Pre-Conference Workshops

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Pre-Conference Workshops

Monday, September 21, 2026

Start your CNA Conference experience with a full day of learning, connection, and hands-on engagement. Pre-conference workshops offer opportunities to explore priority issues in nursing practice, leadership, innovation, equity, health systems transformation, and well-being.

Workshops range from one-hour sessions to half-day and full-day experiences. Participants will have the chance to learn from nursing organizations and specialty nursing practice leaders and experts, engage in discussion, build practical skills, and connect with colleagues from across Canada.

Pre-conference workshops are included with eligible conference registration options. Attendees may register for a Monday half-day pass, Monday full-day pass, or full conference pass.

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Agenda and timing are tentative and subject to change.

Tentative Agenda

Last updated May 5, 2026

Date: Monday, September 21, 2026

Time

Session / activity

Location
10:00–12:30 Society of Nurse Scientists, Innovators, Entrepreneurs & Leaders (SONSIEL) presents SONSIEL NurseHack: Co-Creating the Future of Health Care (part 1) Breakout Room
10:00–12:30 Association of Regulated Nurses of Manitoba (ARNM) presents Change Starts Here: The Power of Manitoba Nurses (part 1) Breakout Room
10:00–12:30 TBC Breakout Room
10:00–11:00 Infection Prevention and Control Canada (IPAC Canada) presents Infection Prevention and Control: A Powerful Nursing Specialty Breakout Room
10:00–11:00 Canadian Holistic Nurses Association (CHNA) presents Holistic Nursing in Practice: Meet, Learn, and Connect Breakout Room
11:30–12:30 Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) presents Clinical Decision-Making in Wound Product Selection Breakout Room
12:30–13:30 Lunch / networking / optional Winnipeg site visits
13:30–15:30 Society of Nurse Scientists, Innovators, Entrepreneurs & Leaders (SONSIEL) presents SONSIEL NurseHack: Co-Creating the Future of Health Care (part 2) Breakout Room
13:30–15:30 Association of Regulated Nurses of Manitoba (ARNM) presents Change Starts Here: The Power of Manitoba Nurses (part 2) Breakout Room
13:30–15:30 The Canadian Institute of Integrative Nursing Development & Education (TheCIINDE©) presents Reviving the HeART of Nursing: Well-being, Communication, and Culture Change Breakout Room
13:30–15:00 Canadian Association of Nurses for the Environment (CANE) presents Nursing for Planetary Health: Applying the Planetary Health Education Framework Breakout Room
13:30–15:00 Harm Reduction Nurses Association (HRNA) presents Annual General Meeting and Membership Engagement Session (Private) Breakout Room
13:30–15:00 TBC Breakout Room
15:30–17:00 Elder in residence, health and healing space, exhibitor booth, and poster presentation set-up Various
17:30–19:30 CNA welcome reception and opening ceremony Exhibit Hall
17:30–19:30 Poster viewing and exhibitor networking Exhibit Hall

Workshop descriptions

Society of Nurse Scientists, Innovators, Entrepreneurs & Leaders (SONSIEL) presents

SONSIEL NurseHack: Co-Creating the Future of Health Care

This dynamic, hands-on session brings nurses together to tackle real-world health-care challenges through rapid innovation. Working in teams, participants will use human-centred design approaches to identify problems, generate ideas, and develop practical solutions. Guided by experienced facilitators, teams will build skills in collaboration, creative thinking, and solution development. The session concludes with a showcase of ideas and shared learning. No prior innovation experience is required.

Learning objectives:

  • Apply human-centred design to identify and address a health-care challenge
  • Collaborate in teams to develop and present a practical solution
  • Build skills in innovation, problem-solving, and idea development

Intended audience:
Open to all attendees, including clinical nurses, nurse leaders, educators, students, and system partners

Presenters:

  • Mary Lou Ackerman, MBA, BScN, RN, FIEL
  • Lianne Jeffs, PhD, RN
  • Lucas Gardim, PhD(s) , RN

Session/activity time:

  • 10:00–12:30;
    13:30–15:30

Location:

  • Breakout Room

Association of Regulated Nurses of Manitoba (ARNM) presents

Change Starts Here: The Power of Manitoba Nurses

This session highlights the leadership and impact of Manitoba nurses in advancing equity and transforming care. With a focus on anti-racism and addressing Indigenous health inequities, participants will explore current initiatives and practical approaches to embedding equity into nursing practice and systems. The session will also showcase local innovations and successes, offering insights that can be adapted across jurisdictions. Through discussion and reflection, participants will consider how individual and collective action can contribute to meaningful change within their own contexts.

Learning objectives:

  • Describe current approaches to addressing anti-Indigenous racism within nursing practice and systems
  • Explore examples of nurse-led innovation and leadership in Manitoba
  • Identify actions to advance equity and inclusive care in their own settings

Intended audience:
Nurses interested in equity, leadership, and system change

Presenters:

  • TBC

Session/activity time:

  • 10:00–12:30;
    13:30–15:30

Location:

  • Breakout Room

Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) presents

Clinical Decision-Making in Wound Product Selection

This case-based session focuses on strengthening clinical decision-making in wound care. Participants will explore common wound types — including pressure injuries, diabetic foot ulcers, and surgical wounds — and examine how product selection evolves across stages of healing. Through real-world scenarios and guided discussion, the session will connect evidence-based practice with frontline decision-making. Participants will gain practical insights that support both direct care and system-level resource planning.

Learning objectives:

  • Review key characteristics of common wound types and their clinical implications
  • Apply evidence-informed approaches to wound product selection
  • Strengthen clinical reasoning in complex wound care scenarios

Intended audience:
Nurses who have an interest in or are involved in clinical practice, decision-making, and care planning related to wound care

Presenters

  • Joshua Moralejo, MScCH: WPC, RN, BScN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), IIWCC
    President-Elect, NSWOCC
    President, Canadian Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (CPIAP)
    Advanced Practice Nurse, Salvation Army Toronto Grace Health Centre
  • Lawrence Cuevas, M-AdvPrc–WOCNursing, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), GNC(C)
    Academic Advisor, Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute, NSWOCC
    Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence, Health Sciences Centre

Session/activity time:

  • 11:30–12:30

Location:

  • Breakout Room

The Canadian Institute of Integrative Nursing Development & Education (TheCIINDE©) presents

Reviving the HeART of Nursing: Well-being, Communication, and Culture Change

This interactive workshop introduces practical approaches to supporting nurse well-being and strengthening relational practice. Participants will explore holistic nursing and coaching-informed communication techniques that enhance patient engagement, teamwork, and leadership. Through guided reflection, demonstration, and small-group practice, attendees will develop skills in presence, listening, and meaningful dialogue. The session emphasizes practical tools that can be immediately applied across clinical and leadership contexts.

Learning objectives:

  • Describe key principles of holistic nursing and coaching-informed communication
  • Apply techniques such as reflective listening and powerful questioning in practice
  • Identify strategies to support well-being and relational care in their work

Intended audience:
Nurses across roles seeking communication and well-being strategies

Presenters:

  • Sherry Hole, Founder + CEO of TheCIINDE©, MN, BN, RN, Nurse Educator, SGAHN, WWCC, HWNC-BC, Integrative Mental Health Coach
  • Janessa DeCoste, Co-Founder, Lead instructor at TheCIINDE©, ANCC Accredited Provider Program Director (AP-PD), BScN, RN, MN, NC-BC, SGAHN, Founder at The Entrepreneurial Nurse
  • Kim Derkach, Co-Founder, Lead instructor at TheCIINDE©, BScN, RN, HWNC-BC, SGAHN, Faculty Instructor, University of Saskatchewan

Session/activity time:

  • 13:30–15:30

Location:

  • Breakout Room

Canadian Association of Nurses for the Environment (CANE) presents

Nursing for Planetary Health: Applying the Planetary Health Education Framework

This interactive workshop explores the critical role of nurses in addressing the health impacts of climate change and environmental inequities. Using the Planetary Health Education Framework, participants will engage in facilitated discussions and applied activities that connect environmental change to health outcomes, equity, and nursing practice. Through approaches such as systems mapping, case analysis, and reflective exercises, the session emphasizes practical, place-based action across clinical, educational, and community settings. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how to integrate planetary health into their professional roles and contribute to sustainable, equity-oriented health systems.

Learning objectives:

  • Describe the Planetary Health Education Framework and its relevance to nursing practice and education
  • Examine how environmental and climate-related changes impact health outcomes and equity
  • Identify practical actions to integrate planetary health into clinical, educational, or advocacy roles

Intended audience:
Nurses across all roles and career stages, including students, educators, and leaders

Presenters:

  • Alysha Jones, RNc, M.Sc., MScN
  • Jack Avanthay Strus, RN, PhD
  • Keara Allen, MA
  • Brigitte DeCosse, RN, MN

Session/activity time:

  • 13:30–15:00

Location:

  • Breakout Room

Canadian Holistic Nurses Association (CHNA) presents

Holistic Nursing in Practice: Meet, Learn, and Connect

This informal session offers an opportunity to connect with members of the Canadian Holistic Nurses Association and learn more about holistic nursing in Canada. Participants will explore how holistic approaches support whole-person care, nurse well-being, and professional practice. Through open discussion and networking, attendees can ask questions, share experiences, and learn about opportunities for involvement, mentorship, and professional development within the holistic nursing community.

Learning objectives:

  • Describe the principles of holistic nursing and their relevance to practice
  • Explore opportunities for engagement and professional development
  • Connect with peers interested in holistic approaches to care

Intended audience:
Nurses interested in holistic or integrative approaches

Presenters:

  • CHNA Board Members
  • CHNA Members who attend the conference (TBC)

Session/activity time:

  • 10:00–11:00

Location:

  • Breakout Room

Infection Prevention and Control Canada (IPAC Canada) presents

Infection Prevention and Control: A Powerful Nursing Specialty

This session explores nurses’ vital role in infection prevention and control across health-care settings. Participants will examine how nursing competencies align with IPAC practice, from frontline care to system-level leadership. Through discussion and real-world examples, the session will highlight how nurses contribute to safer care environments, outbreak management, and quality improvement. Participants will also learn about career pathways and opportunities to engage in IPAC practice.

Learning objectives:

  • Describe the relationship between nursing practice and IPAC competencies
  • Identify strategies to strengthen infection prevention in clinical settings
  • Explore opportunities to engage in IPAC roles or leadership

Intended audience:
Nurses across all settings interested in infection prevention and control

Presenters:

  • Madeleine Ashcroft, RN, BScN, MHS, CIC, FAPIC
  • Barbara Catt, RN, BScN, M.Ed., CIC, LTC-CIP, AL-CIP

Session/activity time:

  • 10:00–11:00

Location:

  • Breakout Room

Harm Reduction Nurses Association (HRNA) presents

Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Membership Engagement Session

Private session

This closed session brings together members of the Harm Reduction Nurses Association for their AGM and a facilitated engagement session. The meeting will include organizational updates, board elections, and strategic planning discussions, followed by an interactive session to gather member input on future priorities. Designed to foster connection and collaboration, this session provides a valuable opportunity for members to engage in dialogue, strengthen national networks, and contribute to shaping the direction of harm reduction nursing in Canada. Virtual participation will also be supported to ensure broader accessibility.

Intended audience:
HRNA members

Presenter:

  • Corey Ranger, RN, BN

Session/activity time:

  • 13:30–15:00

Location:

  • Breakout Room