”Oklahoma Wesleyan University (OKWU), in collaboration with Hillcrest South, is proud to announce an upcoming continuing education event designed to empower and inspire nursing professionals across the region. The 2026 Implementation Science Symposium is scheduled for January 9, 2026 on the OKWU campus in Bartlesville.

This one-day symposium will feature expert-led sessions, keynote presentations, and engaging presentations highlighting this year’s theme of “Leading with Service.” Whether you are providing hands-on care in clinical settings, leading healthcare teams, educating future nurses, or driving innovation through research, this event welcomes all nursing professionals committed to advancing the field. Through collaborative discussion, networking, and engaging with presentations, this symposium is designed to bridge the gap between research and real-world applications.

The Implementation Science Symposium is approved for 6 continuing nursing education hours (one contact hour = 60 minutes) by Hillcrest South, an accredited provider of the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Keynote Speaker
Dr. Jim Woodard, Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Operating Officer of TRU Community Care, brings over 15 years of senior leadership experience in inpatient and ambulatory care. His work in healthcare innovation includes developing Colorado’s first Transient Ischemic Attack Outpatient Clinic, assisting in designing a staffing to patient risk model, and using telemedicine technology to support hospice and palliative care patients. Dr. Woodward earned his Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Leadership from OKWU and presented his DNP project supporting disaster preparedness in the community at the state and national level conferences.

Topics Include:
• Level-Up Nursing: An Innovative Nursing Career Advancement Program
• Healing Leadership: A Trauma-Informed Approach for Nurse Leaders and Educators
• Booster Training for the Resuscitation of Postoperative CABG Patients in the ICU: A Quality Improvement Project
• Bridging Gaps in Rural Obstetric Triage: A Protocol Implementation Project
• Expanding the Next Generation of Nurses through Academic-Practice Partnerships
• The Pivotal Role of Registered Nurses in a Changing Clinical Research Landscape

Registration: Registration is open until December 1, 2025. To register and view the full agenda please go to https://www.okwu.edu/nursing-symposium

Contact: For inquiries or additional information, please contact OKWU Department of Nursing, 918-335-6856, [email protected]

OKWU is a Christ-centered institution located in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, dedicated to academic excellence and spiritual formation. With a commitment to developing servant leaders through a biblical worldview, OKWU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across disciplines including nursing, business, education, and ministry. The university fosters a vibrant learning community where students are equipped to impact the world with integrity, compassion, and purpose. Join us in transforming knowledge into action.