Today, the Northwest AHEC team came together for a meaningful tradition—the 5th Annual Walk in Memory of Roderica “Nicole” McLaurin, held in support of the March for Babies/March of Dimes. We gathered at the beautiful new J. Dudley Watts Jr. Belews Lake Park, enjoying a lovely day to connect with colleagues, friends, and family as we walked in Nicole’s honor.
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This two-day course provides adult critical care nurses (CCRN) and adult progressive care nurses (PCCN) a review of AACN’s core content. The course combines central knowledge-based lectures on all testable content according to the AACN exam blueprint for CCRN and PCCN certification exams, plus a substantial amount of CCRN Exam-style multiple choice questions as well. This review is not an introduction to the environment of the ICU or PCU, but a comprehensive update for the professional already in practice at the bedside and preparing for either or both of the certification examinations. Reserve your spot today!
The goal of this program is to provide nurses and other interested healthcare professionals with the based knowledge and tools to assist them in providing high quality and comprehensive care related to Critical Care management.
Adult Critical Care (CCRN) & Progressive Care (PCCN) Nursing Certification Course
REGISTRATION OPEN
June 5-6, 2025 from 8AM - 5:15PM
LIVE WEBINAR
Credit
16.0 Nursing Contact Hours
Southern Regional Area Health Education Center is approved as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the North Carolina Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the
American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
About the Speaker
Lisa M. Soltis, MSN, APRN, RN-BC, PCCN, CCRN-CSC-CMC, CCNS, FCNS, FCCM
Lisa brings over 29 years of critical care experience to her lectures. She has earned her BA from Western Michigan University, her BSN from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, and her MSN from Duke University School of Nursing as an Adult Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist. She is a member of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, and the Society of Critical Care Medicine where she a Fellow of the American College of Critical Care Medicine. Her experience includes Trauma/Surgical Critical Care and over 25 years of Cardio-Thoracic Critical Care.
She currently works as a Senior Clinical Support Specialist with Fresenius Medical Care, Heart & Lung Therapies providing training and education regarding ECMO therapy across the country. She also lectures on various topics related to critical care, including several certification review courses. Lisa also provides legal services as an expert witness and legal nurse consultant for both nursing and advanced practice nursing cases.
This course is jointly provided by South Piedmont AHEC, Northwest AHEC and Southern Regional AHEC.
We are proud to share that Melanee Mills, MSEd, Program Coordinator for Health Careers at Northwest Area Health Education Center (Northwest AHEC), has been honored with the 2025 NC HOSA – Future Health Professionals Partnership Award. This award recognizes individuals or organizations outside of NC HOSA who go above and beyond in supporting the development of future health professionals across North Carolina.
Melanee was nominated by one of her peers, and according to NC HOSA leadership, her impact and dedication made her an obvious choice for the award.
“Melanee has been an integral part of NC HOSA over the years at both the regional and state levels,” said Jennifer Epperson, BSN, RN, Executive Director and State Advisor of NC HOSA. “She and Northwest AHEC have consistently provided resources and educational opportunities to our students at the Northwest and Piedmont Triad Regional Leadership Conferences for many years.”
Melanee’s commitment doesn’t stop there. She actively supports the NC HOSA State Leadership Conference, helping secure volunteer judges and even serving as a judge herself. Her dedication, dependability, and passion for student success have made a lasting impact on countless future healthcare professionals.
At Northwest AHEC, Melanee plays a vital role in our department. She leads key programs such as AHEC Scholars and Camp Med, which provide immersive learning experiences for students exploring future careers in healthcare. Her leadership helps guide and inspire the next generation of health professionals through hands-on learning, mentorship, and community engagement.
Melanee has been with Northwest AHEC for 11 years, and her passion for workforce diversity and health careers education continues to be a driving force in our mission.
“We are always grateful for what Melanee Mills and Northwest AHEC bring to our organization,” added Epperson. “We consider them an extremely valuable partner in our mission to promote career opportunities in the health industry and to enhance the delivery of quality healthcare to all people.”
Congratulations, Melanee, and thank you for the incredible work you do to support and inspire the future of healthcare!
Live Webinar Every Tuesday 12 - 1 PM
From Novice to Expert: Excellence and Power in Nursing Practice author, legacy nurse educator and nurse theorist, Dr. Patricia Benner, will kick off the 2025 National Nurses Week with our fourth annual nurse preceptor live webinar hosted by the North Carolina Area Health Education Center (NC AHEC) network.
As the seasons change, so do opportunities to expand your knowledge and professional skills! Northwest Area Health Education Center (Northwest AHEC) and the Office of Continuing Medical Education at Wake Forest University School of Medicine are offering a variety of engaging and informative programs this spring, summer, and fall.
👁️ Stay Ahead in Ophthalmic Care – Earn CME Credits! 👁️
At Northwest AHEC, we believe in the power of teamwork and community service. Our team recently had the opportunity to volunteer at Ronald McDonald House Charities® of the Piedmont Triad, Inc. (RMHCPT), where we spent the day giving back to families in need.
A Day of Service
Our team divided into groups to assist with various tasks around the House. Some of us packed nutritious lunches for families staying at RMHCPT (or receiving care at one of our local pediatric intensive care units), ensuring they had one less thing to worry about as they focused on their children receiving medical care. Others baked brownies to provide a small but meaningful treat, while another group cleaned the playroom and assisted with other household needs. Every task, no matter how big or small, contributed to making the House a true “home away from home” for families facing challenging times.
The Mission of RMHCPT
Ronald McDonald House Charities® of the Piedmont Triad is an independent, community-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Located near Atrium Health Levine Children’s Brenner Children’s Hospital and other medical facilities, RMHCPT provides a comfortable, supportive environment for families with children undergoing medical treatment. Since opening in 1984, the House has served as a place of refuge, offering accommodations, meals, and emotional support to families in need.
Learning and Bonding as a Team
Volunteering at RMHCPT was not just about giving back; it was also an opportunity for our team to come together, learn more about our community, and reflect on the impact we can make. Touring the House and hearing stories about the families who stay there reinforced the importance of the work being done. It was a meaningful experience that left us inspired and grateful for the opportunity to contribute.
How You Can Help
Want to support RMHCPT and the families they serve? Here are a few ways you can make a difference:
- Volunteer: Give your time and talents to assist with various needs at the House.
- Sport a Shirt: Purchase a RMHCPT shirt to support the cause. Learn more here.
- Recycle Pop Tabs: Collect aluminum pop tabs to help raise funds. Find out how.
- Attend an Event: Participate in fundraising events that support this incredible organization.
Our day at RMHCPT was a reminder that small acts of kindness can make a big impact. We look forward to continuing our commitment to service and encourage others to find ways to give back to their communities as well.
Northwest AHEC is excited to present the Arts & Medicine series—an inspiring exploration of the connection between creativity and healthcare. This engaging series offers healthcare professionals, students, and community members a unique opportunity to experience how artistic expression enhances healing, professional well-being, and patient care.
Why Attend?
Discover the therapeutic benefits of the arts in healthcare.- Engage with experts in medicine, music, visual arts, and performance.
- Participate in hands-on activities that promote mindfulness and creativity.
- Earn continuing education credits.
Event Details:
📅 Multiple Dates Available
📍 Various Locations
🔗 Register Now
Whether you're a healthcare provider looking for fresh perspectives or simply curious about the role of the arts in well-being, this series is designed for you. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to learn, connect, and grow!
Reserve your spot today and experience the transformative power of Arts & Medicine!
👉 Sign Up Here
Faculty Lineup of Speakers:
- John Beck, UNC School of the Arts
- Michelle Merrill, Winston-Salem Symphony
- Jessica Singerman, UNC School of the Arts
- Janine Hawley, UNC School of the Arts
- Luke Payne, UNC School of the Arts
- Robert P. Moyer, UNC School of the Arts
- Heidi McIver, UNC School of the Arts
National AHEC Week, from March 24 to March 28, 2025, offers an opportunity to recognize the significant contributions of Area Health Education Centers nationwide. At Northwest AHEC, we're proud to celebrate this week by highlighting our ongoing efforts to improve healthcare delivery in our 17-county region.
