top of page

2025 Virtual Convention
MONTHLY (10) ONE HOUR SESSIONS

MODERN IMPACT
All Nurses Across All Specialty Areas

PFAS and Impact on Health and the Environment  #1 of 10

Presented by
Katie Vees, MSN, R
N

Fellow, Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments

You, your family, patients and the community are exposed to harmful chemicals. Learn about PFAS, and what you can do about them.

Cultivating Self-Empathy  #2 of 10

Presented by
Sabrina Peterson RN, HN-BC

Self-awareness helps you understand your emotions and their impact on you, your work, and relationships.

 

Explore strategies to reduce exhaustion, enhance well being, and manage stress through self awareness.

Raising Awareness About Endometriosis  #3 of 10

Presented by
Dr. Alexis Newmark
UConn Health, Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, Assistant Professor of OBGYN at University of Connecticut

Jasmina Uvalic, BS, MB
The Jackson Laboratory

Program Manager

It may take 7 years to diagnose endometriosis! We will discuss recognizing the signs and symptoms of endometriosis, and explore educational materials for health professionals and to support patients.

*School Nurses

*ER/Urgent Care/Primary Care

*APRNs

Ready, Set, Go!    #4 of 10

Presented by
Kathy Murphy, â€‹Ed.D, MSN, RN

Director, Charter Oak State College

Emergency preparedness in nursing ensures patient care and safety. One strategy is to educate others in the preparation for Go Bags, facilitating the ability to respond effectively during crises, minimizing chaos and ensuring safety.

Lead to Retain: Retention Solutions for Today’s Leaders #5 of 10

Presented by 

Dr. Iva Ervin-Stanberry, DNP, RN, CNL, CPXP, FHX

​

Founder and CEO

Retention Nexus

This session explores the three Cs of leadership—clarity, connection, and culture—to help nurse leaders inspire their teams, build trust, and create workplaces where people thrive and choose to stay. You'll walk away with practical strategies to strengthen morale and retain top talent.

Caring for Your Veterans: What You Need to Know  #6 of 10

Presented by
Leah Ward, 
DNP, A-GNP-C, ACHPN

We will discuss assessment of veterans and unmet needs, veteran special populations, VA resources, contact information for veteran resources, the Veterans Service Organizations,  and end of life considerations for veterans.

Stress First Aid 
#7 of 10

Presented by

Marissa Sicley-Rogers, PsyD
Well-Being Manager Hartford HealthCare
​

This presentation will provide an overview of the common contributing factors to stress among nurses, explain key theoretical models of well-being to address stress

Connecting Students to Services: Suicide and Mental Health  #8 of 10

Presented by

Rebekah Behan 

​

Senior Associate, Child Health and Development Institute (CHDI)

Mental health issues amongst CT's children is at an all time high. Learn about the Comprehensive School Mental Health components and integration with community based networks of care.

 Caring for People, Caring for the Planet: The Nurse’s Role in Planetary Health

September 18th, 2025  5:30 - 6:30pm

This presentation explores the important field of planetary health. Planetary health is defined as the interconnection between human health and the health of the environment, recognizing that changes in our natural world—such as climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, and unsustainable food systems—are driving major health challenges. These environmental shifts are contributing to heat-related illnesses, respiratory diseases, infectious disease spread, and mental health impacts, all of which are being felt in healthcare settings today.  Nurses play a vital role in both responding to and preventing these health crises. As frontline caregivers, we are seeing firsthand how climate change and environmental degradation disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, including low-income communities, Indigenous peoples, and those with chronic illnesses. Addressing health equity is essential, as these populations often face the greatest exposure to environmental hazards while having the least access to healthcare resources. At the same time, the healthcare sector itself contributes to environmental harm through medical waste, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. Nurses have the power to advocate for sustainable healthcare practices, such as waste reduction, climate-conscious hospital policies, and greener care models.  By integrating planetary health into nursing practice, we can help create a healthier, more sustainable, and more equitable future for both our patients and the world around us. Protecting the diversity of life and ensuring the sustainability of ecosystems will be key to preserving our own health and the health of future generations.

Education Fellow

Planetary Health Alliance

Jennifer Rasmussen, RN, MPH

SAFE Response Program

Rachel Henderson, BSN, RN, SAFE, SANE-A

Kimberly McKinnon, DHS, MSN, RN, SAFE

Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners

October 16th, 2025  5:30 - 6:30pm

This presentation provides an overview of sexual assault statistics, including prevalence, victim demographics, and reporting rates. It details the roles and responsibilities of Sexual Assault Forensic/Nurse Examiners (SAFE/SANE), outlining the medical forensic exam process and available resources in Connecticut. Additionally, it covers the training, certification, and coordinated response efforts of SAFE programs in collaboration with law enforcement, advocacy groups, and healthcare providers.

bottom of page