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For the first time, the UVA Health Nursing Summit reached capacity. More than 300 nurses, leaders, students, faculty, inter-professional colleagues, and team members from UVA Health University Medical Center, UVA Community Health, and UVA School of Nursing attended the record-setting event on Nov. 9 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Charlottesville.

2023 Nursing Professional Governance Organization (NPGO) President-Elect and 2023 Nursing Summit Committee Chair Amy Jordan, BSN, RN, PMGT-BC, delivered the welcome: "The past few years have been extremely difficult and we all have a story to tell. But what’s next?" she asked attendees.

Professional governance = making a difference. "Passion with good intent, willingness to try something new, brainstorming, testing new ideas that may work or fail, collaboration with the right stakeholders — you can get a ton done! We're lucky to practice in an organization that acknowledges these behaviors as important and needed in our teams."

"We see so many individuals and teams here at the forefront of change — elevating our profession and improving care for our patients through evidence-based strategies," observed Chief Nursing Officer Kathy Baker, PhD, RN, NE-BC. "You're letting your light lead you, and you're seeking it out and illuminating it in others. You care about patients and their well-being, you care about our community, you care about UVA Health, and you care about each other. And because of that, even though you may not realize or acknowledge it on a daily basis — you're bringing about a bright and powerful change."  

"Today, we're going to hear about setting intentions, disrupting through innovation, and modernizing the nursing curriculum," previewed Associate Chief Nursing Officer Veronica Brill, MSN, RN, NEA-BC. "This unprecedented turnout tells us there are more nurses than ever who feel empowered to think about the future of nursing at UVA Health and learn how they can grow their profession."

Ann Hague, BSN, MA, RN, CRN, UVA School of Nursing Clinical Instructor and Chair of Student Outreach for the Piedmont Chapter of Virginia Nurses Association spoke on "Settings Your Intentions."

She also led a Laughing Yoga session.

Oriana Beaudet, DNP, RN, PHN, Vice President of Innovation, American Nurses Association Enterprise, which includes American Nurses Association, American Nurses Credentialing Center, and the American Nurses Foundation, delivered the keynote address: "Nursing Innovation: A Necessary Disruption."

“One person can have an impact. It's even more profound when we can come together to make a difference. We're the light that shiner brighter together," reflected an attendee.

Professor Shelly Smith, PhD, DNP, APRN-BC is the Interim Associate Dean, Academic Programs and Director, Advanced Practice Program.

She showcased the committed partnership between nursing leadership at UVA Health and UVA School of Nursing.

2023 NPGO President Mesha Jones, MSN, RN, CCRN, CWON, Interim Nurse Manager, Ambulatory Float Pool and Earn While You Learn Medical Assistant Program, reflected on her year in office and issued a call to action.

"Together, we can create a more inclusive nursing community where every voice is valued and cherished and every healthcare professional experiences a profound sense of belonging. This isn't just a transformation within our organization — it's a stride toward a brighter future for healthcare professionals."

Wendy Horton, PharmD, MBA, CEO, UVA Health University Medical Center, delivered the CEO Address. She hailed a robust strategic plan, strong senior leadership and nursing governance, and shared decision-making among nurse managers.

"This collaborative approach empowers our nursing teams and allows us to adapt swiftly to the evolving healthcare landscape."

Keynote Speaker Sherri Wilson, DNP, MPA, RN, President, Virginia Nurses Association, guided attendees in a few exercises, and reviewed the current landscape of the nursing profession and the global impact of nurses on health outcomes. She's the founder of the Institute for Health and Social Equity — a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing health disparities and promoting health and social equity by advancing a diverse workforce in nursing, public health, and STEM. Wilson spoke on "Stronger Together: Unlocking Our Collective Value."

An attendee echoed the sentiment of Wilson's presentation: “It takes vision, leadership, and support to make change. Get comfortable being uncomfortable.”

Supporting the UVA Health strategic plan goal of philanthropy, the summit's community service project gathered garment donations for The Haven, a day shelter and housing resource center in downtown Charlottesville.

Baker wrapped up the event: "As the day comes to a close, the most important thing we want you to remember is to be kind, take good care of yourselves and each other — and continue to search out the light."