The ANA-Ohio Annual Conference, held on September 19th and 20th, 2025, was a resounding success, bringing together nurses from across the state to address critical issues facing the nursing profession. Serving as a vital platform for professional development, networking, and advocacy, this year’s conference was marked by a series of dynamic sessions, insightful keynotes, and rich discussions. The theme, “Celebrate, Collaborate, and Create,” placed a special emphasis on “Create,” encouraging attendees to reflect on the ever-evolving role of innovation, technology, and new opportunities in nursing practice.
Friday Evening: A Foundation for the Future
The conference kicked off on Friday evening with a memorable reception celebrating the soft launch of the ANA-Ohio Foundation. This landmark event was a significant moment for Ohio’s nursing community, as the Foundation aims to advance the goals of professional development, advocacy, and research within nursing. A highlight of the evening was the announcement of a generous founding gift from Ella Kick, whose philanthropic support will help propel the Foundation’s mission and initiatives.
Attendees were deeply moved by Ella Kick’s personal reflections on her life’s work and the purpose behind her substantial gift. The reception culminated in an inspiring keynote by Susan Wallace, titled “Heart Work: Purpose in Practice for Those Who Serve.” Susan’s words resonated powerfully with those in attendance as she explored the profound role that purpose plays in nursing. She emphasized the transformative power of compassion and the importance of finding meaning in the work we do, despite the many challenges healthcare professionals face. Her insights offered a renewed sense of passion for nursing, motivating attendees to reconnect with their core purpose in patient care.
Saturday: A Day of Insight and Engagement
Saturday morning set the tone for an enriching day, beginning with the session “Is Voting an Endangered Species?” presented by Jeri Milstead, Carol Roe, Naomi House, Rebecca M. Patton, and Ruth Ludwick. This thought-provoking discussion explored the critical role that voting plays in shaping healthcare policy and underscored how nurses can use their voices to influence decisions at the local, state, and national levels.
Following this, Colleen O’Leary delivered a powerful session on “Evidence-Based Practice Made Real,” providing attendees with actionable strategies for implementing evidence-based practices in nursing to enhance patient care and outcomes.
The day continued with a keynote presentation from Olivia Lemberger, PhD, RN, NPD-BC, the American Nurses Association Innovation Scientist. Olivia’s talk, “Companioning Towards Creativity: The Emerging Future of Innovative Ecosystems,” highlighted the increasing role of nurses in healthcare innovation. She provided a compelling history of nursing’s contributions to healthcare innovation, while emphasizing how nurses are uniquely positioned to lead the development of creative solutions in the evolving healthcare landscape.
Poster Presentations and Exhibitor Visits
After the keynote, attendees had the opportunity to explore nearly 40 innovative poster presentations that showcased the cutting-edge research and ideas being generated by nurses and nursing students across Ohio. This session reflected the wealth of creativity and scholarship within the nursing community. Special thanks were given to the exhibitors, including STORM, Jackson Nurse Professionals, and Western Governors University, whose support helped make the conference possible.
Afternoon Sessions: Continuing the Learning Journey
In the afternoon, the conference featured more thought-provoking sessions. “Sharing Your Expertise Through Writing for Publication,” led by Yvonne Smith, Barbara Brunt, and Andrea DeSapri, focused on the importance of nurses sharing their knowledge through academic publishing. This session encouraged attendees to consider how writing for publication can amplify their voice within the profession.
Another session, “Creating a Culture of Care: The Journey of Implementing Code Lavender for Staff Support,” presented by Rachel Cooke and Stephanie Calmes, examined how healthcare organizations can implement programs to support staff wellbeing. Their discussion on Code Lavender, a program designed to provide emotional support to healthcare workers, highlighted the growing need to create nurturing environments for those who care for others.
Closing Remarks: Business, Raffles, and Recognition
The conference concluded with ANA-Ohio’s Annual Business Meeting, where members gathered to discuss the organization’s goals and future initiatives. During the meeting, new members of the Board of Directors were inducted, marking an exciting new chapter for the organization. The day wrapped up with exciting raffle giveaways, made possible by the generous contributions of sponsors such as CeraVe, First Federal Savings of Lorain, and Spitzer Law Offices.
Acknowledgments
A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the speakers, exhibitors, and attendees who made this year’s conference such a success. Special thanks to our generous sponsors and exhibitors for their continued support, and to the ANA-Ohio team for their dedication in organizing a conference that was both dynamic and impactful.
As we reflect on this year’s theme, Celebrate, Collaborate, and Create, we look forward to the future of nursing in Ohio, energized by the innovations, connections, and ideas shared throughout the event.
