Join us in honoring the incredible Nurse Practitioners (NPs) who make a difference every day in our communities. November 9–15 is recognized as National and North Carolina Nurse Practitioner Week, a time to celebrate the dedication and expertise of these vital healthcare professionals.

With approximately 16,687 Nurse Practitioners reported in North Carolina (per the NC Board of Nursing), this growing workforce plays a critical role in expanding access to high-quality healthcare across our state—from the mountains to the coast and everywhere in between.

To all Nurse Practitioners: thank you for your extraordinary work and the compassionate care you provide. Your commitment strengthens the health and well-being of North Carolina communities.

👉 Explore Northwest AHEC’s Upcoming Nursing Programs - Click Here

Rural America: Community & Opportunity

Did you know that nearly 61 million Americans call #rural communities home? These areas combine a strong sense of community with fulfilling work opportunities! Join us in celebrating the #PowerOfRural on Nov 20 for #NationalRuralHealthDay. Learn more at powerofrural.org.

***Also, join us for this upcoming event***

NC AHEC 8th Annual Celebration of Rural Health Nursing - Webinar on November 14th

Silent Struggles, Strong Voices: Advocating for Patients and Families
Register Now!

November 14, 2025
8:00AM - 1:00PM
Live Webinar

The NC AHEC Nurse Council celebrates the unique role and essential service of nursing in rural healthcare with our NC AHEC 8th Annual Celebration of Rural Nursing in honor of National Rural Health Day.  Rural nurses are the often-unseen pillars of their communities—responding not only to medical needs, but also to deeply rooted social challenges. Silent Struggles, Strong Voices is designed to elevate and empower rural nursing professionals as they confront the silent epidemics affecting patients and families. This program is supported by all of NC AHEC and the Nurse Council.

Date: November 14, 2025
Time: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Livestream Webinar
Registration Fee: $35
Register here: Southern Regional AHEC Event Page

In honor of National Rural Health Day, the NC AHEC Nurse Council invites you to join the 8th Annual Statewide Celebration of Rural Nursing—a powerful virtual gathering designed to uplift, educate, and empower nurses serving in rural communities.

This year’s theme, “Silent Struggles, Strong Voices: Advocating for Patients and Families,” highlights the resilience and advocacy of rural nurses who navigate not only clinical challenges but also the social and systemic barriers their patients face every day.

💡 Why Attend?

Rural nurses are often the lifeline of their communities. This event offers a unique opportunity to:

• Earn 4.0 Nursing Contact Hours
• Engage with expert speakers on timely topics like addiction treatment, adolescent tobacco use, human trafficking, and mental health stigma
• Connect with peers across the state who share your passion for rural health
  
  

🗓️ Agenda Highlights

Bridging the Addiction Treatment Gap
Dr. Alex Elswick, University of Kentucky

Treatment of Adolescent Tobacco and E-Cigarette Use
Dr. Libby Carver, Duke Employee & Occupational Health

Don’t Be Social: Human Trafficking and Social Media
Judge Toni King, NC District Court

Breaking the Silence: Addressing Mental Health Stigma
Dr. Joanna Linn & Lyndsey Parham, MAHEC Center for Psychiatry

Whether you're a nurse, educator, or healthcare advocate, this event is a chance to celebrate the vital role of rural nursing and gain tools to better serve your community.

We look forward to seeing you in Boone this October for this impactful and inspiring event! Moving Mountains and Community Conference, taking place October 13–14, 2025, with a preconference day on October 12, at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC.

Join fellow LPNs from across North Carolina for a dynamic, knowledge-based symposium designed to elevate your role on the health care team and enhance your professional practice. Register now for early bird rate! 

We’re excited to invite you to the Charles L. Spurr Piedmont Oncology Symposium, taking place Friday, October 24, 2025, from 8:50 a.m. to 3:40 p.m. at the M.C. Benton Jr. Convention Center in Winston-Salem, NC.

This in-person event is designed for a wide range of healthcare professionals—physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, navigators, and others—who are committed to excellence in hematology and oncology care. Attendees will engage in a dynamic learning environment featuring renowned faculty, evidence-based presentations, and interactive case studies.

Whether you’re working in a hospital, clinic, or community setting, this symposium offers practical strategies and the latest insights to help you navigate therapeutic and diagnostic options and improve patient outcomes.

Why Attend?

• Learn from leading experts in oncology
• Gain actionable knowledge through case-based discussions
• Network with peers across the continuum of cancer care
• Return to practice with tools to enhance care delivery

📍 Location:
M.C. Benton Jr. Convention Center
Winston-Salem, NC 27101

🔗 Register or learn more here

Over the last several months, the Northwest AHEC nurse educators have worked on reviewing and submitting files for the North Carolina Nurses Association’s (NCNA) re-approval.

We’re thrilled to announce that registration is now open for the Moving Mountains and Community Conference, taking place October 13–14, 2025, with a preconference day on October 12, at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC.

Are you a clinical preceptor looking to sharpen your teaching skills and support the next generation of healthcare professionals?

Northwest AHEC is offering a FREE online Clinical Preceptor Training program designed just for you!

This self-paced training includes four 30-minute modules that cover:

✅ Foundational preceptor skills

✅ Integrating health equity into clinical education

✅ Communication strategies for diverse learners

✅ Recognizing and accommodating different learning styles and cognitive needs

Take advantage of this no-cost opportunity to grow professionally and enhance the learning experience for your students.

Learn more and register here