WVU School of Nursing faculty, students participate in WVNA Fall 2022 Conference

Faculty, students and alumni from the West Virginia University School of Nursing participated virtually Thursday at the West Virginia Nurses Association’s Fall 2022 Conference during presentations, breakout sessions and more.

The conference kicked off with an overview of the WVU School of Nursing, the frontline sponsor for the event, by Dr. Heather Carter-Templeton. Templeton also introduced the first keynote speaker, Lya Stroupe, who spoke about leadership in nursing during her presentation, “Leadership: Action or Position?” Stroupe, manager of RN professional development at WVU Medicine, spoke about “finding your why.”

The second keynote speaker, Rebecca Love, discussed innovation in nursing and untold nursing stories during her presentation, “Nursing Transforming the Future of Healthcare.” Love, President of SONSIEL (Society of Nurse Scientists, Innovators, Entrepreneurs & Leaders), encouraged nurses to pursue leadership positions and to consider forming innovation committees.

Dr. Brad Phillips emceed the event, as well as led a breakout session, “Furthering Your Education with Intent.” Dr. Tina Antill Keener led a breakout session, “Enhancing Resilience & Self-Compassion.”

Ateria Walker, Student Nurses’ Association Community Outreach Officer and SON Ambassador, led a breakout session, “Ethnic Hair Considerations and Education.” She shared personal and professional experiences, as well as encouraged support of The Crown Act.

Additionally, Dr. Ellen Rodriguez, Director of the WVU LGBTQ+ Center, presented “LGBTQ+ & Healthcare,” and Dr. Donte Newsom, a three-time WVU School of Nursing graduate, presented “Microaggression: How to Recognize, Take Action and Education.”

During the awards presentation, Luke Velickoff, a recent WVU School of Nursing graduate and new faculty member, received the 2022 WVNA Excellence in Direct Patient Care Award, and Dr. Sandra “Sam” Cotton, WVU School of Nursing Professor Emeritus, received the 2022 WVNA Lifelong Contribution to Nursing Award.

To conclude the event, Jodi Biller, a student in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at WVU School of Nursing and the WVNA Healthcare Policy & Legislation Committee Chair-Elect, discussed legislation relevant to nursing and 2023 legislative priorities.

To learn more, visit wvnurses.nursingnetwork.com.