General Sessions

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
The America Nurse: Defining Hope | Carolyn Jones 

Carolyn Jones, photographer, author, and filmmaker behind The American Nurse Project and Defining Hope, spent over ten years documenting the work of nurses across the country, a journey that led her to conclude that “without them, we don’t stand a chance.” That was before the global coronavirus pandemic thrust our nation’s nurses even further onto the frontlines of healthcare, addressing our physical and emotional needs before sending us back out into the world. In this session, Jones will share inspiring excerpts and stories from her book The American Nurse, and her three documentary films—with a special focus on the pediatric nurses she met along the way—shedding light on some of the biggest healthcare challenges facing Americans today and how nurses can tackle them head-on.

Thursday, April 27, 2023

9:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Caring for Others: Race Matters |  Jo A. Dowell PhD, APRN, CNP, PNP, FNP-BC, FNE-C

Individuals from underrepresented groups are asked to be the experts for their peer group.  The expectation is that a person from the same group will know the likes, dislikes, ambitions and the why for other members of the same or similar group.  In other words, we are asked to know “what makes them tick”.  Although there may be similar characteristics among a group, each person is unique. Learning to understand and appreciate those differences is what generates personal growth and understanding. 

The goal of this dialog is to stimulate reflection and a better understanding of how words and actions can create barriers.  It is hoped that as nurses, we can begin to embrace the unique and wonderful differences as we care for others and ourselves.

1:45 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Leading with Accountability: How to Be the Best Version of You! | Stephanie Meyer, RN, MS -FNP, NEA-BC

Accountability is key to both personal and professional success.  This session will take an in-depth look at how to develop the essential skills necessary to become our best selves.  We will discuss our role in the “struggle” and how to use communication techniques to drive improvement.

Friday, April 28, 2023

9:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Plenary Session: Hot Topics | Past Presidents Vicky R. Bowden, DNSc, RN, LaDonna Northington, DNS, RN, ANEF & Kristen L. Straka, DNP, RN, CPN. NEA-BC

This hot topic will involve Issues Impacting Mental Health of Pediatric Patients and Care Providers.

 

Plenary Session - What's New in SPN | Michaela Lewis, DNP, ARNP, CPNP-PC, PMHS, CPN, CPEN, CNE, CNE-cl, VA-BC & Laura Kubin, PhD, RN, CPN, CHES, CNE, CHSE

It is important to take the time to acknowledge the hard work that has been done over the past year. Join in as one community as SPN leaders review our community's accomplishments and goals for the future. During this session, SPN's Pre-Licensure Core Competencies Task Force members will review the updates made to the existing Pre-Licensure Core Competencies document, a document that provides guidance for the development and revision of undergraduate nursing curricula specific to the practice of pediatric nursing, and illicit attendee feedback.

Nurse Perceptions of Caring for Pediatric Patients with Behavioral Health Needs on Inpatient Non-Psychiatric Units | Julie Van Orne, MSN, RN, CPN, CNL

Safety protocols and mitigation strategies put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted children’s lives and led to high incidence of depression and anxiety among children. As pediatric behavioral-health related admission increased across the country, the available beds decreased, leading to an influx of children with behavioral health needs “stuck” on inpatient medical surgical units and emergency departments. In April 2022, a group of content experts and nurse scientists from the Society of Pediatric Nurses began work on a cross-sectional survey-based study to evaluate pediatric nurses’ perceptions of barriers and needs when caring for pediatric patients with behavioral health needs in inpatient non-psychiatric units during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of this study will be discussed, along with recommendations for next steps.

3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
"Stewards of the Precious": Nursing's History and Leadership in Research | Julie Fairman, PhD, RN, FAAN

Review the history of nursing practice and research to understand the past and how to use it as a bridge to create the future of nursing.