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10:00am - 5:00pm | Registration Open

11:00am - 5:00pm | PRE-CONFERENCE EARLY CAREER BOOT CAMP

Anthony J. Silva, MSN, RN, CNOR-ORTHO, AMB-BC, ROT

This presentation explores leadership, career development, and professional growth for novice nurses from a unique yet genuine perspective.  While this topic for an early career boot camp may seem bland, the aim here is to present the material in a novel and refreshing manner.  Personal stories from the bedside will show how to lead from the bedside without a formal title, how mentorship can leverage your trajectory, and how the power of nurses can truly drive our profession forward.  Come and connect with this distinctively authentic speaker to elevate your career to the next level.

Danielle Chaplin, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC

Reathea Felder, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

For early career nurses, mastering prioritization and time management is essential for delivering safe, effective care. This presentation provides practical techniques to help nurses stay organized and in control. Topics include early patient assessments, continuously evaluating priority patients, and making a detailed plan that includes all tasks—from meds to hygiene to ambulation goals. Strategies such as task clustering, visual scheduling tools, and team coordination for breaks will be explored. Importantly, participants will learn how to recognize overwhelm and confidently ask for help with specific tasks to maintain safe, efficient care delivery.

Deirdre Shoemake, DNP, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC

Clear, respectful, and effective communication is the foundation of safe, high-quality client care. For early-career nurses, mastering these skills is critical - not just for engaging with patients and families, but also for working efficiently and confidently with interdisciplinary teams. By offering practical strategies to help nurses strengthen their communication skills, navigate common challenges, and build collaborative relationships that lead to better outcomes, this workshop aims to reduce communication breakdowns, build confidence, and foster a culture of teamwork and trust in healthcare environments. Early-career nurses will leave equipped with practical tools and frameworks for effective communication in clinical settings. 

Valerie Morrison, DBA, MSM, BSN, RN, NEA-BC, SHRM-SCP

This presentation explores the vital role of patient advocacy, interdisciplinary teamwork, and leadership in promoting patient-centered care. Attendees will learn about the principles of effective advocacy, the benefits of collaborative practice, and strategies for integrating these elements into daily nursing routines. Through real-world examples and interactive sessions, participants will gain practical skills to enhance patient outcomes, foster a culture of teamwork and mutual respect, and lead initiatives that drive excellence in healthcare settings.

Kimberly Castillo, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC

Jennifer Mauney, DNP, APRN, CPNP-AC

As a new nurse, entering the workplace can be intimidating, especially when faced with bullying and incivility.  This presentation provides practical guidance on recognizing, coping with, and addressing these behaviors.  Effective communication, boundary setting, and seeking support from colleagues and mentors are key strategies for building resilience.  Understanding organizational policies and reporting mechanisms is also crucial. By prioritizing self-reflection, developing a support network, and collaboration in a positive work environment, new nurses can thrive in their roles and provide high-quality patient care.  Empower yourself to create a healthy and respectful work environment. 

Janet Northcote, PhDc, BSN, RN

E. Mendy Dunn, PhD, RN, MSN, ACRP-CP, NE-BC

Alexandria Carey, PhD, MBA-HC, RN, CNE, CEN, CPEN

Ragnhildur I. Bjarnadottir, PhD, MPH, RN

Early career nurses often face silent struggles as they adapt to high-stakes environments, many learning to camouflage their stress to appear composed and competent. This session explores the science of allostatic load, linking chronic stress and emotional masking to burnout development. Participants will learn to recognize these patterns and implement self-care strategies that reduce allostatic overload, a key factor in burnout prevention. We will also introduce freely available AI tools to aid with time management, reflection, and career development. This session redefines self-care as a professional imperative, equipping nurses to build resilient, sustainable careers rooted in authenticity and support.

Alysia Adams, DNP, APRN, AGACNP-BC, CCRN, NE-B

In today's digitally driven healthcare environment, professionals must be intentional about how they show up online. Digital by Design: Helping Leaders Craft Their Digital Voice introduces the Digital Communication Competencies, defined by a delphi study, that supports the development of a strategic, authentic, and engaging digital presence. This session explores practical approaches to digital influence, communication, and relationship-building across platforms. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to enhance their digital footprint, foster professional connection, and lead with impact in the digital age.

5:30pm - 6:30pm | FNPAC Welcome Reception

Join us Wednesday evening after the Early Career Boot Camp for the FNPAC Welcome Reception—the perfect way to kick off the FNA Membership Assembly!

Enjoy light hors d’oeuvres, mingle with colleagues from across the state, and connect with nurse leaders and peers in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. It’s a great chance to expand your professional network and set the tone for an inspiring conference ahead.

6:30pm - 8:00pm | FNA Board of Directors Meeting and Dinner

7:00am - 4:00pm | Registration Desk Open

7:00am - 8:00am | Coffee and Conversations with Exhibitors

Start your day with fresh coffee, a light continental breakfast, and engaging conversations with our exhibitors. 

8:00am - 9:15am | Opening Session

Delaney W. La Rosa, EdD, MSN, Ed., RN

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly central to healthcare systems, nurses are uniquely positioned to guide its integration in ways that promote safety, trust, and accessibility. This keynote introduces a leadership framework grounded in the National Academy of Medicine’s AI Code of Conduct for Health and Medicine, emphasizing four interconnected domains: literacy, education, advocacy, and accessibility.

Participants will explore how foundational AI literacy enables nurses to critically assess and shape digital tools; how nursing education must evolve to include AI across teaching and practice; how advocacy ensures that innovation reflects the realities and needs of patients and providers; and how accessible, human-centered design can help close gaps in care. Through the lens of real-world examples, this session offers nurse leaders a call to move from awareness to agency in the age of artificial intelligence.

9:15am - 10:45am | Plenary Session

Jean Davis, PhD, DNP, EdD, FNP-BC, CNS-BC, FNAP

Deirdre Krause, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC

Cathleen J. Paton, DNP, RN, CCRN

Sarah Martinez, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, CCRN

Explore the Nursing Code of Ethics for Nurses (2025) in action through interactive scenarios that bring its ten provisions to life, including the new Provision 10 on global health responsibility. This session introduces the Code’s purpose and evolution while helping nurses apply its principles in everyday practice. Scenarios will span patient care, professional accountability, interprofessional collaboration, and ethical responses to global health challenges.

10:45am - 11:00am | Break Visit Exhibitors

11:00am - 12:00pm | BREAKOUT PRESENTATIONS (A)

Christina Bricker, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC, FAHA

Denise Schentrup, DNP, APRN, FAANP, CNE

This session offers practical, evidence-based strategies to enhance virtual care in primary care settings. Attendees will learn telehealth assessment techniques, communication tools, workflow tips, and documentation strategies. Ethical and legal considerations such as privacy, consent, and access will also be addressed. Emphasis is placed on reducing disparities and supporting underserved populations. Nurse Practitioners and other nurses will leave with actionable insights to lead safe, effective, and equitable virtual care.

Karen Kolega, DNP MSN-CNL, RNC-OB, C-EFM, C-ONQS

Carol Lawrence, PhD, MS, BSN, RNC-OB, CBC

This presentation showcases a one-group pre-post quasi-experimental study evaluating the impact of an artificial intelligence-enabled clinical decision support system (cEFM-aiCDS) combined with an integrative educational intervention on the incidence and management of uterine tachysystole (UT). Untreated UT can lead to serious fetal complications. Delays in UT treatment are often linked to misinterpretation of electronic fetal monitoring (EFM), poor clinical judgment, lack of clinical skills, and communication breakdowns among care teams. These delays frequently contribute to obstetric malpractice claims. The cEFM-aiCDS program continuously performs a 30-minute look-back and provides a color-coded early warning notification for UT. Following the implementation of cEFM-aiCDS and integrative education, the study found a significant increase in timely clinical interventions for UT. Additionally, technology recognition of UT incidence did not differ by age, race, ethnicity, or gestational age.

Karen Laing, MSN, APRN, AGPCNP-BC, DipACLM, HWNC-BC, CHES, FPCNA

Lifestyle Medicine is an evidence-based approach that leverages six key pillars—nutrition, physical activity, stress management, sleep, social connection, and avoidance of risky substances—to prevent, treat, and potentially reverse chronic disease. As chronic conditions and healthcare costs rise, nurses are uniquely positioned to lead the shift toward proactive, patient-centered care. This session will define the core principles of Lifestyle Medicine, explore its role in addressing the chronic disease epidemic, and empower nurses with at least one practical step to begin integrating lifestyle-focused strategies into everyday practice.

Wendy Harper, M.Ed., BSN, RN

Deirdre Krause, Ph.D., APRN, FNP-BC

Spiritual care is essential to holistic well-being, especially during life’s most vulnerable moments. Faith community nurses, through their trusted role within congregations, are uniquely positioned to provide compassionate, meaningful care that honors patient autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice, fidelity, and veracity. This session explores the foundational principles of faith community nursing and emphasizes the intentional care of the spirit. Participants will gain insight into the cultural, religious, and social dynamics that shape spiritual lives and learn how faith community nurses support individual and family flourishing. Real-life case presentations and personal stories will highlight the impact of this unique nursing specialty.

12:00pm - 1:30pm | Foundation Luncheon

Join us for the Annual Foundation Luncheon, a Membership Assembly tradition. This special gathering will honor the 2025 Scholarship and Grant Recipients, celebrating their achievements and the bright future of nursing in Florida.

1:30pm - 2:00pm | Break Visit Exhibitors

2:00pm - 3:00pm | BREAKOUT PRESENTATIONS (B)

Robin Geiger, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, NEA-BC

Adele Webb, PhD, RN, FAAN

In a healthcare environment increasingly divided over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), the nursing profession must return to its ethical roots - where respect, safety, and equitable care are non-negotiable. This dynamic sessions uses humor and familiar cultural references from "Mean Girls" to explore a serious issue: the damaging effects of exclusionary behaviors and silenced voices within nursing teams. Through storytelling, real-world examples, and evidence-based insights, co-presenters Dr. Adele Webb and Dr. Robin Geiger reveal how workforce safety, nurse retention, and patient outcomes are directly impacted by the inclusiveness - or lack thereof - in healthcare settings. 

With an emphasis on the Nurse Practice Act and ANA's Code of Ethics, this presentation offers practical tools for psychologically safe environments, even in climates resistant to DEI.

Kim E. Giroux, MSN, RN, CCRN

Kasey Nestor, EdD(c), MSN-Ed, RN, CNE

Michelle Plourde, MSN-Ed., BS, RN, CEN

Deirdre Shoemake, DNP, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC

Florida ranks 50th in NCLEX first-time pass rates. Hospitals often report that new nurses are not "practice-ready”. This session aims to bridge the gap between academia and practice by fostering collaboration between educators and healthcare practitioners. Participants will explore mutual expectations, identify challenges, and discuss innovative, actionable solutions for strengthening nursing education and workforce readiness for entry-level nurses. While exploring how digital innovations can enhance nursing education and practice, the session will provide realistic insights into elevating the nursing profession while ensuring a patient-centered, ethically grounded approach, ensuring future nurses are prepared to meet the challenges of an evolving healthcare landscape.

Bryce Catarelli, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Brian Holland, PhD, RN

PhD-prepared nurses, DNP-prepared nurses, and clinical partners are uniquely positioned with skills, resources, and knowledge to partner to advance nursing science. This presentation will highlight the unique contributions that each can bring to the table to reinforce the benefit of collaboration resulting in more impactful and rigorous projects. It will also discuss the facilitators and barriers to successful partnerships, including communication, trust, and resource sharing. As nurse scientists, it is imperative that we work to increase translation of research into practice to benefit our patients, organizations, and communities. By navigating challenges and leveraging the expertise of each partner, we can bring research projects to life, driving nursing innovation and improving healthcare outcomes for all. 

Deborah Hogan, MPH, BSN, RN

Stay up to date on the current state of public health in Florida and across the U.S., with insights on emerging trends, challenges, and policy shifts. Explore how nurses can remain vigilant in safeguarding community health, even as changing policies make the work more difficult. Participants will gain practical strategies to advocate effectively, adapt in uncertain times, and continue advancing public health in their practice.

3:00pm - 3:30pm | Break Visit Exhibitors

3:30pm - 4:30pm | Closing Plenary Session

LeeAnn Barfield, PhD, DNP, APRN, CNE, FACHE

This presentation explores the transformative role of healthcare technology in nursing practice. It highlights how innovations like AI, telemedicine, and machine learning are reshaping patient care, improving clinical practices, and enhancing patient outcomes. The session will address the ethical implications of using technology in nursing, while emphasizing its role in improving healthcare access, especially for underserved populations. Through real-world examples of AI-driven decision-making and virtual health visits, the presentation will demonstrate how these technologies are innovating care delivery and positioning nursing at the forefront of healthcare's digital evolution.

5:30pm - 8:00pm | Awards Reception & Dinner Recognition Ceremony

Awards Reception | 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Kick off the evening with a networking hour before the dinner. Enjoy light hors d’oeuvres, mingle with colleagues, and visit the cash bar.

Awards Dinner & Recognition Ceremony | 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Join us for the Annual Icon Awards Celebration! As we dine and celebrate the achievements of our nursing colleagues, we’ll reflect on the profound impact nurses have made across the state.

7:30am - 8:45am | Advocacy Breakfast

Rachel Malloy, DNP, RN, CNRN, SCRN

Media shapes how the public understands healthcare—yet nurses, despite being the most trusted profession, remain largely absent from that conversation. This presentation highlights the urgent need for media-savvy nurses who can represent the profession, educate the public, and influence health policy. Attendees will explore key strategies for engaging with media, including crafting compelling messages, responding to interviews, and amplifying nursing’s role through digital platforms. In an age where misinformation spreads quickly, nurses must be visible experts. By elevating nursing voices in the media, we strengthen our profession’s influence—and our ability to improve public health outcomes.

9:00am - 12:00pm | FNA Business Meeting

Help shape the future of your association at the FNA Annual Business Meeting. Participate in discussions, hear key updates from leadership, vote on bylaws changes and reference proposals, and share your voice on issues impacting Florida nurses.

We’ll wrap up with the swearing in the newly elected Board of Directors as we celebrate fresh leadership and the year ahead.

12:00pm - 1:00pm | Lunch with Your Regions

Enjoy a casual lunch with nurses from your region and take the opportunity to connect with your newly appointed Region Director before heading home.

1:30pm - 2:30pm | Post-Assembly Board of Directors Meeting for New Board