Pre-Conferences

PhD Pre-Conference - Wednesday, January 19
Moving Upstream to Support Health Equity: Re-Imagining PhD Education

11:00 – 11:15 a.m. - Welcome & Opening Remarks 
11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. - Defining the Path Forward: Aligning PhD Education to Support Health Equity
12:30 – 1:00 p.m. - Break
1:00 – 2:15 p.m. - Innovations in PhD Education to Restore, Promote, and Sustain Community Partnerships
2:15 – 2:30 p.m. - Break 
2:30 – 3:45 p.m. - Advancing Health Equity Research: Opportunities for Nurse Scientists to Make a Meaningful Impact
3:45 – 4:00 p.m. - Break
4:00 – 4:30 p.m. - Closing Remarks

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Faculty Practice Pre-Conference - Wednesday, January 19
Leading Change

10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. - Virtual Poster ViewingPoster Presentations
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. - Future of Faculty Practice: Addressing Health Equity and Social Determinants of Health in Practice Partnerships.
12:00 – 12:30 p.m. - Break and Virtual Poster Viewing
12:30 – 1:30 p.m. - Nurse Led Primary Care at Urban Correctional Transition Centers: A Faculty Practice Partnership Model
1:30 – 1:45 p.m. - Break and Virtual Poster Viewing
1:45 – 2:45 p.m. - Leveraging Faculty Practice to Lead Change Towards Health Equity Across Nebraska
2:45 – 3:00 p.m. - Break and Virtual Poster Viewing
3:00 – 4:00 p.m. - Nursing Faculty Practice to Improve Sexual Health in the LGBTQ+ Community
4:00 – 4:15 p.m. - Closing Remarks

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Thursday, January 20

11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.                            
Solution Provider Showcase Open
Access exhibitors and sponsors showcasing innovative and forward-thinking products and services. Take time throughout the day to explore our vendors and identify strategic partners to fulfill your institutional needs.

11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Virtual Poster Viewing*
AACN leads in innovation with this new offering of a virtual poster viewing for all conference attendees. This new feature is included to amplify reach across AACNs member schools and to reach faculty who may not be able to attend in person.  Abstracts showcase innovative evidence-based practices, highlight emerging trends, and offer best practices on these topics:

• Academic Nursing: Excellence & Innovation
• Leading & Advancing Improvements in Health, Health Care, & Higher Education
• Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Welcome and Rounds with AACN Leadership*
Available on demand
Join AACN leadership for updates on the association’s priorities, strategic initiatives, and new developments. AACN Board Chair Susan Bakewell-Sachs and President/CEO Deborah Trautman provide an overview of the association’s work to transform academic nursing and serve our members. Ask questions and learn more about how these initiatives can impact and elevate your school of nursing.
Speakers: Susan Bakewell-Sachs, PhD, RN, Dean, Vice President for Nursing Affairs, Professor, School of Nursing, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, and Chair, AACN Board of Directors, and Deborah Trautman, PhD, RN, President and Chief Executive Officer, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Washington, DC

12:00-12:30 p.m.
Break

12:30-1:30 p.m.
Plenary*
Developing Strategies to Engage Doctorally Prepared Nurses in Outcomes-Driven Initiatives to Impact Health Equity
Available on demand
PhD prepared nurses contribute to research science that focuses on improving quality and safety in patient care, and as practice leaders, DNP prepared nurses contribute to implementation science that facilitates the translation of research into safe, high-quality, and cost-effective care. Two nationally recognized experts in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging will address the benefits of PhD and DNP collaboration that focuses on outcomes that advance health equity.
Speakers: Angela Richard-Eaglin, DNP, APRN, Associate Dean for Equity, Associate Professor, Yale School of Nursing, Orange, CT, and Jacquelyn McMillian-Bohler, PhD, APRN, Director of the Institute for Education Excellence, and Assistant Clinical Professor, Duke University, School of Nursing, Durham, NC

1:30-2:00 p.m.
Break

2:00-3:00 p.m.
Plenary*
Improving Health Equity through Disability Inclusion:
More than 61 million Americans with disability experience unnecessary health and healthcare disparities driven by 1) misperceptions about people with disability, 2) inadequate preparation on how to care for disabled patients, and 3) inaccessible medical equipment and spaces. An internationally recognized researcher and authority on this subject matter, will address the tension points of disability inclusion, challenge participants to ‘reframe disability’ as a catalyst for change, and offer practical solutions that increase a diverse, disability-informed generation of researchers and leaders who contribute to health equity and access.
Speaker: Lisa M. Meeks, PhD, President, Coalition for Disability Access in Health Science Education; Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Family Medicine at The University of Colorado.

3:00-3:30 p.m.
Break

3:30-4:30 p.m.
Concurrent Sessions

• Pathways to Excellence Task Force Update*
  Available on demand
  Find out the latest about AACN’s draft position statement on the Research-Focused Doctoral Program in Nursing: Pathways to Excellence. This document sets forth the expectations and recommendations to meet the growing demand for nursing leaders who can develop nursing science, steward the profession, and educate new nurse researchers. These overarching recommendations, which build on AACN’s 2010 Pathways to Excellence position statement, are grounded in the literature, reflect innovations and emerging areas of science, and are intended to advance research-focused doctoral education in nursing. This work was informed by a national survey of PhD programs and student perceptions of their educational experience that was conducted by AACN. Don’t miss this opportunity to have your questions answered prior to the document coming forward for a vote by the AACN in March 2022.
  Speakers: Marion Broome, PhD, RN, Ruby F. Wilson Professor of Nursing, Duke University, School of Nursing, Durham, NC

• Ready for the Changing Healthcare System: The DNP-Prepared Nurse Practitioner*
  Available on demand
  The delivery of health care is evolving and so must the graduates of Nurse Practitioner (NP) programs. The commitment of several organizations to move entry-level NPs education to the (DNP by 2025 has resulted in many solution-oriented discussions and resources. As the number of DNP NP programs grow, ongoing collaborative efforts are critical to facilitate advancing all NP education programs to the DNP. This presentation will present the resources developed to implement a robust DNP NP program and graduate system thinkers able to meet the needs of healthcare systems.
  Speakers: Susan Kelly-Weeder, PhD, APRN, President, National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties, and Associate Dean for Graduate Programs, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, and Susan Weber Buchholz, PhD, APRN, President-Elect, National Organization of Nurse Practitioners Faculties, and Associate Dean for Research, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI

5:00-6:00 p.m.
Solution Circle
Diversifying Medical Research with the All of Us Research Hub
Sponsored and presented by All of Us Research
The All of Us Research Program, a national precision medicine initiative involving a partnership between AACN and NIH, is working to engage more than a million members from historically underrepresented populations in biomedical research. Explore the work underway and discover how this initiative can benefit your teaching and program of research.
Speaker: Colleen Leners, DNP, APRN-BC, Director of Policy, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Washington, DC

Friday, January 21

10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Solution Provider Showcase Open
Access exhibitors and sponsors showcasing innovative and forward-thinking products and services. Take time throughout the day to explore our vendors and identify strategic partners to fulfill your institutional needs.

10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Virtual Poster Viewing*
Abstracts showcase innovative evidence-based practices, highlight emerging trends, and offer best practices on these topics:  

• Academic Nursing: Excellence & Innovation
• Leading & Advancing Improvements in Health, Health Care, & Higher Education
• Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

10:00-11:00 a.m.
Podium Presentations
6 Concurrent Rooms (18 Podium Abstracts)

11:00-11:15 a.m.
Break

11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Podium Presentations
6 Concurrent Rooms (18 Podium Abstracts)

11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
D³ – Deep-Dive Discussion* 
Achieving Inclusivity in Research-Focused Doctoral Programs
As academic nursing becomes more inclusive of diverse learners, faculty in research-focused nursing programs will need to acquire new knowledge, skills, and attitudes to foster student success. Join two national thought leaders for an insightful discussion on creating inclusive learning environments where doctoral students can flourish. The presenters will share success stories and give advice on meeting challenges and advancing solutions at your school of nursing.  
Speaker: J. Margo Brooks Carthon, PhD, APRN, Associate Professor, and Tyson Family Endowed Term Chair for Gerontologic Research, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, and Johis Ortega, PhD, RN, Professor of Clinical, and Associate Dean for Hemispheric and Global Initiatives, University of Miami, School of Nursing and Health Studies, Coral Gables, FL
Moderator: Lusine Poghosyan, PhD, RN, Member, Doctoral Education Conference Sub-Committee

12:15-1:15 p.m.
Break

1:15-2:15 p.m.
Podium Presentations
6 Concurrent Rooms (18 Podium Abstracts)

1:15-2:15 p.m.
D³ – Deep-Dive Discussion*                                                                             
Building Bridges: Engineering a Successful DNP/PhD Program
For academic leaders looking to conceptualize the next steps in developing their own DNP/PhD program, this session is for you.  Participants will engage in design thinking using insights and lessons learned from a successful dual degree program.  A current PhD/DNP student will provide a first-hand perspective to underscore the importance of this emerging pathway in nursing. Issues related to curriculum development, university-level alignment, and academic-practice partnerships will be discussed.
Speakers: Sheila Gephart, PhD, RN, Associate Professor, and Interim PhD Program Director, University of Arizona, College of Nursing, Tucson, AZ, and Christine Platt, MSN, FNP-BC, DNP/PhD Candidate University of Arizona, College of Nursing, Tucson, AZ, and Allen Prettyman, PhD, APRN, Clinical Professor, and Director of DNP Program, University of Arizona, College of Nursing, Tucson, AZ
Moderator: Aaron M. Sebach, PhD, DNP, FNP-BC, AGACNP-BC, Member, Doctoral Education Conference Sub-Committee

2:15-2:30 p.m.
Break

2:30-3:30 p.m.
Emerging Solutions*

• Emerging Tools to Develop and Assess Competence in DNP Students
  Available on demand
  The shift to competency-based education invites curriculum innovation to support student acquisition of specialty-focused and advanced nursing competencies. This session will present the introduction of a clinical education tracking system with an embedded longitudinal NP competency assessment tool used in multiple learning environments – clinical, lab, virtual, simulation – to evaluate APRN competencies across the NP program.  A second exemplar identifying scholarly products as signature assignments within a DNP program will be presented to demonstrate progressive achievement of advanced nursing competencies.
  Speaker: Lydia D. Rotondo, DNP, APRN, Associate Dean for Education & Student Affairs, Director, Doctor of Nursing Practice Program, Associate Professor of Clinical Nursing, University of Rochester School of Nursing

• The New Essentials, Shifting and Refocusing Our Why: One School of Nursing’s Journey Over 10 Years
  Available on demand
  Revisions based on the AACN Essentials can seem an arduous task. The presenter will discuss her school’s decade-long journey with a unique faculty led model and organizational structure to navigate curricular revisions. A foundation of equity and a strong belief that graduates need to be not just competent, but predictable, drives the program’s curricular revision work. Deliberate, bite sized faculty development with ‘teach in tens’ is an early and critical part of our revision process. Lessons learned from the school’s curricular revision journey will be shared as well as new strategies to meet the charge of competency-based education.
  Speaker: Dawn Mueller-Burke, PhD, APRN, Assistant Professor, and Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, School of Nursing, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD

• Structural Racism: Evidence-Based Strategies to Achieve Health Equity
  Available on demand
  Racism is a public health challenge and engaging meaningful partnerships with a strategic approach can assist in achieving health equity. Discrimination in healthcare systems and education must be addressed. However, racism and discrimination are learned behaviors, which are then imposed on healthcare systems and educational institutions by individuals. The presenter will provide the findings of the systematic review of the literature that explores the intersection of doctoral education, race, equity, health, and students. The presenter will discuss transformative partnerships and evidence-based strategic approaches to being more equitable, diverse, and inclusive. 
  Speaker: Tracey L. Murray, PhD, DNP, APRN, Dean and Professor, College of Health Professions, Director of the Health Centers, Coppin State University, Baltimore, MD

3:30-4:00 p.m.
Break & Visit Solution Provider Showcase

4:00-5:00 p.m.
Emerging Solutions*

• Emerging Solutions for Deploying Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Strategies: From Conversations to Conversion
  Available on demand
  Nurse educators and organizational leaders are eager to discover implementation strategies that cultivate inclusive excellence in learning environments and translate into practices that advance health equity. A nationally recognized expert in application of cultural intelligence will explore how to 1) facilitate inclusive excellence in health education learning environments, 2) mitigate biased influenced decision-making in clinical practice, and 3) advance health equity and improve outcomes for underrepresented, marginalized, and stigmatized individuals and communities.
  Speaker: Angela Richard-Eaglin, DNP, APRN, Associate Dean for Equity, Associate Professor, Yale School of Nursing, Orange, CT

• Intentional Diversity in Academia: Exploring Equitable Strategies to Recruit and Admit Historically Students of Color in Nursing Programs
  Available on demand
  A diverse nursing workforce is essential to meet the health needs of a diverse society. Creating capacity through the recruitment and retention of diverse students and faculty can seem challenging.  Explore how schools of nursing can partner with organizations and address barriers to student and faculty success.
  Speakers: Shannon Idzik, DNP, APRN, Associate Professor, and Associate Dean for the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program, School of Nursing, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, Bimbola Akintade, PhD, APRN, Associate Professor, and Associate Dean for the Master of Science in Nursing Program, School of Nursing, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, and Juan M. González, DNP, APRN, Associate Professor of Clinical, School of Nursing and Health Studies, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL

• Gazing into the Future: An Innovative Approach to Promoting Doctoral Education through DNP to PhD Programs
  Available on demand
  Given the growing need for doctorally prepared to advance nursing science and practice at the highest level, it is imperative to consider innovative approaches to promoting both the PhD and the DNP. This presentation will discuss the current state of the science related to DNP and PhD programs in the United States. The presentation will share emerging solutions for preparing qualified nurse scientists. The discussion will include examples of select and current programs, lessons learned and ideas about the future.
  Speaker: Rick Zoucha, PhD, APRN, Professor/Chair of Advanced Role and PhD Program, Joseph A. Lauritis, C.S.Sp. Chair for Teaching and Technology, School of Nursing, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, and Kristy Chunta, PhD, APRN, Professor, Doctoral Program Coordinator, Department of Nursing and Allied Health Professions, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA

Saturday, January 22

8:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Solution Provider Showcase Open
Access exhibitors and sponsors showcasing innovative and forward-thinking products and services. Take time throughout the morning to explore our vendors and identify strategic partners to fulfill your institutional needs.

8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Virtual Poster Viewing*
AACN leads in innovation with this new offering of a virtual poster viewing for all conference attendees. This new feature is included to amplify reach across AACNs member schools and to reach faculty who may not be able to attend in person.  Abstracts showcase innovative evidence-based practices, highlight emerging trends, and offer best practices on these topics:

• Academic Nursing: Excellence & Innovation
• Leading & Advancing Improvements in Health, Health Care, & Higher Education
• Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

10:30-11:00 a.m.

• PhD Award Podium Abstract Presentation
  Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease in the Primary Care Setting
  The Excellence in Advancing Nursing Science Award recognizes an outstanding dissertation from a student in a PhD or DNS in nursing program. A dissertation is an original research project that focuses on advancing nursing science and developing new evidence with the potential to guide nursing practice.
  Speaker: Raymond Romano, III, PhD, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN

• DNP Award Podium Abstract Presentation
  Case Study: Seattle Public Schools’ 2019-2020 Immunization Campaign to Protect Health
  The Excellence in Advancing Nursing Practice Award recognizes an outstanding final project from a student in a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. A DNP project demonstrates high-level mastery of an area of advanced nursing practice and focuses on the translation of evidence into practice.
  Speaker: Bridgett A. Chandler, DNP, University of Washington, Seattle, WA

11:00-11:15 a.m.
Break

11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Podium Presentations
6 Concurrent Rooms (18 Podium Abstracts)

12:15-12:30 p.m.
Break

12:30-1:30 p.m.
Closing Plenary*                                                                                                       
Addressing Health Inequalities: The Essential Role of Workforce Diversification 
Available on demand
The persistence of health inequalities is a national concern.  Nursing workforce diversification and development is a critical component to improving health and well-being for all Americans. Academic nursing leaders play a crucial role in the incorporation of innovative strategies to remove institutional barriers in higher education to ensure all students have the resources and supports needed to achieve their educational goals. Come hear from a leader in the use of evidence-based and innovative strategies for improving the educational climate in colleges of nursing. Discover strategies you can incorporate into your academic environment to improve access, equity, and the success of students across diverse demographic backgrounds. 
Speaker: Phoenix A. Matthews, PhD, Associate Dean for Equity and Inclusion and the Helen Grace Diversity Scholar, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Nursing.