What's New at NWAHEC

November 13th: 9th Annual NC AHEC Statewide Celebration of Rural Nursing Conference

Oct 6, 2026, 9:00:00 AM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in Nursing, rural health

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Screenshot 2026-09-08 093647

 

From Miles to Moments: Reimagining Access for Rural Health
Register Now!

November 13, 2026
8:30AM - 1:05PM
Live Webinar
 


The NC AHEC Nurse Council proudly celebrates the vital contributions of nurses in rural healthcare through the 9th Annual Celebration of Rural Nursing, held in recognition of National Rural Health Day.


This year's theme, "From Miles to Moments: Reimagining Access for Rural Health," highlights innovative approaches that are transforming healthcare delivery and expanding access for rural communities. As rural populations continue to face provider shortages, geographic barriers, and health disparities, nurses play a critical role in developing creative, patient-centered solutions that bring care closer to home.

The conference will feature evidence-based presentations on a statewide rural health update from the North Carolina Office of Rural Health (NC ORH), community paramedicine, Hospital at Home models, artificial intelligence in public health, and resilience strategies for the rural healthcare workforce. Participants will gain practical knowledge, explore innovative models of care, and identify opportunities to improve access, collaboration, and health outcomes across North Carolina's rural communities.

This program is supported by all of NC AHEC and the Nurse Council.

Credit
4.0 Contact Hours
4.0 Nursing Contact Hours

Mountain AHEC 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.

Registration
Registration Fee is $35.00. Sign Up TODAY! 

 

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Returning to Purpose: One RN Refresher’s Success Story

Oct 5, 2026, 11:00:00 AM / by Ellen Zimmerman, MSN, RN posted in NCAHEC, Nursing, rn refresher

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At Northwest Area Health Education Center (NWAHEC), we are proud to support nurses as they return to practice and reconnect with the profession they love. One recent RN Refresher Program participant exemplifies the impact of dedication, partnership, and regional collaboration.

This nurse set her sights on returning to a specialty that she loved: Endoscopy. Having worked in the field years earlier, she was eager to reenter nursing practice and continue serving patients in a role she was passionate about.

As part of her RN Refresher experience, she completed the online theory course through UNC Chapel Hill, then was placed for her clinical practicum at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist (AHWFB), where she refreshed her clinical skills and rebuilt her confidence in the healthcare setting. The placement provided valuable hands-on experience and helped prepare her for the next step in her professional journey.

Recognizing her desire to have her license reactivated and secure employment quickly and close to home, NWAHEC and South Piedmont AHEC (SPAHEC) coordinators worked together to explore opportunities that aligned with her goals. Through this collaborative effort, she successfully secured a position at Atrium Health Lake Norman, allowing her to continue her nursing career while remaining within her local community.

This success story highlights the power of partnership across North Carolina's AHEC network. By working together to support workforce development and nurse reentry, NCAHEC RN Refresher Coordinators help experienced nurses overcome barriers, return to practice, and fill critical healthcare workforce needs across the state.

We celebrate this nurse's determination and are grateful for the collaborative efforts that helped turn her goal into reality. Her journey demonstrates how the RN Refresher Program not only helps nurses regain their skills but also opens doors to meaningful career opportunities and a successful return to the profession.

Interested in returning to nursing practice? The NCAHEC RN Refresher Program provides the education, support, and clinical experience needed to help nurses confidently reenter the workforce and continue making a difference in patient care. For more information- contact Ellen Zimmerman Ellen.Zimmerman@Advocatehealth.org

RNRefresher2022

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Strengthen Your Breastfeeding Support Skills This October

Sep 17, 2026, 9:15:00 AM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in Breastfeeding, Nursing

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Breastfeeding Basics and Problem-Solving

October 16, 2026 | Live Webinar | 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM 
REGISTER NOW!
 
Breastfeeding challenges can arise even when families are highly motivated to succeed. Questions about latch, milk supply, feeding effectiveness, and breast pain often leave parents searching for trusted guidance. That's where knowledgeable healthcare professionals make a lasting difference.
 
1781715742-breastfeeding-and-basics-lg (1)Breastfeeding Basics and Problem-Solving is designed for nurses, nutritionists, social workers, doulas, and other healthcare professionals who support families during their infant feeding journey. Grounded in Baby-Friendly principles, this webinar explores practical, evidence-based strategies for addressing common breastfeeding concerns while helping families build confidence and achieve their feeding goals.
 
Participants will strengthen their ability to assess feeding effectiveness, support positioning and latch, address breast pain, identify factors that impact milk supply, and recognize when additional support or referral is needed. The result? More confident conversations, stronger patient support, and tools that can be applied immediately in practice.
 

Available Credits:

  • 5.5 Contact Hours from Northwest AHEC.
  • 5.5 Nursing Contact Hours5.5 Nursing Contact Hours.
    Northwest Area Health Education Center (NW AHEC) 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.

Find out more and sign up to join us - https://northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/t3/courses-and-events/78559

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Join Us for the 2026 Southeastern Shock Symposium

Sep 15, 2026, 7:30:00 AM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in Nursing, cardiovascular, physicians, continuing education

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Cardiogenic shock remains one of the most challenging conditions faced by cardiovascular care teams. Despite advances in research and treatment options, mortality rates remain high, making ongoing education and interdisciplinary collaboration essential for improving patient outcomes. The 2026 Southeastern Shock Symposium offers healthcare professionals an opportunity to explore current evidence, emerging approaches, and practical management strategies for this complex condition. 

Advancing Care Through Education

Designed for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, residents, and fellows, the symposium will provide a comprehensive review of cardiogenic shock, including its background, pathophysiology, staging, and the implementation of timely and effective treatment strategies. Participants will learn about both mechanical and pharmacologic support options and gain insights into best practices that can be applied in clinical settings.

1781203448-conference-image-lgPre-Conference Dinner

Friday, October 9, 2026
NASCAR Hall of Fame
400 East Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Charlotte, NC

Main Conference

Saturday, October 10, 2026
Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute
1237 Harding Place
Charlotte, NC

Participants may attend the main conference either in person or via livestream. In-person attendance is limited to 150 participants, and continuing education credit is available only for those attending in person. Pre-registration is required for both the dinner and the conference.

Continuing Education Credit Available

Attendees participating in person may earn up to:

  • 7.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
  • 7.5 Northwest AHEC Contact Hours for Nurses
  • 7.5 CME Hours for Physician Assistants
  • 7.5 ABS Continuous Certification and Self-Assessment Hours
  • 7.5 ABTS MOC Hours

These continuing education opportunities provide valuable professional development while supporting high-quality patient care.

Registration Information

There is no registration fee for the conference. The pre-conference dinner is complimentary for healthcare professionals attending the symposium, with a $25 fee for guests.

Reserve Your Spot Today

As the management of cardiogenic shock continues to evolve, staying current on evidence-based approaches is critical. The 2026 Southeastern Shock Symposium brings together experts and healthcare professionals committed to improving outcomes for patients experiencing cardiogenic shock. Whether you attend in person or virtually, this educational event offers valuable knowledge, networking opportunities, and practical clinical insights.

Register today: https://go.northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/shock

 

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Caring for High-Risk Newborns Takes a Team. Strengthen Your Expertise This Fall.

Aug 20, 2026, 1:41:28 PM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in Nursing, newborn

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Every high-risk newborn presents unique challenges, and every decision matters. From complex clinical needs to supporting families during some of their most vulnerable moments, caring for high-risk infants requires up-to-date knowledge, strong clinical judgment, and a collaborative approach across disciplines. This fall, Northwest AHEC invites healthcare professionals to join The High Risk Newborn: Sharing the Care Fall 2026, a live webinar designed to bring together current evidence, expert perspectives, and practical strategies that can be applied in clinical practice right away.

1779216265-adobestock341576969-lg (1)Why This Program Matters

Advances in neonatal care continue to improve outcomes for infants with complex medical needs, but staying current can be challenging in today's fast-paced healthcare environment. This half-day program focuses on real-world approaches to caring for high-risk newborns, helping participants navigate complex clinical scenarios while strengthening their ability to support families throughout the care journey. Attendees will gain insights into current management strategies, explore interdisciplinary perspectives, and learn from experts dedicated to improving outcomes for vulnerable newborns and their families.

What You'll Gain

Whether you work in neonatal care, maternal-child health, pediatrics, nursing, or another area supporting newborns and their families, this program offers practical value you can take back to your team. Participants will leave with:
  • Enhanced understanding of current approaches to caring for high-risk newborns
  • Evidence-based strategies for navigating challenging clinical situations
  • Insights into family-centered care considerations
  • Perspectives from experts across disciplines involved in neonatal care
  • Greater confidence in supporting infants and families with complex needs

Join Us Via Live Webinar

The High Risk Newborn: Sharing the Care Fall 2026 📅 October 14, 2026 🕘 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM 💻 Live Webinar When healthcare professionals share knowledge, collaborate across disciplines, and stay informed on evolving best practices, newborns and families benefit. Join us this October and help advance high-quality care for our most vulnerable patients. Register today - https://northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/t3/courses-and-events/78235
 
 
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Join Perinatal Experts This November for Gravidas at Risk 2026

Aug 17, 2026, 12:00:00 PM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in Perinatal, Nursing, gravidas

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Join colleagues from across North Carolina for the 44th Annual Perinatal Conference: Gravidas at Risk, November 4-5, 2026, in Hickory, NC. Designed for nurses, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, social workers, educators, and maternal-child health professionals, this two-day conference delivers evidence-based strategies and practical tools for caring for pregnant individuals facing increased risk. 

Top 3 Reasons to Attend

1. Enhance Clinical Expertise

Gain practical, evidence-based insights on today's most important perinatal care topics, including:

  • Cardiac conditions in pregnancy
  • Intimate partner violence screening and support
  • Alcohol use during pregnancy
  • Social determinants of health
  • Focused perinatal case studies
  • Non-pharmacological approaches for high-risk maternity patients

2. Connect with Perinatal Experts and Peers

Learn from experienced faculty and engage with multidisciplinary professionals from across the state who share your commitment to improving outcomes for mothers, infants, and families. 

3. Explore Emerging Topics

Discover innovative approaches shaping the future of maternal care, including artificial intelligence in obstetrics, mindfulness strategies, and holistic interventions that support both patients and providers. 


Conference Highlights

  • Earn up to 10 contact hours/nursing contact hours
  • Choose from full conference or single-day registration
  • Network with perinatal professionals from across North Carolina
  • Take home practical strategies you can apply immediately in your practice 

Register Today

Secure your place at this premier perinatal conference and join us for two days of education, collaboration, and professional growth.

November 4-5, 2026
Hickory Metro Convention Center, Hickory, NC


 

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Invest in Your Nursing Practice at the 2026 Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Symposium

Aug 13, 2026, 7:59:59 AM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in Nursing, lpn

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Licensed Practical Nurses play a vital role in delivering safe, compassionate, and effective patient care across a wide range of healthcare settings. As healthcare continues to evolve, staying informed about current practices, emerging challenges, and professional development opportunities is more important than ever.

1783704889-so-piedmont-pic-for-brochure-lgThe 2026 Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Symposium, hosted by Northwest AHEC, offers a valuable opportunity for LPNs and other healthcare professionals to expand their knowledge, strengthen their professional skills, and explore timely topics impacting nursing practice today. The virtual symposium will be held on October 9, 2026, from 8:25 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. EDT.

Practical Learning for Today's Healthcare Environment

This year's symposium is designed to address current challenges and innovations in practical nursing. Participants will explore topics focused on:

  • Defining and communicating the value of the LPN role
  • Infection prevention during disasters and outbreak situations
  • Scope of practice considerations
  • Self-care strategies to support resilience and well-being

The program emphasizes practical, evidence-based approaches that LPNs can apply immediately in their daily work, regardless of healthcare setting.

Learning Objectives

By participating in the symposium, attendees will be able to:

  • Describe the current scope of practice for Licensed Practical Nurses.
  • Identify strategies to strengthen professional value and role within healthcare teams.
  • Recognize evidence-based infection prevention strategies.
  • Explain ways to incorporate self-care into daily routines.

Expert Speakers & Topics

The symposium features an accomplished panel of healthcare leaders and educators, including:

  • LPN Scope of Practice
    Stacey Thompson, MSN, RN - 
    North Carolina Board of Nursing
  • Defining Your Value: It Starts with YOU! 
    Lisa Foster, DNP, RN, NPD-BC - Johnson and Wales University
  • Infection Prevention During Disasters and Outbreaks
    Anne Correll, BSN, MHA, RN, NCCPHN - Forsyth County Department of Public Health
  • Self-Care: Pause. Reset. Thrive
    Angela Gallagher, MHL, RYT, PAS - North Joy Wellness

Continuing Education Credit

Participants may earn:
0.4 CEU Hours
4 Contact Hours from Northwest AHEC


Register Today

Whether you're looking to enhance your professional practice, gain new perspectives on infection prevention, better understand scope of practice considerations, or focus on personal resilience, the 2026 Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Symposium offers meaningful learning in a convenient virtual format. Click here to register today!

Date: October 9, 2026
Time: 8:25 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. EDT
Format: Live Virtual Webinar

This educational activity is supported in part by the Carolina Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program through funding from the Bureau of Health Professions, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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Don’t Miss the 29th Annual “Because We Care” Workshop: Forget Me Never

Aug 10, 2026, 12:56:07 PM / by Ellen Zimmerman, MSN, RN posted in Nursing, compassion fatigue

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Are you a healthcare provider seeking practical tools and compassionate strategies to support grieving families—and yourself? The upcoming 29th Annual “Because We Care” Workshop, themed “Forget Me Never,” is your opportunity to gain essential skills, connect with peers, and earn continuing education credits, all in a supportive, in-person environment.

Why Attend This Workshop?

Grief is a deeply personal and often isolating journey, not just for families but also for the professionals who care for them. This workshop is designed specifically for nurses, social workers, child-life specialists, counselors, chaplains, and other care providers who want to:

    • Learn communication skills for sensitive conversations
    • Discover self-care strategies to prevent compassion fatigue
    • Engage in hands-on creation of keepsakes to comfort grieving families
    • Explore ways to remember loved ones while letting go
    • Understand how families experience support after a loss

Event Details

    Date: September 17, 2026

    Time: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm (breakfast and registration at 7:30)

    Lunch provided

    Location: Ardmore Baptist Church, 501 Miller Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27103


becausewecareblog

Registration & Fees

  • Atrium, Advocate, AHWFB Employees: $70 (promo code required)
  • General Registration: $100

Continuing Education Credit

Participants can earn:

  • 0.65 CEUs through Northwest AHEC
  • 6.5 Contact Hours through Northwest AHEC

Nurses may apply these hours toward their continuing competence requirements for North Carolina licensure.

Register Today

Whether you provide direct patient care, family support services, counseling, or spiritual care, this workshop will help you build skills that foster compassionate support for others while prioritizing your own well-being.

29th Annual “Because We Care” Workshop: Forget Me Never 📅 September 17, 2026 🕗 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 📍 Ardmore Baptist Church, Winston-Salem, NC


REGISTER NOW -  https://northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/t3/courses-and-events/77742

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Measles Is Back: Is Your Practice Prepared?

Jul 13, 2026, 10:00:00 AM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in Nursing, continuing education, measles

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For many healthcare professionals, measles feels like a disease of the past. Yet recent outbreaks and declining vaccination rates in some communities have brought this highly contagious disease back into the spotlight. As cases continue to emerge across the United States, pediatric and primary care teams must be ready to recognize symptoms early, respond appropriately, and help protect vulnerable patients.

To support healthcare professionals on the front lines, Northwest AHEC is offering Pediatric Pulse: Measles Resurgence—Recognizing, Responding, and Protecting Your Patients on August 5, 2026, as a live, two-hour webinar. This timely program provides practical, evidence-based guidance for recognizing and managing measles in today's evolving healthcare environment. 

1780420037-adobestock957180002-2-lgWhy This Topic Matters Now

Measles remains one of the most contagious infectious diseases known. Early identification and rapid response can significantly reduce transmission, protect vulnerable populations, and support public health efforts. Healthcare professionals play a critical role not only in clinical management but also in patient education and vaccine confidence conversations.

As outbreaks occur, providers may encounter patients with symptoms they have never personally seen in practice. This makes ongoing education particularly important for pediatric clinicians, nurses, vaccine coordinators, and public health professionals.

What Participants Will Learn

This webinar is designed to equip healthcare providers with the knowledge and clinical tools needed to effectively recognize, respond to, and prevent measles. Participants will review current epidemiologic trends, identify early clinical signs and symptoms, and explore evidence-based approaches to diagnosis, isolation, and treatment.

Key learning objectives include:

  • Recognizing the clinical presentation of measles, including prodromal symptoms, rash progression, and diagnostic indicators. 
  • Applying evidence-based management strategies for suspected or confirmed measles cases, including isolation precautions, reporting requirements, and collaboration with public health agencies.
  • Discussing prevention strategies, including vaccination recommendations and effective approaches for addressing vaccine hesitancy among patients and caregivers. 

Who Should Attend?

This program is especially relevant for:

  • Registered Nurses
  • Licensed Practical Nurses
  • Healthcare professionals involved in vaccine administration
  • Patient educators
  • Public health professionals
  • Pediatric healthcare providers and clinical staff who may encounter suspected measles cases 

Whether you work in pediatrics, family medicine, urgent care, school health, public health, or community-based settings, this webinar offers valuable information that can be immediately applied in practice.

Practical Education You Can Use Right Away

One of the greatest benefits of this program is its focus on real-world application. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how to identify measles quickly, implement appropriate infection-control measures, and confidently communicate with patients and families about vaccination and disease prevention.

In an environment where misinformation can spread as quickly as disease, healthcare professionals need both clinical expertise and effective communication strategies. This webinar addresses both.

Register Today

Pediatric Pulse: Measles Resurgence—Recognizing, Responding, and Protecting Your Patients will be held as a live webinar on August 5, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. EDT. Participants may earn 2 Contact Hours / 2 Nursing Contact Hours.

As measles continues to reemerge as a public health concern, now is the time to ensure your team is prepared.

Register today: https://northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/t3/courses-and-events/78399

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Building Confidence in Maternal Care: Join Our Basic Fetal Monitoring Course This Fall

Jun 26, 2026, 9:30:00 AM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in Nursing, fetal monitoring

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Providing safe, high-quality care for mothers and babies begins with strong clinical foundations—and fetal monitoring is a critical component of that care.

Northwest AHEC is excited to offer the Basic Fetal Monitoring – Fall 2026 course, a one-day, in-person learning experience designed to help healthcare professionals strengthen their skills, build confidence, and improve patient outcomes.

Why Fetal Monitoring Matters

Accurate interpretation of fetal heart rate patterns plays a vital role in ensuring the well-being of both mother and baby during pregnancy and labor. For many healthcare professionals—especially those early in their careers—developing this skill can feel complex and overwhelming.

This course is designed to simplify that process through structured learning and real-world application.


What You’ll Gain

Participants will walk away with:

  • A clear understanding of the physiology of fetal heart rate monitoring
  • Practical tools to interpret electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) tracings
  • Familiarity with NICHD definitions and systematic interpretation approaches
  • The ability to recognize reassuring and non-reassuring patterns
  • Strategies to respond appropriately in clinical situations
  • Improved confidence in contributing to safe, evidence-based perinatal care 

Through case-based examples and interactive discussion, learners will also strengthen communication skills essential for effective teamwork in clinical environments.


Who Should Attend?

This training is ideal for:

  • Nurses with less than one year of experience in electronic fetal monitoring
  • Healthcare professionals seeking to refresh or strengthen foundational skills
  • Providers who want to enhance their ability to support clinical decision-making in maternal care 

Program Details

📅 Date: October 7, 2026
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Location: Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC, Winston-Salem
🎓 Credits: 5 Contact Hours (including Nursing Contact Hours)

Participants will also enjoy a provided lunch, offering time to connect with peers and continue learning in a supportive environment. 


Learn from an Expert

The course is led by Tammy J. Goodwin, DNP, RNC-OB, C-EFM, an experienced educator dedicated to advancing perinatal care through practical, evidence-based teaching. 


Invest in Your Practice—and Your Patients

Whether you’re just beginning your journey in maternal health or looking to reinforce your knowledge, this course offers valuable tools you can apply immediately in your clinical setting.

Improving your confidence in fetal monitoring doesn’t just benefit your professional development—it directly impacts the safety and outcomes of the patients you serve.


Register Today

Spots are limited—secure your place and take the next step in strengthening your maternal care skills:

👉 https://northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/t3/courses-and-events/77372/basic-fetal-monitoring-fall-2026

 

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