February 27, 2025
Nurse educators, students to join national guests at region’s first nursing educators conference
CARBONDALE, Ill. — The inaugural Southern Illinois Nursing Educators Conference (SINEC) is coming to Southern Illinois University Carbondale on March 21 and registration is now underway for the event featuring Tim Bristol, founder of the nationally acclaimed nurse education leader of tomorrow, NurseTim.
Nurse educators and nursing students will find valuable information and opportunities at the all-day event, which begins at 8 a.m. at the SIU Student Center, 1265 Lincoln Drive. The event’s goal is to foster collaboration, innovation and excellence in the education and practice of nursing throughout the region.
With the theme “Ignite the Future: Sparking Innovation for Seamless Transition to Practice,” participants will explore a variety of topics and learn innovative strategies to enhance the transition from academic study to clinical practice in nursing.
Dual tracks to benefit all
The conference will feature two distinct tracks – one for nursing students and one for nursing educators within healthcare organizations or academia.
Nurse educators will participate in sessions offering the latest teaching strategies in the field of nursing. The sessions are aimed at fostering growth, critical thinking skills and flexibility among students and help them connect knowledge with practice.
The conference will also provide best practices in developing nursing student clinical judgement and offer regional nurse educators networking opportunities. It will wrap up with a networking reception including area clinical partners.
Nursing students can participate in educational sessions, a poster/art presentation, a job fair, a registered nurse exam review, networking and more.
Experts will share the latest developments
Conference presenters will highlight current trends and advancements in the field of nursing and offer strategies for connecting knowledge to practice. Bristol, better known as NurseTim, will lead the way. A specialist in faculty development, National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) exam and curriculum design, who has taught at every level of nursing, Bristol is a certified nurse educator, American Academy of Nursing fellow and senior business development strategist who holds a doctoral degree in nursing and has a reputation for bringing excitement through success to colleagues and students. Throughout his career, he has shared evidence-based nursing and healthcare education with students and faculty at all levels, organizers said.
Presenters will also include Heidi Remy, program director for the RN-BSN program at Aspen University. Remy has taught online students for the past decade and also teaches in-person practical nursing and BSN program classes. During the past 30 years, her clinical expertise includes critical care, oncology, clinical research and community health. Her interests include engaging and retaining students as well as delivering online and in-classroom learning.
Contact hours for this event will be provided by NurseTim. NurseTim is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
Students can showcase knowledge, participate in job fair
Nursing students can individually submit a piece of artwork depicting “The Art of Nursing” or a poster that showcases nursing practice preparedness or readiness for the registered nurse exam. They will also explore career opportunities at the Nurse Employment Job Fair, meeting health care industry employers. In addition, students can bolster their learning experience and enhance their preparations for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) exam, which is required to become licensed as a registered nurse, with a comprehensive review session.
Sign up now
Participants can register online, by mail, fax (618-453-5680), or by calling SIU’s Events and Outreach at 618-536-7751.
The cost is $35 for educators. Students can participate at no charge but need to register in advance to attend and also to participate in the poster competition.
Sponsors are also welcomed for the conference.
To learn more
Find more information, including the event schedule, speakers and registration, on the Conference and Scheduling Services website.
Large groups that are registering together are encouraged to contact Conference and Scheduling Services at conferenceservices@siu.edu.
For additional details or questions, contact Rebecca Dycus at rdycus@siu.edu or 618-453-1141.