State-of-the-Science Stroke Nursing Symposium – ISC

Pre-Cons and Stroke Nursing Symposia: February 3, 2026
Sessions: February 4–6, 2026
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center | New Orleans, Louisiana

Join us for the State-of-the-Science Stroke Nursing Symposium

Elevate your practice and stay at the forefront of stroke care at the premier State-of-the-Science Stroke Nursing Symposium — a must-attend event for nursing, rehabilitation, and healthcare professionals dedicated to advancing outcomes for stroke patients.

This high-impact symposium offers a dynamic plenary program complemented by expertly led breakout sessions, designed to meet the diverse educational needs of clinicians across all levels of experience. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the latest evidence-based practices, innovations in stroke care, and interdisciplinary strategies to optimize recovery and improve patient lives.

From primary prevention and acute emergency management to rehabilitation and secondary prevention, this symposium spans the full continuum of stroke care. Whether you're a bedside nurse, rehabilitation specialist, or stroke program leader, you'll walk away with actionable knowledge, fresh perspectives, and renewed inspiration.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with thought leaders, expand your expertise, and transform the way you care for patients and families affected by stroke.

2026 Schedule-at-a-Glance

Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
All times are in Central Standard Time (CST) (-6 UTC)
2026 Schedule-at-a-Glance
Time Activity
8:00a.m. - 11:30 a.m. CST

2026 State-of-the-Science Stroke Nursing Symposium: Main Event

Moderators:
Mary Rodgers, DHA, ANP, CNS, RN, Getzville, NY
Beth Hundt, PhD, APRN, ACNS-BC, NP-C, Charlottesville, VA

8:00 a.m.
Welcome and Opening Remarks from the NS Program Committee Chair
Mary Rodgers, DHA, ANP, CNS, RN, Getzville, NY

8:05 a.m.
Council Welcome and Remarks from the CVSN Council Chair
Lisa Kitko, PhD, RN, Rochester, NY

8:07 a.m.
In Remembrance: Michelle Camicia
Wendy Dusenbury, PhD, DNP, NP,  Fountain Hills, AZ

8:10 a.m.
Stroke Article of the Year Recipient

8:20 a.m. to 9:20 a.m.

Early Palliative Interventions to Promote Positive Outcomes with Acute Stroke Treatment

8:20 a.m.
A Nursing Perspective

8:31 a.m.
Rehab Perspective

8:42 a.m.
Ethics Perspective

8:53 a.m.
Q&A

9:05 a.m.
Abstract Presentation TBD
9:20 a.m. to 10:20 a.m.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

9:20 am
What Are Barriers or Challenges to Implementing Measure?

9:31 am
Quality: It's Not All About Ischemic

9:42 am
Debate

9:53 am
Q&A

10:05 am
Abstract Presentation
Acute ICH Response (AIR) Team: Implementing a Hospital-Wide Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage Response
10:20 a.m. Break
10:40 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Acute Ischemic Stroke New 2025/2026 Guidelines from a Nursing Perspective

10:40 am
Top 10 Changes in the Guidelines That Impact Nursing
+ Panel Discussion

10:45 am
International Perspective
Tertary Perspective
DNVHealthcare Perspective

11:15 am
Q&A
11:30 a.m. Lunch
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 2026 State-of-the-Science Stroke Nursing Symposium: Afternoon Event
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Stroke Response Nurses: Driving Better Outcomes for Teams and Patients

Moderators:
1:00 pm - 2:45 pm - Pat Lane & Davide Bartoli
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm - Sandi Shaw & Fnu Alfandy

1:00 p.m.
Implementing a Nurse-led Stroke Response Team at a Comprehensive Stroke Center

1:09 p.m.
Determining Stroke Response Nurse Competency Using Advanced Stroke Life Support

1:18 p.m.
The Role of Stroke Response Nurses in Telestroke: Impact on Workflow, Patient Outcomes, and Provider Satisfaction

1:27 p.m.
The Role of Stroke Response Nurses in Telestroke: Impact on Workflow, Patient Outcomes, and Provider Satisfaction

1:36 p.m.
Q&A

1:45 p.m.
Abstract Presentation:
Multidisciplinary Innovations in Acute Stroke Response: Integrating Advanced Practice Providers
2:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Unifying Stroke Care: Strategies for System-Wide Coordination and Certification

2:00 p.m.
Building Alignment: Can Collaboration without Oversight Lead to Standardized Care?

2:10 p.m.
Leveraging Telestroke for Standardized Care Across a National System

2:20 p.m.
Leading System-Wide Stroke Care: Executive and Operational Perspectives

2:30 p.m.
Q&A

 
2:45 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Break
3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Connecting the Stroke Survivors with the Health Care System: It's Not A Big Black Hole

3:00 p.m.
Presentation TBD

3:11 p.m.
Presentation TBD

3:22 p.m.
Driving Down Recurrence: Best Practices from the STEP Clinic

3:33
Q&A

3:45 p.m.
Abstract Presentation:
Stroke Discharge Unit Bridging Education and Transitional Care
4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Innovative Stroke Nursing Care Delivery Model Improves Outcomes and Facilitates Expedited Care: It's Not Just the Inner-City

4:00 p.m.
The State of Rural Stroke Nursing: Challenges, Innovations, and Opportunities

4:10 p.m.
Nursing Best Practices to Improve Rural Acute and Post-Stroke Outcomes

4:20 p.m.
Leveraging Telestroke for Standardized Care Across a Health-System

4:30 p.m.
OPTIMISTmain

4:50
Q&A