Welcome Reception 

Welcome from INA Leadership 

Metamorphosis: Exploring Change

Virginia S. Wangerin, PhD, MSN, RN, Misty D. Brooks, BSN, RN, CMSN, and Nicole Weathers, DNP, RN, NDP-BC

In this session, we'll reflect on the historical legacy of nursing and the systemic challenges facing both nurse education and the nursing profession today. 

The Power of the Pause

Dr. Holly Stevenson, PhD

Through compelling storytelling, Dr. Stevenson explains our propensity to unknowingly focus our time and energy towards things we cannot control, causing our energy to deplete. Through learning about Stoicism, participants will gather tools for living a life of influence while protecting their peace. This interactive presentation also discusses the importance of pausing for fostering inclusion, connection, reflection, and resiliency.

11:30 - 12:00 PM

Unfolding Wings: Responding to Change

Virginia S. Wangerin, PhD, MSN, RN, Misty D. Brooks, BSN, RN, CMSN, and Nicole Weathers, DNP, RN, NDP-BC

Now that we've identified systemic challenges facing us, we'll brainstorm solutions with a focus on responding to those challenges through change. 

INA Membership Assembly & Lunch

The Butterfly Effect: Transforming Pain Management by Letting Go of Old Habits and Embracing Small, Powerful Changes

John Greenwood, Panel Moderator

The Billion Pill Pledge is a national initiative on a mission to remove or avoid one billion unnecessary opioid pills in the U.S. resulting from surgery. At its core, the program models nurse-led change by advancing evidence-based surgical pain management and reducing opioid exposure—starting with the first dose.

Designed to support Critical Access Hospitals, community hospitals, and large medical centers alike, the program helps implement Enhanced Recovery protocols and opioid-sparing strategies. These practices not only improve patient outcomes, infection rates, length of stay and reduce costs, but also significantly lower the number of opioid pills prescribed, consumed, or diverted.

Now active in six states with three years of data, the Billion Pill Pledge represents a powerful example of collaboration, nurse leadership, and advocacy in action—driving innovation in perioperative care and transforming opioid prevention at a national scale.

The presentation will cover the background, implementation and results of 9 Iowa hospitals featured in the April Journal of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

Break with Exhibitors

Rooted in Care: Soaring with Change

Virginia S. Wangerin, PhD, MSN, RN, Misty D. Brooks, BSN, RN, CMSN, and Nicole Weathers, DNP, RN, NDP-BC

Let's bring all of this together! We'll discuss practical strategies to ensure we are not just surviving but thriving in an ever-changing world.

Closing Remarks, Poster Winners Announced, Evaluations