The program opens with a welcome breakfast, followed by Tiffany L. Simmon’s keynote, The Alignment Imperative: Transforming Nursing Education Through Shared Vision, Shared Governance, and Collective Impact. This interactive session explores how stronger alignment across education, practice, policy, technology, and community sectors can drive meaningful transformation in nursing education. Participants will examine the impact of fragmented systems on workforce readiness, clinical learning opportunities, innovation, and equitable student outcomes. Using practical frameworks and collaborative activities, attendees will assess current partnerships and identify strategies to strengthen stakeholder engagement and shared goals. Participants will leave with actionable approaches to enhance academic-practice partnerships and advance collective impact in preparing the next generation of nurses.

Next, Pamela DiVito-Thomas PhD, RN will provide an overview of Competency-Based Education, or CBE, and its role in nursing education. Participants will explore the key components of CBE, including clearly defined competencies, measurable outcomes, learner-centered progression, and assessment of performance.

We’ll conclude with Michelle Henry’s session on Partnerships in Community Health.

This conference will be offered in person and via live virtual attendance.

WHEN: Friday, September 11, 2026 at 8:00am CT – 12:30pm CT

WHERE: Courtyard Banquets – 3S200 Route 59, Warrenville, IL 60555

This event offers 4.0 contact hours to attendees.
Accreditation Info: Illinois Nurses Foundation is approved as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the Montana Nurses Association, an accredited approver with distinction by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Interested in attending both The Nurse Educational Summit and Professional Issues Conference? Bundle and save $25 by reaching out to Kristy Dugan-Melia at kristy@sysconsultingsolutions.com for a discount code. 

REGISTER TODAY