7:30 AM - 5:00 PMRelaxation Room Available
7:45 AM - 9:00 AMSponsored Breakfast Presentation: Topic & Sponsor TBD (NO CE)
9:05 AM - 10:15 AMWelcome, Opening Remarks, & Opening Keynote: TBD
10:30 AM - 12:00 PMBreakout Session TBD
10:30 AM - 12:00 PMTen Ways To Avoid Getting Sued
12:00 PM - 1:30 PMAwards & Recognition Luncheon
1:30 PM - 2:30 PMLessons Learned: Criminal Cases Regarding Clinical Performance
1:30 PM - 2:30 PMBreakout Session TBD
2:45 PM - 3:45 PMCare of the Veteran
2:45 PM - 3:45 PMSurefire Documentation
4:00 PM - 5:00 PMConfronting the Legal Perils of Infusion Therapy: What You Need to Know
4:00 PM - 5:00 PMBreakout Session TBD
6:45 AM - 5:00 PMRelaxation Room Available
7:00 AM - 8:30 AMGrab & Go Breakfast
8:00 AM - 9:00 AMBreakout Session TBD
8:00 AM - 9:00 AMBreakout Session TBD
9:15 AM - 10:15 AMBreakout Session TBD
9:15 AM - 10:15 AMEBP for Dummies
10:30 AM - 11:30 AMBreakout Session TBD
10:30 AM - 11:30 AMBreakout Session TBD
11:30 AM - 12:45 PMSponsored Luncheon Presentation by Neurocrine Biosciences: Topic TBD (No CE)
12:45 PM - 1:15 PMGeneral Membership Meeting
1:15 PM - 2:15 PMProviding Unwanted Care
1:15 PM - 2:15 PMCSI: Conducting Successful Investigations
2:30 PM - 3:30 PMDeveloping a Charge Nurse
2:30 PM - 3:30 PMBuilding Resiliency in DEI: Cross Cultural Communication [Implicit Bias CE]
3:30 PM - 5:30 PMAnnual Vendor Expo
7:30 PM - 10:30 PMHalloween Party & Costume Contest!
7:30 AM - 11:00 AMRelaxation Room Available
7:30 AM - 1:00 PMDIY Flower Bar Experience Sponsored by NexCare WellBridge
8:00 AM - 9:00 AMSponsored Breakfast Presentation by Otsuka US: Topic TBD (No CE)
9:00 AM - 10:15 AMClosing Remarks & Closing Keynote: What DONs Need to Know – Survey Trends & Top Citations
10:30 AM - 11:30 AMGeneral Session TBD
11:45 AM - 12:45 PMGeneral Session TBD
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wheeler
 
Enter a room of tranquility to relax and decompress throughout the conference. We will supply coloring books, essential oils, and light music to encourage our nurses to unwind.
7:45 AM - 9:00 AM
Salon C/D
 
 
9:05 AM - 10:15 AM
Salon C/D
 
 
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Salon A/B
 
 
Davidson
Elizabeth Rudolph, Jurex, LLC

Vital information for today’s nurses. This presentation clearly describes the ten traps that lead to nursing malpractice and addresses the ways to avoid them. Case examples are analyzed and discussed with ample time for questions and answers.

Learner Objectives:

  1. To describe the legal landscape as it pertains to nursing malpractice in long term care.
  2. To summarize the significant legal issues affecting directors of nursing administrators in long to care.
  3. To list at least two strategies to reduce nursing liability in the long term care setting.
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Salon C/D
 
 
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Salon A/B
 
 
Davidson
Elizabeth Rudolph, Jurex, LLC

Nurses and clinicians have been criminally prosecuted for medication errors and negligence leading to patient deaths. Listen to the lessons from these cases and learn strategies to reduce liability in your nursing practice. A must for every nurse.

Learner Objectives:

  1. Describe the criminal law system.
  2. List the most likely crimes that nurses could face in nursing practice.
  3. Summarize the interplay of criminal and civil liability in nursing practice.
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
Salon A/B
Niquette Wheeler, State of Michigan
 
Salon C/D
Elizabeth Rudolph, Jurex, LLC

A dynamic presentation providing targeted strategies for accuracy and compliance in charting. Electronic Health Records are discussed in detail. Evidence-based documentation examples are explored.

Learner Objectives:

  1. Describe four liability reduction strategies used in long term nursing care.
  2. List four commonly encountered documentation issues in long term nursing care.
  3. Identify two documentation pitfalls in long term nursing care.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Salon A/B
 
 
Salon C/D
 

You've received an order to administer IV therapy to your resident. As your mind swims with thoughts about catheter gauge, the solution to infuse, and finding a suitable vein, consider this unnerving and frightening fact: complications from what you are about to do could be the basis for a nursing negligence lawsuit. Instead of being scared about infusion therapy, learn how you and your facility can appropriately minimize your risks of being sued and prevent having to meet your resident in court.

Learner Objectives:

  1. Discuss the components and scope of negligent nursing conduct related to infusion therapy.
  2. Explain professional responsibilities to prevent infusion-related nursing malpractice lawsuits.
Thursday, October 23, 2025
6:45 AM - 5:00 PM
Wheeler
 
Enter a room of tranquility to relax and decompress throughout the conference. We will supply coloring books, essential oils, and light music to encourage our nurses to unwind.
7:00 AM - 8:30 AM
Grand Foyer
 
 
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Salon A/B
 
 
Salon C/D
 
 
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
Salon A/B
Jennifer Bender, PDI
 
Salon C/D
 
 
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Salon A/B
 
 
Salon C/D
 
 
11:30 AM - 12:45 PM
Salon A/B
 
 
12:45 PM - 1:15 PM
Salon A/B
 
 
1:15 PM - 2:15 PM
Salon A/B
Adria Thompson

Providing essential care to individuals with dementia who resist help can be one of the most complex challenges in healthcare. This session examines why refusals happen, including the role of anosognosia (a true lack of awareness), and offers practical, person-centered strategies to reduce conflict while maintaining dignity. Through real-world examples and creative problem-solving approaches, participants will gain the tools and confidence to navigate even the most daunting care scenarios, because no matter how tricky things get, experienced caregivers know you can’t scare us that easily.

Learner Objectives:

  1. Identify the appropriate expectations for what neurological neuropsychiatric symptoms care staff should have based on a person’s type and stage of dementia.
  2. Examine the concepts of refusal of care and resistance during care as it relates to a person with dementia’s ability to make decisions.
  3. List 5 steps of non-confrontational strategies to responding to refusal of care.
  4. Apply communication and approach techniques to case studies to maximize compliance and motivation to participate.
Salon C/D
Amy Lee, Coretactics, Inc.

CMS mandates that a resident be free from abuse, neglect, misappropriation and exploitation. In response to allegations of this type, skilled nursing facilities are required to report, investigate, protect the alleged victim, take corrective actions if needed and have evidence that the alleged violation was thoroughly investigated. This program will review pertinent regulatory requirements and discuss non-compliance survey related issues that can result in negative public perception and heavy financial penalties. Participants will recognize practical approaches to use when conducting a thorough investigation, gain access to investigative tools for immediate implementation and have takeaway resources their teams can use to incorporate data into their QA&A Program to ensure regulatory compliance.

Learner Objectives:

  1. Recognize regulatory requirements related to abuse, investigations, abuse reporting and identification of facilities with abuse deficiencies on CMS Care Compare.
  2. Describe the various components and effective methods of conducting a through and successful investigation.
  3. Recognize methods for conducting a root cause analysis and the correlation this has to objectively ruling out or determining abuse.
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Salon A/B
 

Long Term Care can be a scary setting as a charge nurse if you are unaware of all the challenges it faces. This presentation will provide education to develop a charge nurse. Tips and tricks will be provided, as well as the required skills to navigate the LTC setting and how to develop effective charge nurses. Individuals will walk away saying "you can't scare a nurse" even in LTC!

Learner Objectives:

  1. Discuss how to manage a challenging family member or resident.
  2. Describe how to effectively communicate, engage, and work with challenging co-workers.
  3. Engage in critical thinking in an emergent situation to provide team engagement and resident safety.
  4. Identify how to deescalate problems while providing quality care and customer service.
Salon C/D
Jeremy Holloway, University of Toledo
 
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Davidson
 
 
7:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Salon A/B
 
  1. Costume Most Likely to Go Viral – Trendy, meme-worthy, or outrageous
  2. Most Unrecognizable – Who completely transformed themselves?
  3. Best Costume on a Budget – For standout looks made with minimal cost.
Friday, October 24, 2025
7:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Wheeler
 
Enter a room of tranquility to relax and decompress throughout the conference. We will supply coloring books, essential oils, and light music to encourage our nurses to unwind.
7:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Wheeler
 

Experience this hands-on floral design experience that combines the joy of creating with the beauty of flowers. Create your own bouquet and take it home with you to enjoy!

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Salon C/D
 
 
9:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Salon C/D
 

This session will provide Directors of Nursing with key updates on the current state of state surveys, the Top 10 most common citations in Michigan, and what DONs need to know about CMS regulations related to those citations. Learn how to better prepare for surveys, avoid common pitfalls, and access essential CMS tools and resources.

Learner Objectives:

  1. Identify the Top 10 most frequently cited deficiencies in Michigan nursing homes.
  2. Analyze recent trends in state survey activity and their implications for nursing leadership.
  3. Apply strategies to improve compliance and reduce risk of deficiencies during surveys.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Salon C/D
 
 
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
Salon C/D
 
 

2025 Convocation Highlights!

Thursday Night Halloween Party!

Join us for an unforgettable night where resilience meets revelry! Our “You Can’t Scare a Nurse” themed reception is your chance to let loose and celebrate the strength, spirit, and sense of humor that only a Director of Nursing can bring. Enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres, a hosted bar, and hit the dance floor with DJ Casey, one of Michigan’s top party pros spinning tracks all night long.

Don’t miss our epic Costume Contest, with prizes in three fun categories:

  1. Costume Most Likely to Go Viral – Think TikTok trends, memes, and total showstoppers
  2. Most Unrecognizable – Who vanished into their character so well we had to double-check their badge?
  3. Best Costume on a Budget – Because creativity > cost

It’s going to be a blast — full of laughter, dancing, and memories you’ll be talking about until next year. Come dressed to impress, scare, or surprise — just don’t come in scrubs!

Friday Morning BYO Bouquet Bar!

Before you head home, stop by our BYO Bouquet Bar and treat yourself to a little beauty and self-care — you’ve earned it! Create your own custom floral arrangement from a gorgeous selection of fresh blooms, thoughtfully sponsored by NexCare WellBridge.

Pick your favorites, mix and match colors, and build a bouquet that’s uniquely you. It’s our way of saying thank you for all the heart, strength, and dedication you bring to long-term care — and a beautiful reminder to take a little joy with you when you go.

First come, first served — don’t miss it!