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Course Detail: PDV-0126 - 2026 CNA Instructor Conference: From Bedside to Blackboard: Thriving as a Nurse Educator
Conference Times:
- Thursday, April 30; 1-5 p.m. with a meet and greet dinner sponsored by Hartman Publishing from 6-8 p.m.
- Friday, May 1; 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Conference Check-in:
- 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 30
- 7:45 a.m. on Friday, May 1
- T-shirts: Every effort will be given to provide in-person participants with their t-shirt size selection with priority given to those who register by March 30.
Cancellation Policy: Participants may withdraw and receive a full refund if requested by April 9. After that point, no refunds will be given. Substitutions are allowable if our office is notified by April 17. Withdrawals are accepted by phone at 217-524-6749.
CEUs: 9.5
Location: Choice of in-person or online
- In-person - Northfield Inn, Suites and Conference Center, 3280 Northfield Dr., Springfield, IL 62702; 217-523-7900. If you are not local to the Springfield area and wish to stay overnight, rooms are available for a conference rate of $112.00/night on a first come first serve basis. All room reservations must be made by April 9.
- Online - Online attendees will receive Zoom access information via email on April 28. Be sure to check your junk folder. If you do not receive the link, email us at continuing.education@llcc.edu.
- You will be prompted to select in-person or online during checkout. If you need to change this after registering, you must contact us for approval by calling 217-524-6749.
Keynote: Teaching with Both Hands: Balancing Technical Skill with Human Connection with Carrie Jarosinski
Navigating the journey of a nursing assistant educator is both rewarding and challenging, requiring a balance between inspiring students and managing role demands. This keynote offers practical strategies to build confidence, prevent burnout, and foster resilience, while maintaining an engaging classroom and adapting to educational changes. With actionable tools and a focus on both inspiration and strategy, educators will leave empowered to overcome challenges and deliver high-quality instruction.
Navigating the journey of a nursing assistant educator is both rewarding and challenging, requiring a balance between inspiring students and managing role demands. This keynote offers practical strategies to build confidence, prevent burnout, and foster resilience, while maintaining an engaging classroom and adapting to educational changes. With actionable tools and a focus on both inspiration and strategy, educators will leave empowered to overcome challenges and deliver high-quality instruction.
Main session: Reclaiming Joy in Teaching: Small Shifts That Make a Big Difference with Carrie Jarosinski
Building on the keynote "Teaching with Both Hands," this breakout session explores how small, intentional shifts in teaching can significantly improve educator well-being and student engagement. Participants will learn practical tools to balance technical instruction with human connection, creating a more fulfilling classroom experience. Through case-based scenarios, the session offers actionable strategies to reduce burnout, increase effectiveness, and reconnect with the passion that inspired teaching.
Breakouts: Select breakout sessions below before adding course to your cart.
- CNA Escape Room with Aishling Kelley
This Escape room places students in a fun, high stakes challenge where they must solve caregiving and clinical puzzles to unlock their patients' room and deliver safe care. After participating in the escape room activity, attendees will learn how to develop their own escape room activity. Note that this is a double session and will take both of the breakout session slots. - Building Pathways, Breaking Barriers: Designing a High-Impact BNAT Program for Underserved Learners with Cassidy Barth & Gladys Gonzalez
Dominican University's BNATP removes barriers for underserved learners through flexible, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive supports-while addressing CNA workforce shortages. The session shares development steps, challenges, and practical strategies to build inclusive, BNAT programs. - Providing Care to Special Populations with Jami Windhorn-Obermeyer
This presentation will teach CNA students how to provide compassionate, safe, and individualized care to special populations, including pediatric patients and individuals with developmental disabilities. It will cover communication techniques, safety considerations, and methods for promoting independence and comfort. - Starting a Facility Based Program: Lessons Learned with Michelle Stuercke
Staffing Certified Nursing Assistants continues to be a challenge due to workforce shortages. One solution is starting a facility-based program, which brings both challenges and opportunities. This session will discuss those challenges, practical solutions, and the successes these programs can achieve. - From Novice to Expert: The Power of Collaboration in BNATP Education with Ruth Belec-Olander, Gigi Aguirre & Jill Boos
This interactive session examines how novice and experienced instructors bring complementary strengths to BNATP education. Participants will reflect on their experience level, explore perspectives and challenges of each role, and discuss how blending approaches enhance classroom and clinical instruction. Practical strategies for collaboration will be shared to strengthen programs, improve outcomes, and support educator retention.
