2025 Aspire Convention |  April 29 – May 2, 2025 | Las Vegas, NV

Be a Star

The purpose of ANPD's annual Star Search competition is to encourage aspiring speakers to compete for an opportunity to present a concurrent session at the next annual Aspire convention. Star Search is a great opportunity for novice speakers to develop their presentation skills!

The call for participants in ANPD's Star Search competition is now open! Aspiring speakers, this is your chance to shine and compete for an opportunity to present at the next Aspire convention.

Here's how the competition works:

• Four submitted abstracts from the call for Star Search participants will be selected by ANPD’s Convention Content Planning Committee (CPC) to participate in Star Search during the 2025 Aspire Convention.
• Each participant has 15 minutes total to give a brief presentation that is judged by members of the CPC and the audience.
• The CPC score constitutes 75% of the total score and the audience score constitutes 25% of the total.
• The participant who receives the highest score is invited to present a 60-minute concurrent session at the 2026 Aspire Convention in Louisville, KY and receives one complimentary convention registration.

2025 Star Search Participants

*Subject to change

Integrating Simulation Technology into E-Learning for High-Risk Skills

• Joy Olczak, DNP, RN, CHSE, CCRN, NPD-BC

This interactive session will explore how to integrate simulation technology with learning management platforms to address low-volume, high-risk clinical skills. Learn how an asynchronous simulation-based learning approach can close practice gaps and prepare nurses to respond confidently to critical clinical scenarios.

Masterpiece in the Making - Enhancing Learning Retention

• Heather Smith, MSN, RN

A loving heart is the beginning of all knowledge.' An impactful PowerPoint presentation will be used while incorporating a hands-on activity. Attendees will enjoy creating their masterpiece of knowledge, existing and new while engaging with their peers; utilization of a QR code will assess knowledge enhancement and retention.

Implementing a Supplemental Critical Thinking Session with Newly Licensed Nurses

• Robin Hackett, MSN, RN, NPD-BC

Presentation will include a study overview, case study progression and implementation of the assessment component via audience participation. The presentation will conclude with an opportunity for questions and answers.

Empowering Unlicensed Staff: Evidence-Based Frameworks to Enhance Patient Safety

• Deatra Josiah, MSN, MSN-Ed, APRN, MEDSURG-BC, OCN, AGPCNP-BC

This session explores the Clinical Application of Resources for Essential Skills (CARES), an evidence-based framework designed to enhance competencies among unlicensed assistive personnel. Attendees will engage in interactive strategies to address key patient safety concerns, standardize training, and improve workforce outcomes.