beyond," reflected on the achievements of the past decade and outlined a visionary roadmap for the future of nursing research and practice.

Overall, the 10th Annual FNA Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Conference was a resounding success, fostering knowledge exchange, professional growth, and a commitment to advancing the nursing profession through research and evidence-based practice.