OAAPN’s 34th Annual Statewide Conference has officially come to a close. The three-day event brought together hundreds of Ohio’s advanced practice nurses for a weekend filled with education, networking, and of course, fun!
This year’s conference welcomed 338 attendees, 64 exhibitors, 11 sponsors, and featured 34 speakers and 11 poster presentations. Just like in years past, attendees had the opportunity to earn over 18 hours of continuing education through a variety of hands-on sessions and workshops. Some examples include:
- Neuro & Pulmonary Imaging
- Functional Medicine: Root Cause Medicine
- Facial Dermatologic Concerns in Primary Care: When to Treat, When to Refer and When to Reassure
- From Aura to Aftermath: The Migraine Experience
Keynote Speaker: AANP President, Dr. Valerie Fuller
We were honored to welcome the President of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners®, Dr. Valerie Fuller, PhD, DNP, AGACNP-BC, FNP-BC, FNAP, FAANP, and inspired by her presentation “Advancing the Role of the Nurse Practitioner: Battling Misinformation, Disinformation, and How We Can Help Educate the Public.”
Dr. Fuller explored how NPs can counter misconceptions about the nursing profession and elevate the visibility and credibility of advanced practice nursing through education and advocacy.
2025 Leadership Award Recipients
We’re also thrilled to share the 2025 Leadership Award Recipients announced at this year’s Statewide Conference:
- Amanda Rumpke – 2025 President’s Award
- Joy Shoemaker – 2025 Advocate of the Year Award
- Dana Severin – 2025 Preceptor of the Year Award
- Jessica Franklin – 2025 Award of Excellence
These awards honor Advanced Practice Nurses and OAAPN Board Members who go above and beyond – championing patient care, professional growth, mentorship, and advocacy for the nursing profession.
As we celebrate another successful year, we’re already looking ahead to future OAAPN conferences, and we want your feedback! We’re gathering input on event timing and location to help shape future conferences and make them even more accessible and rewarding for all attendees.
Future Statewide Conference Feedback
Your insights are invaluable as we continue to build an event that reflects the needs and priorities of Ohio’s APRNs – and so is your continued support.
To everyone who bid in the silent auction or picked up OAAPN merchandise to support our Political Action Committee (PAC) – thank you. Your participation is what strengthens advocacy efforts for APRNs across Ohio – and right now, that matters more than ever.
With the introduction of Senate Bill 258 – the Better Access to Healthcare Act – and House Bills 449 and 508 we have proof that our efforts are being heard at the Statehouse. But we still need every voice. The work of our Key Person Program, Government Relations Committee, OAAPN members across the state, and our lobbying team is paying off, but it has to continue if we want to make history in Ohio healthcare.
Ohio’s moment is here. But it won’t happen on its own. It will only happen if we – every OAAPN member, every APRN in this state – show up and get involved.
- Watch for OAAPN updates.
- Answer the call when we ask you to write, meet, and testify.
- Volunteer as a KPP.
- Buy OAAPN Merchandise
- Donate to OAAPN
- Become a Member