2025 Leadership & Advocacy Conference

The Leadership and Advocacy Conference is an empowering event designed to inspire and equip healthcare professionals with the tools and knowledge to become influential leaders and advocates in their field. This dynamic conference will feature guest speakers who are leaders in healthcare and advocacy, providing invaluable insights and practical strategies.

Dr. Katie Boston-Leary, a renowned expert in nursing leadership and health policy, will share her expertise on the intersection of leadership and effective advocacy, inspiring attendees to take charge in their professional roles and make impactful changes within the healthcare system. 

Julie Denton, a skilled lobbyist with the Kentucky Nurses Association (KNA), will offer an in-depth look at the critical role of lobbying in shaping healthcare policies. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how to engage with policymakers and advocate for the nursing profession on a state and national level.

Lynn Pierce, MSN, APRN, RN, FNP-C, CPHRM, a leader from NSO, will focus on risk management and patient safety, providing practical strategies for healthcare professionals to advocate for safe practices while maintaining leadership roles in their organizations.

April Hester, APRN, CRNA KNA Government Affairs Cabinet Co-Chair  and holds the governor appointed position on the Health Benefit Exchange Program in KY, and sits on the Nursing Technical Advisory Committee to Medicaid.

Lisa Lockhart, MSN, MHA, RN, NE-BC - I am a long time member of KNA and I have served in several positions for the organization. My current roles are; Chair Nursing Technical advisory council, Directot at large KNAC, Chair Nightingale Chapter of KNA, Director of LAA

Katie Boston Leary 

1. Verbalize Key Trends Shaping the Future of Nursing
2. Explore the Impact of Technology on Nursing Practice
3. Recognize the Evolving Role of Nurses in Healthcare Delivery and advocacy

Julie Denton

1. Identify 3 bills that were passed in the 2023 legislative session that impact nursing and nurses
2. Describe the importance of the KNA Governmental Affairs (GA) cabinet annual retreat
3. Discuss the process of requesting KNA support or opposition for an issue or legislation
4. Review the steps to effectively utilize the LRC webpage

Lynn Pierce

1. Recognize the most frequent malpractice allegations and practice settings that occur with nurses in leadership roles.
2. Identify the average incurred expenses for nursing leaders involved in a malpractice lawsuit or State Board of Nursing investigation.
3. Discuss the processes nurse leaders can implement to reduce their potential liability of malpractice.

April Hester

1. Rate their understanding of the role of nurses in Health Policy. (Done on the evaluation at the end of the session)
2. Explain the necessity of nursing advocacy in Health Policy.
3. Articulate ways nurses can advocate for themselves and the populations they care for.
4. List 3 ways they can advocate within health policy and/or with their legislators.
5. Reflect on comments made and ask questions based off of the information gained within this session.

Lisa Lockhart

1. The participants will be able to describe what the LAA is; purpose / mission 
2. The participants will be able to describe what the fellows projects where this session and how they advocated for nursing in ky and KNA

The Leadership and Advocacy Conference is an empowering event designed to inspire and equip healthcare professionals with the tools and knowledge to become influential leaders and advocates in their field. This dynamic conference will feature guest speakers who are leaders in healthcare and advocacy, providing invaluable insights and practical strategies.

Dr. Katie Boston-Leary, a renowned expert in nursing leadership and health policy, will share her expertise on the intersection of leadership and effective advocacy, inspiring attendees to take charge in their professional roles and make impactful changes within the healthcare system. 

Julie Denton, a skilled lobbyist with the Kentucky Nurses Association (KNA), will offer an in-depth look at the critical role of lobbying in shaping healthcare policies. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how to engage with policymakers and advocate for the nursing profession on a state and national level.

Lynn Pierce, MSN, APRN, RN, FNP-C, CPHRM, a leader from NSO, will focus on risk management and patient safety, providing practical strategies for healthcare professionals to advocate for safe practices while maintaining leadership roles in their organizations.

This conference is a must-attend event for healthcare professionals looking to enhance their leadership abilities, develop effective advocacy strategies, and stay ahead of current trends in healthcare policy and patient safety.

Originally offered May 23, 2025. Please be aware any interactive elements of the presentation were only applicable during the live viewing.