EDUCATION
November 1-2, 2025 • St. Augustine, FL
Approved for up to 10 CE credits
OR Today has been approved and is licensed to be a Continuing Education Provider with the State of California Board of Registered Nursing; License No. CEP 16623.
Approved for 6 CE credits
Southeast Councils Annual Conference is approved for 6 CE credits by the Association of Surgical Technologists, Inc. for continuing education for the Certified Surgical Technologist, Certified Surgical First Assistant, and Associate members of AST. This recognition does not imply that AST approves or endorses any product or products that are included in presentations.
Saturday, November 1
8:30-9:30 am
Opening Keynote:
The Power of Nursing During These Challenging Times
This presentation will explore the evolving role of nurses and the power of nursing in addressing contemporary healthcare challenges. It will emphasize the importance of advocacy in ensuring patient-centered care, promoting self-care and professional development among nurses, and advancing the nursing profession. By leveraging innovative technologies, fostering resilience, and embracing continuous learning, nurses can effectively navigate the complexities of modern healthcare. The session will provide practical strategies and insights to empower nurses to be strong advocates for their patients, themselves, and the broader healthcare community.
Ernest J. Grant, PhD, DSc(h), RN, FADLN, FAAN, Vice Dean, Duke University School of Nursing
9:45-10:45 am
Won’t You Be My Neighbor? The Power of You—Circles of Care, Catalysts for Change
This panel presentation explores how nurses are transforming their hospital halls and neighborhood blocks into powerful platforms for political advocacy. Won’t You Be My Neighbor? highlights the critical role of nurses as grassroots change agents working within their professional and community circles to create safer surgical environments and drive impactful policy reform. Panelists will share real-world experiences leading state-level advocacy efforts on pressing nursing issues such as:
- Circulator staffing requirements
- Full practice authority for nurse practitioners
- Legislation to combat workplace violence in healthcare
11am-12 pm
Peer Messengers: An Evidence-Based Approach to Safety, Support, and Respect in the Work Environment
As healthcare becomes more complex, so do the teams delivering care. Clinical teams are interdisciplinary and must navigate uncertainty while maintaining high standards. Safe, quality care depends on both individual autonomy and cohesive teamwork. High-performing teams are built on accountability, open communication, and a shared commitment to patient safety.
2-3 pm
Afternoon Keynote:
It Shouldn’t Hurt to Go to Work: Creating Safe Circles of Care
Health care workers are 5 times more likely to experience violence than workers in other settings. ChristianaCare, an academic health system in Delaware, is addressing this issue with a comprehensive, values-driven prevention program. Rooted in our core values of Love and Excellence, the initiative includes systemwide civility efforts, a zero-tolerance policy backed by a Patient and Visitor Code of Conduct, de-escalation training, robust reporting systems, and a strong focus on prevention and employee well-being. The result: measurable improvements in workplace safety and culture.
Sunday, November 2
8-9 am
It's A Wonderful Life: How Your Nursing Care Has Impacted the World Around You
Like the character George Bailey, in the movie It’s a Wonderful Life, nurses face challenges in our professional lives. And like George, we may experience doubts about the value of our career choice. Those doubts can lead to burnout. This talk will highlight the true impact of your care. We will explore how our being present means more than technical expertise in that the true meaning of being a nurse changes the lives of those we serve. A celebration of nursing.
11:30am-12:30pm
Closing Keynote:
Ethical Decision Making and How to Build Moral Muscle
Ethical leadership from everyone, whether one has a title, is essential to providing high quality care. The Perioperative setting requires ethical leaders who not only uphold personal and professional standards but also empower their teams to recognize their collective influence in creating safe, compassionate environments where each team member’s contribution strengthens the quality of patient care. The circles of care that perioperative nurses create for patients are strengthened through ethical leadership principles. In this interactive session, we’ll explore the landscape of what it means to be an ethical leader, both from a personal characteristic standpoint, but also from a behavioral standpoint. For example, participants will engage in Ethical Decision Making and learn how to build their moral muscles.
Jason Lesandrini, PhD, FACHE, HEC-C, LPEC, Assistant Vice President of Ethics, Advance Care Planning and Spiritual Health, and Language Access Service, WellStar Health System