*Registration payment includes Credit Cards and Interfund Transfers ONLY.
Nurses, Nursing Workforce Researchers, Translational Scientists, Nurse Educators, Nurse Employers, and Nursing Leadership
The strength and stability of North Carolina’s nursing workforce continue to shape discussions on healthcare access, education, and sustainability. The NC Nursing Workforce Research Conferences - Spring and Fall 2026 - offer a collaborative, data-driven exploration of where we stand today and how research can inform the path ahead. Designed for nurses, nursing workforce researchers, translational scientists, nurse educators, nurse employers, and nursing leadership, these two virtual conferences provide a forum for data sharing, discussion, and actionable insight.
Attendance at both conferences is optional. Participants may choose to join one or both based on your interests and availability.
The Spring 2026 Conference will take a deep dive into North Carolina’s nursing workforce data, connecting licensure and retention patterns with employer survey insights. Through presentations and collaborative discussion, participants will explore what the data reveal and where critical gaps remain to shape a shared set of priorities that will guide future nursing workforce research.
SPEAKERS & TOPICS:
Licensure Data for LPNs and RNs
Catherine Moore, PhD, MSN, RN
Director of Sheps Health Workforce NC and the North Carolina Health Professions Data System
The Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research
Inactive RNs: Why They Left and What Brings Them Back
Meghan Davenport, PhD, MA
Assistant Professor, Department of Psychological Science, UNC Charlotte
Susan McLennon, PhD, ANP-BC, CNE
Director, UNC Charlotte School of Nursing
Laura Magennis, DNP, MSN, RNC-OB, NPD-BC
Clinical Assistant Professor/Coordinator of Strategic Partnerships, UNC Charlotte School of Nursing
Katie Fitzpatrick, DNP, RN, NPD-BC
Nursing Education Program Manager, NC AHEC
Employer Survey Data Finding on NAs, LPNs, and RNs
Emily McCartha, PhD
Senior Policy Advisor, NC Center on the Workforce for Health
National Nursing Education Data
Nancy Spector, PhD, RN, FAAN
Director of Nursing Education, National Council of State Boards of Nursing
Panel Discussion: Identifying Research Gaps & Priorities
Moderator: Jill Forcina, PhD, RN
Director of Education & Nursing, NC AHEC
Panelists:
Sara Griffith, PhD, MSN, RN, NE-BC
Chief Nursing Officer, NC Board of Nursing
Andy McCracken, MPA
Director, NC Center on the Workforce for Health
Nancy Spector, PhD, RN, FAAN
Director of Nursing Education, National Council of State Boards of Nursing
Sarah Bourland, RN, MPH
Senior Policy Advisor, Office of the Secretary, NC Department of Health and Human Services
Waqiah Ellis, PhD, RN, NE-BC, BCC
President-Elect, NC Organization of Nurse Leaders
Learning Outcome
Participants will be able to identify key insights from the data and recognize where important gaps remain to help set priorities for future nursing workforce research.
NC Nursing Workforce Research Fall 2026 Conference
October 30, 2026 | Live Webinar | 8:20 AM - 1 PM
The fall conference will turn insight into action by highlighting research and real-world innovations shaping the nursing workforce across North Carolina and beyond. Participants will explore how evidence-based strategies are being applied to recruit and retain nurses, strengthen training pathways, and improve workforce sustainability. Through presentations and discussion, participants will examine lessons learned from these initiatives and collaborate to define shared priorities for future research, replication, and dissemination.
Follow this link to register for the NC Nursing Workforce Research Fall 2026 Conference
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