NWONL 2025 Annual Conference - Leading with Purpose: Impacting our Future Together
Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront
1401 Southwest Naito Parkway
Portland, OR 97201
Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 3:00pm PT - Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 12:00pm PT
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Info
Credits Offered
This event offers
6.0 CE credits
to attendees.
Accreditation Info:
California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider #17495.
Attachments
Additional Information
Join us in May for the premier Nursing Leadership event in our region! Be ready for engaging session focuses, including:
Quality: Owning Outcomes, Empowering Change
Nurse leaders hold the keys to unlocking excellence in patient care. By empowering and guiding nurses to recognize and maximize their contributions, we create a culture of accountability and high-quality outcomes.
Applied Resilience: Thriving Amidst Challenges
Leadership demands the courage to navigate tough conversations, manage difficult personalities, and maintain patience under pressure. Gain insights to help equip you with the tools to cultivate resilience and lead with strength throughout your career.
Healthy Workplaces: Building Foundations for Success
Discover actionable strategies to foster a vibrant and supportive workplace culture. Learn how to better champion well-being for yourself and your team.
Staff Development: Nurturing Talent, Inspiring Growth
Great leaders ignite curiosity and fuel passion by truly understanding their teams. Through mentorship and meaningful opportunities, nurse leaders empower their staff to sharpen their clinical expertise, expand their impact, and discover fulfillment in their professional journeys.
Summary Schedule:
Sunday May 18th, half-day
Early check-in 3-5pm.
Regional Council Connection from 3:30 - 5pm. Engage in meaningful connection and discussion aimed at action to create healthy work environments. Dinner and evening social to follow.
Monday May 19th, full-day
Breakfast, Vendor Hall and full day a full day of engaging sessions and workshops. Lunch and opportunities to learn from exhibitor sponsors followed by a fun filled evening BBQ and Northwest themed social.
Tuesday May 20th, half-day
After breakfast, join us for morning sessions, our 2025 Awards celebration followed by adjournment at noon.
Lodging and Group Attendee Registration:
- Lodging: Book your room using the NWONL conference rate here.
- Want to register a group of attendees? Contact admin@nwonl.org directly.
Registration Refund and Cancellation Policy
NWONL Members in good-standing:
- As a member, you are guaranteed priority registration. Refunds available until April 30th less ticket service fee. After April 30th Members may choose to apply 2025 registration fees to a future conference. Alternatively members may gift their attendance to another nursing leader.
ACNL Members in good-standing:
- Refunds available until April 30th less ticket service fee. Alternatively members may gift their attendance to another nursing leader.
Non-members:
- Consider joining or renewing your NWONL membership to take advantage or member priority and pricing. Refunds available until April 30th less ticket service fee. Alternatively non-members may gift their attendance to another nursing leader.
Event lodging, travel, parking or other related conference fees:
- NWONL cannot provide refund or any kind. Contact the requisite service provider directly.
For help with any of the above:
- Contact admin@nwonl.org for assistance.
Speakers
Turn the Ship Around! Expert on Intent-Based Leadership.
Andy Worshek imagines a workplace where everyone engages and contributes their full intellectual capacity, a place where people are healthier and happier because they have more control over their work — a place where everyone is a leader. Worshek served in the navy for 24 years, and achieved the rank of Master Chief. Assigned to the nuclear-powered submarine USS Santa Fe with Captain David Marquet — then ranked last in retention and operational standing — they teamed up and “turned that ship around” by developing a new model of leadership that built leaders at every level. Intent-based leadership took the Santa Fe from “worst to first,” achieving the highest retention and operational standings in the navy. Stephen R. Covey rode the USS Santa Fe and said it was “the most empowering organization he’d ever seen” and wrote about the USS Santa Fe leadership practices in his book, The 8th Habit. Worshek is prominently featured in the bestselling leadership book, Turn the Ship Around! A True Story of Turning Followers into Leaders, which tells the turnaround story of the USS Santa Fe. Fortune magazine named it the #1 must-read book to read, and USA Today put it on their list of the 12 best business books of all time. Before joining the Turn the Ship Around team, Worshek practiced intent-based leadership as the director of human resources and personnel development at McGee, Hearne & Paiz, LLP, the premier accounting firm in Wyoming. Worshek is a SPHR-certified human resources professional.
Moe Carrick is a workplace culture expert with deep expertise in healthcare leadership and workforce resilience, partnering with organizations like Legacy Health Systems, MultiCare, Seattle Children's, and Mosaic Community Health to reduce burnout, increase engagement, and strengthen leadership in high-stakes environments. Her award-winning frameworks have transformed culture across healthcare, tech, government, private industry, and nonprofits. A TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and Thinkers 360 award winner, Moe’s work is grounded in 1.5 million+ data points and focuses on the seven core needs of work, psychological safety, and trust. As founder of Moementum Inc., she equips leaders with the tools they need to create inclusive, high-performing workplaces where people thrive. As a daughter, niece, granddaughter, and friend of nurses for her whole life, Moe holds a tender spot in her heart for the critical role of nursing in patient outcomes and communities.
Executive Director, Northwest Organization of Nurse Leaders
Cindi M. Warburton, DNP, APRN, FNP, is a senior healthcare systems and advanced practice leader with expertise in workforce optimization, program development, and transformational leadership. Cindi has led system-wide initiatives to enhance APP leadership, governance, and retention. She also serves as Executive Director of the Northwest Organization of Nurse Leaders (NWONL), driving leadership development and strategic partnerships. With a background in academia and emergency services leadership, Cindi is a passionate advocate for patient-centered care, mentoring, and healthcare innovation.
Chief Executive - Providence Inland Northwest Washington
Nursing Manager at University of Washington Medical Center
Director, Maternal Child/Women’s Health, Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center
Nurse Manager, Community Hematology Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University
Event Agenda
NWONL 2025 Annual Conference - Leading with Purpose: Impacting our Future Together
Event Agenda
Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 3:00pm PT - Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 12:00pm PT
All times listed in
Pacific Time (US & Canada).
Download event agenda (PDF)
Sunday, May 18, 2025
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2:00pm - 5:00pm
Early Registration
Obtain badging and conference materials prior to the Sunday events.
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3:30pm - 5:00pm
Title: Building Healthy Work Environments: An interactive discussion on what it means to build respect, collaboration and well-being where nurses and patients thrive.
Council Chair and Co-Chair: Nancy Wiederhold DNP, RN, CMSRN, Charlotte Wimer MSN, RN, OCN and Claire Grant MSN, RN, CENP, NE-BC, CCRN.
Join us for an interactive session exploring key components of the Healthy Work Environment Standards (AACN). Learn through engaging discussions and real-world examples about prioritizing open communication, meaningful recognition, strong leadership and a commitment to teamwork. We'll examine key factors that impact workplace culture, patient care, and nurse well-being. Come away with fresh perspective and inspiration to foster a more supportive and effective work environment.
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5:00pm - 7:00pm
Welcome Reception & Networking Dinner Social
Kick off the NWONL Annual Conference with an evening of connection and conversation alongside nurse leaders from across the Northwest. Enjoy socializing and networking over tasty appetizers, refreshing beverage and a welcoming atmosphere and get inspired for the conference ahead.
Monday, May 19, 2025
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7:30am - 9:00am
Registration & Exhibit Hall Open
Start your conference experience by picking up your badge and conference materials before the main events begin. Explore the Exhibit Hall, where you can connect with industry-leading corporate partners, discover innovative solutions, and engage in valuable conversations that support your professional growth.
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8:00am - 9:00am
Breakfast
Enjoy an energizing breakfast buffet featuring a variety of hearty and healthy options. Then enter a relaxed atmosphere to connect with fellow attendees, share insights, and prepare for a day of engaging sessions.
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9:00am - 10:30am
Kickoff Session: Turn the Ship Around!
Andy Worshek, Expert on Intent-Based Leadership.
1.0 CE CreditJoin Andy Worshek, leadership expert and former U.S. Navy Master Chief, as he shares the groundbreaking Intent-Based Leadership model that transformed the USS Santa Fe from the Navy’s worst-performing submarine into one of its best. Featured in the bestselling book, Turn the Ship Around!, Worshek’s insights on empowering teams, fostering accountability, and building leaders at every level is an inspiring example for nurse leaders as they empower their own teams.
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10:30am - 11:00am
Morning Break & Exhibit Hall Touring
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11:00am - 12:30pm
The Connection Advantage: Empowering Teams, Transforming Care
Moe Carrick, Expert on Healthy Workplaces, Leadership Development and Igniting Sustainable Change.
1.0 CE CreditNurse leaders, it’s time to lead differently.
The pressures are real: workforce shortages, disengagement, burnout, and the relentless demand for exceptional care. But leadership doesn’t have to mean carrying it all alone. In fact, when done right, it can be the most rewarding, purpose-driven work you’ll ever do. In this high-impact session, Moe Carrick delivers both inspiration and real tools to help you lead with confidence, clarity, and connection. You’ll walk away with The Connection Advantage™, a framework built on practical, proven methods to strengthen trust, reduce friction, and build resilient teams. This isn’t just another leadership talk: it’s a hands-on, application-driven session that will leave you with immediately actionable tools to transform your team, strengthen your leadership, and elevate patient care. Because great leadership isn’t about doing more - it’s about building connected, accountable, compassionate teams.
What You’ll Gain:
+ The Heart Habit™ – A powerful practice for navigating emotions, fostering trust, and creating psychologically safe workplaces.
+ The Monthly Meet-Up™ – A simple, structured approach to ongoing performance conversations that drive engagement and accountability.
+ Team Agreements – A game-changing tool to set clear expectations, reduce drama, and build team cohesion. -
12:30pm - 2:00pm
Extended Lunch, Exhibit Hall Touring, Poster Abstract Session
Recharge with amazing lunch options, spend meaningful time learning the shared value potentials with our curated exhibitors and engage with peer leaders presenting on programs and research.
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2:00pm - 3:00pm
Problem Sharing Versus Problem Solving: Building Interdependence
Facilitate by Moe Carrick, joined by Nancy Wiederhold DNP, RN, CMSRN and Cindi Warburton DNP, FNP.
1.5 CE CreditsLeadership is never a solo act. In a profession that demands resilience, adaptability, and deep human connection, the most effective nurse leaders don’t lead alone—they depend on their peers, seek feedback, and develop the skills to coach their teams through challenges. This interactive and reflective workshop creates space to pause, reset, and refine your leadership approach in a safe, collaborative environment alongside fellow nurse leaders. Together, we will explore how coaching, peer support, mentoring, and shared accountability can transform the way you lead. This is more than a leadership workshop - it’s a chance to reconnect with your purpose, build a network of trusted peers, and walk away with actionable strategies to lead with confidence, clarity, and support. Because great leadership isn’t done alone - it’s built together.
What You’ll Gain:
+ Understand the Key Differences: Learn how mentorship focuses on wisdom sharing and guidance, while coaching is geared toward inquiry based growth and behavior change.
+ The Power of Peer Support – Why great leadership isn’t about having all the answers, but about leveraging collective wisdom and creating a culture of trust, reflection, and continuous learning.
+ Coaching as a Leadership Skill – Learn how powerful questions, active listening, and real-time feedback can build confidence and problem-solving capacity in your team.
+ Real-World Application – Engage in hands-on exercises to strengthen your ability to navigate challenges, foster team resilience, and create an environment where everyone thrives. -
3:00pm - 3:30pm
Afternoon Break
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3:30pm - 4:30pm
Real Talk About the Hard Stuff: Honestly Navigating Critical Relationships
Facilitated by Moe Carrick and joined by regional executive nurse leaders.
1.5 CE CreditsIn today’s high-pressure healthcare environment, nurse leaders must lead through complexity, navigate conflict, and maintain critical relationships - even when tensions are high and stakes are even higher. Whether facing labor union strikes, difficult team dynamics, or other high-stakes challenges, the way leaders engage in these moments shapes trust, collaboration, and long-term success. This interactive, no-BS session is about leading through conflict with clarity, confidence, and connection. Through real-world examples from nurse leaders who have successfully managed tension without damaging relationships, we’ll explore practical, research-backed strategies to navigate the toughest conversations, find common ground, and keep people engaged, even when perspectives are deeply divided. This session isn’t just about managing problems, it’s about becoming the kind of leader who can navigate the hardest conversations with grace, wisdom, and impact. Join us to build the confidence and skills to turn even the toughest moments into opportunities for collaboration and connection.
What You’ll Gain:
+ Navigating High-Stakes Relationships – Learn how to maintain trust and professionalism in challenging situations, like labor negotiations and organizational change.
+ Mastering Conflict Resolution – Get hands-on strategies for defusing tension, fostering dialogue, and finding solutions that work for everyone.
+ Real Talk That Builds Trust – Explore how to communicate hard truths without alienating, offending, or triggering defensiveness.
+ Leading with Strength & Empathy – Walk away with practical tools to lead through conflict while strengthening relationships and team cohesion. -
5:30pm - 8:00pm
Savor the Spirit of the Northwest BBQ
After a day of insightful sessions and leadership inspiration, it’s time to kick back, connect, and indulge in the flavors of the Pacific Northwest! Join us for an evening celebration where smoky BBQ meets fresh local fare, and good company meets great fun.
What’s on the Menu? Mouthwatering BBQ with a Northwest flare and beverages to match
What to expect? Wear your favorite Northwest outfit (hiking? Biking? Lumberjack? BBQ-Chic? It is all good and all welcome.
This is your chance to unwind, laugh, and celebrate the incredible community of nurse leaders that makes NWONL special.
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
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7:30am - 8:30am
Breakfast
Enjoy a hearty Northwest-inspired breakfast featuring fresh local flavors, hot coffee, and great company.
This is your chance to soak in the connections you’ve made, swap final takeaways, and set your intentions for bringing new insights back to your teams. Whether you’re an early riser ready to chat or savoring a quiet moment with a cup of coffee, this breakfast is the perfect way to wrap up an incredible conference. -
8:30am - 9:30am
NWONL Meeting of the Membership and Annual Awards
NWONL Board Leaders & Regional Affiliate Leaders
Our Board leaders recognize the 2025 Award winners followed by NWONL report to the membership.
Hear from leaders from the Center of Nursing, Boards of Nursing and regional affiliates to provide updates and answer your questions about nursing workforce and healthcare advancement from across the region. -
9:30am - 10:00am
Morning Break
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10:00am - 11:30am
Don't Crack Under Pressure
Susan Stacey, RN, MBA, FACHE, Chief Executive Providence Inland Northwest Service Area
1.0 CE CreditNursing leadership is a balancing act—strategic decision-making, supporting teams, managing crises, and driving change, all while trying to stay resilient yourself. The pressure is real, but cracking under it isn’t the only option. Learn practical strategies to manage stress, build emotional endurance, and lead with confidence—even in the toughest moments.
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11:30am - 12:00pm
Closing Session & Adjournment
Our 2025 NWONL Board leaders close our conference with key take-aways, next steps and our collective call to action.
Exhibit & Sponsor
What can we expect for Attendees in 2025
- Attendees seats are limited to 200 Leaders.
- Attendees are predominantly senior leaders and their leadership teams, primarily from acute and ambulatory care organizations across Alaska, Oregon & Washington and the expanded West Coast (Idaho, Montana, California)
What kind of Corporate Partners may Register and Attend?
- 2024 Corporate Partners/Sponsors are given preference.
- Companies who demonstrate ability to serve from "FQHC" to System" level organizations are preferred.
- Companies who conduct partnership/sponsorship with ACNL or AONL are preferred.
What are the Pre/Post Communications Opportunities?
- NWONL will provide attendee contact information 3 weeks prior and also upon conference close.
- Partners are expected to direct email attendees once prior and again once after the conference.
- Attendees may choose to opt-in for additional email/contact.
- You are invited to attend the exhibit hall day breakfast and lunch sessions with attendees.
What is the Exhibitor Agenda?
- Sunday May 18th Exhibit hall open for set-up between 5pm-8pm. PST.
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Monday May 19th is a full conference day!
- 8-9am Breakfast and exhibit hall
- 10:30-11am Exhibit hall and break
- 12:30-2pm Exhibit hall and lunch break
- 3pm-3:30pm Exhibit hall and raffle awards
- 4:30pm (after the last session) Exhibitor take-down and exit by 6:30pm
Will you be shipping equipment to the site?
- Marriott Portland will assist with shipping and onsite storage.
- Yes, there is easy unload/load and ingress/egress of large equipment to the exhibit hall.
- Reference the attached form "Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront Shipping Rates".
- Equipment will be shipped to:
- Marriott Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront
C/O (Person Receiving the Boxes) Group Name & Dates
1401 SW Naito Parkway, Portland, OR 97201
- Marriott Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront
Do you require Electrical service?
- We cannot guarantee spaces are adjacent to standard household electrical in the Hall. Either bring a portable power unit or purchase the Dedicated Electrical Services ticket to guarantee service is available at your table location.
What table/booths are provided or expected in the exhibit hall?
- Marriott will provide a standard table, approx. 8ft wide x 30in deep in a 10x10ft space.
- Small chairs will be provided.
Is wifi available?
- Yes, wifi is included in your registration.
Will you Raffle an item to Attendees?
- We encourage a "fish bowl" style raffle.
- Each Corporate Partner/Sponsor is encouraged to raffle and item.
- Raffle winners will be selected and announced on May 19th during the late afternoon break. Partners will be called up to briefly announce and award their prize.
Staying Overnight?
Registering a Group or need assistance
- Contact admin@nwonl.org directly or call 503-479-5834
Will you be driving in? Both onsite Valet parking and abundant offsite parking is available:
- Valet at the Marriot is $49.00 per car, per night/$78 for oversized vehicles.
- An optional Area Parking Map for self-park is attached to help locate adjacent parking.
Attachments
Register For This Event
For NWONL Members in good-standing. Member attendee rate reflects a 20% discount rate from standard attendee registration.
- As a member, you are guaranteed priority registration.
- Refunds available until April 30th less ticket service fee.
- After April 30th Members may choose to apply 2025 registration fees to a future conference.
- Alternatively members may gift their attendance to another nursing leader. Contact admin@nwonl.org for assistance.
- Enrolling a group? Contact admin@nwonl.org directly for easy enrollment.
For ACNL Members in good-standing. ACNL member attendee rate reflects a 20% discount rate from standard attendee registration.
- As an ACNL member, you are entitled to NWONL attendee rates as part of the NWONL & ACNL Collaborative Agreement.
- Refunds available until April 30th less ticket service fee.
- Alternatively members may gift their attendance to another nursing leader. Contact admin@nwonl.org for assistance.
- Enrolling a group? Contact admin@nwonl.org directly for easy enrollment.
For Leaders who are not currently part of either NWONL or ACNL.
- Consider joining or renewing your NWONL membership to take advantage or member priority and pricing discount of 20%.
- Refunds available until April 30th less ticket service fee.
- Alternatively non-members may gift their attendance to another nursing leader. Contact admin@nwonl.org for assistance.
- Enrolling a group? Contact admin@nwonl.org directly for easy enrollment.