2026 Sessions

Financial stress is one of the most overlooked drivers of burnout, career dissatisfaction, and feeling "stuck" in nursing. Whether navigating career transitions, personal milestones, or unexpected financial challenges, a clear financial roadmap can make the path forward feel more manageable, intentional, and empowering. In this session, nurse financial coach April Waddell, will introduce a simple financial roadmap designed specifically for nurses. Rather than feeling overwhelmed by competing priorities, paying off debt, building an emergency fund, saving for retirement, or learning how to invest, attendees will learn the order in which to tackle these financial decisions with confidence.

Many nurses have the skill, insight, and lived experience to lead — but too often, they question whether they are ready, qualified, or “the right person” to take the next step. This inspiring session will challenge nurses to reconsider what leadership looks like, why their voice is needed, and how advanced education can open doors to greater influence, opportunity, and impact.

In this inspiring closing keynote, Earl Dalton, Chief Nursing Officer at Health Carousel, will share insights from a national survey of 4,000 nurses exploring career clarity, mobility, flexibility, sustainability, and what nurses truly want next. Grounded in real data and real nurse voices, this session will reflect the hopes, challenges, and ambitions shaping nursing today — and offer a powerful call to action to build a future where nurses feel supported, valued, and empowered to keep growing.