PONL 2026 Annual Conference Snapshot sessionS

SS1: Implementing the Violence Assessment Tool (VAT)

Discover how an evidence-based practice initiative successfully implemented the Violence Assessment Tool (VAT) to improve the early identification of patients at risk for violence. This session highlights strategies to increase nurses' confidence in recognizing behavioral cues, conducting risk assessments, and applying evidence-based interventions to enhance staff safety, patient care, and workplace preparedness.

Presented by: 

 Alexis Rucinsky, DNP, MSN, BSN, RN
Director, Nursing Operations | UPMC Community Osteopathic

SS2: Reducing Length of Stay in a Stroke Population Through Digital Transformation and Multidisciplinary Leadership

Explore how a standardized, multidisciplinary approach to discharge planning can reduce hospital length of stay for acute stroke and neurology/neurosurgery patients. This session examines strategies to strengthen interdisciplinary communication, leverage electronic health record tools, and proactively identify discharge barriers. Learn how real-time care coordination can improve patient flow, optimize bed capacity, reduce costs, and enhance the overall patient experience.

Presented by: 

 Thomas Capella, MBA, MSN, RN
Nursing Stroke Director | Temple University Health System

 Marie Ciceron
Nursing Director, Neurosciences | Temple University Health System

SS3: One Size Fits One: A Nurse Leader Strategy for Graduate Nurses Following NCLEX® Failure

Discover an innovative approach to retaining graduate nurses who experience NCLEX® failure. This session explores strategies to preserve valuable nursing talent, provide meaningful support during the transition to practice, and strengthen workforce retention by helping new nurses successfully navigate an early professional setback while building confidence and long-term career success.

Presented by: 

 Cheryl Thompson, DNP, RN
Educational Consultant | WellSpan Health

 Fallon Hughes, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, NPD-BC
Senior Director, Nursing Practice, Innovation, Research & EBP | WellSpan Health

SS4: Transforming Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Care and Outcomes Through a Nurse-Led, Systems-Based Intermediate Care Unit (IMCU) Model

As the complexity of substance use disorder (SUD) continues to rise, nurse leaders are challenged to deliver safer, more effective care for an increasingly high-risk patient population. This session highlights a system-wide redesign that addresses escalating patient acuity, reduces ICU utilization, shortens hospital length of stay, and decreases discharges against medical advice. Learn how innovative leadership strategies can improve clinical outcomes, enhance care coordination, and better support patients with complex needs.

Presented by: 

 Joan Madalone, DNP, RN, MHCDS, NE-BC, CCRN 
Associate Vice President Nursing | Temple University Health System

 Frank Evans, BSN, RN
Director Nursing | Temple University Health

SS5: Growing Leaders, Sustaining Excellence: A Decade of Nursing Fellowship Success

As healthcare organizations grow, developing a strong pipeline of prepared nurse leaders is more important than ever. This session showcases a successful leadership fellowship model designed to strengthen succession planning, cultivate leadership competencies, and build internal talent through structured mentorship and professional development. Discover strategies to prepare emerging leaders while supporting long-term organizational success.

Presented by: 

 Michael Ryan, BSN, RN

Manager Patient Care Services | St. Luke's University Health Network

 Maria McCreary, MSN, RN
Patient Care Manager | St. Luke's University Health Network

SS6: Improving Quality Outcomes Through a Nursing Led Multidisciplinary Approach

Effective device stewardship plays a critical role in reducing unnecessary device utilization, shortening hospital length of stay, and improving patient outcomes. This session explores a nursing-led initiative to standardize device necessity management, reduce variation in care, and strengthen evidence-based practices. Learn how proactive nursing leadership can enhance quality, improve operational efficiency, and promote safer patient care.

Presented by: 

 Valerie Seccia, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Director of Nursing | Temple University Hospital

SS7:  Improving Prelicensure Healthcare Students’ Confidence in Managing Aggression Through Interprofessional Simulation

Workplace violence and incivility remain significant challenges in healthcare, yet many nursing students enter practice with limited preparation to recognize and respond to these situations. This session explores strategies to better equip future nurses with the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to navigate difficult interactions, foster a culture of safety, and contribute to healthier work environments through effective interprofessional collaboration.

Presented by: 

 Julie Kurkowski, PhD, RN

Simulation Director | West Chester University

 Nancy Barker, Ed.D, MSN, RN

Chair & Professor | West Chester University

 Danielle Yocum, DNP, RN, FNP-BC

Associate Professor & RN to BSN Program Director | West Chester University

 

SS8:  Understanding Early‑Career RN Resignation: Leadership Implications for Workforce Stability in a Post‑Pandemic Era

Early-career nurse retention remains a critical challenge as healthcare organizations continue to navigate the lasting effects of pandemic-related disruptions in nursing education and clinical preparation. This session examines the readiness gaps impacting new graduate nurses and explores leadership strategies to strengthen onboarding, support professional development, and improve retention while building a more resilient nursing workforce. Presented by: 

 Susan Rux, PhD, DNP, RN, ACNS-BC, CENP, CNE, CPCC, FACHE, FNYAM, LNCC, NEA-BC, NPD-BC, OCN
Associate Vice President, Professional Nursing Practice and Research, Fox Chase Cancer Center

SS9: Nursing Leadership Strategies for Navigating International Nurse Immigration Complexity

As healthcare organizations continue to address workforce shortages, understanding the complexities of international nurse recruitment is essential for effective planning. This session provides nurse leaders with practical insights into the immigration process, recruitment timelines, onboarding considerations, and communication strategies that support successful integration and long-term retention of internationally educated nurses.

Presented by: 

 Stacy Maitha, RN, CNO

Chief Nursing Officer | Interstaff