Sessions describe innovative onboarding/orientation processes. Onboarding is the fluid process of hiring, orienting, socializing, and integrating an employee to the organization with a focus on retention and growth. Orientation is one component of the onboarding process and is comprised of an individualized program to guide the new hire towards job competency. Focus for content may be on developing, coordinating, managing, facilitating, conducting or evaluating onboarding and orientation programs.

Sessions describe innovative/transformational competency management processes. Competency management is a dynamic process designed to support ongoing assessment and evaluation of performance. Focus for content may be on the NPD expertise in competency assessment, development, coordination, management, facilitation, and evaluation of competency programs.

Sessions describe strategies used to improve professional practice (nursing and interprofessional education) and the provision of quality patient care. Content may relate to identification of practice gaps, initiatives developed to achieve outcomes in practice, and any component of the educational design process that enhances professional development as outlined in the Nursing Professional Development: Scope & Standards of Practice.

Sessions describe identification and application of strategies to facilitate continuous growth through ongoing professional learning as learners advance from novice to expert in their professions and specialties. This type of development allows for role transition, role integration, skill acquisition, and mastery. Content may relate to professional role development, practice role transitions, and succession planning.

Sessions describe mutually beneficial relationships between two or more individuals, groups, or organizations that work jointly toward common goals. These relationships may take place both within and external to the organization. Content may relate to partnerships to teach, coordinate, liaison, and/or advise concerning education and learning.

Sessions describe participation in inquiry, which includes research, evidence-based practice (EBP), and quality improvement (QI) activities. Content may relate to promotion and integration of discovery, teaching, practice for the nursing professional development specialty and in patient care settings. Focus of content may be on conducting, evaluating, encouraging, consuming, facilitating, or participating in inquiry.

Sessions describe how the NPD practitioner influences the interprofessional practice and learning environments, the NPD specialty, the profession of nursing, and healthcare. Content may also reflect demonstration of NPD value, return on investment, and leadership through collaborative partnerships with stakeholders.

Sessions describe professional development activities executed through a diversity and inclusion lens. Content may encompass any aspect of the human identity and/or experience, exemplifying how the NPD practitioner practices with cultural humility and inclusiveness. Content may also be related to social equity and determinants of health as well as global health awareness.

Sessions describe activities for promoting a healthy work environment. Content may address the facilitation of positive practice and learning environments that promote staff safety, engagement, and retention. Content may also include strategies known to improve work environments, such as workplace violence prevention efforts and nurse well-being initiatives.

Sessions describe activities that integrate the use of technology and its impact on educational strategies, learner engagement, and learning outcomes. Content includes the description of utilized technology without product or company promotion.

Concurrent sessions are oral presentations utilizing creative learner engagement strategies.  Session length – 30 minutes or 60 minutes – is determined by ANPD.

Microlearning sessions are fast-paced oral presentations. The presenter has ten minutes to present the highlights of their work, followed by five minutes for Q&A. Microlearning sessions share an hour with three other microlearning presenters.

Poster presentations are visual representations used to disseminate inclusive evidence-based practice, research, and new, innovative, and practical approaches that can be used in a variety of NPD settings.