NLNPA Provincial Conference 2026 - Nurse Practitioners Leading the Next Chapter of Healthcare, Together: Our Time is Now

CPD Program Onsite/Online
Schedule:
  • Saturday, November 7, 2026 |  8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

About this Program

The Newfoundland and Labrador Nurse Practitioner's Association (NLNPA) is excited to present the NLNPA Provincial Conference 2026: "Nurse Practitioners Leading the Next Chapter of Healthcare, Together: Our Time is Now" This full day event will bring NPs from across the province together for clinical education, knowledge sharing, skills sessions, and networking.

Saturday Night Social: Join us following the 2026 NLNPA Conference for an evening of connection, conversation, and celebration at Loose Tie on George Street in downtown St. John's!

Loose Tie, George Street, St. John's
Saturday, November 7, 2026
8:00-11:00 PM

Come unwind after a full day of learning and collaboration, connect with fellow Nurse Practitioners from across the province, and enjoy a relaxed evening together. Snacks will be provided as we continue the conversations, build connections, and celebrate the work we do as NPs.

Hotel Information: If you are planning to travel to St. John's, we are pleased to offer a discounted hotel rate for conference attendees. You can secure your accommodations now using the booking link below. Please note that the discounted rate is only available until October 9, 2026, so we encourage you to book early to avoid missing out.

Conference Format: Hybrid (In-person and Virtual). Webex link will be emailed to registrants 24 hours before the talk.

Location & Parking: Room 1M101 - Dr. Richard Fagan Lecture Theatre. Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University. Once you enter through the glass doors, it is the first room on the left. Registration will be at the Atrium. Parking is available next to the Faculty of Medicine Building.

Recording: All sessions will be recorded.

Program Information: For more Information please contact: acharan@mun.ca or pdmed@mun.ca

Program Agenda

Saturday, November 7, 2026
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
Registration & Breakfast
8:30 AM - 8:35 AM
Welcome & Opening Remarks
8:35 AM - 9:00 AM
Keynote Presentation
9:00 AM - 9:35 AM
Empowerment in Clinical Decisions Involving the Ear - Dr. John Cavanagh
  • Identify common ear conditions encountered in primary care and differentiate those requiring specialist referral
  • Apply evidence-based approaches to the assessment and management of ear complaints
  • Recognize red flag symptoms requiring urgent investigation
9:35 AM - 10:10 AM
Practical Approach to Common and Red Flag CBC Abnormalities - Dr. Brian Harnett
  • Interpret common CBC abnormalities encountered in primary care
  • Differentiate benign findings from red flag abnormalities requiring urgent investigation or referral
  • Develop an appropriate diagnostic approach to patients presenting with abnormal CBC results
10:10 AM - 10:40 AM
Mid-Morning Break
10:40 AM - 10:55 PM
Poster Presentation 1: Wound Management: An Evidenced Based Clinic Approach - Mary Beresford NP   
11:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Poster Presentation 2: From Pilot to Practice: Nurse Practitioner Funding Model - Trent McDonald NP & Mary Beresford NP   
11:15 AM - 11:50 AM
Atypical Antidepressants and Non-Pharmacological Therapies: ECT and rTMS - Margot Antle NP
  • Review the indications, benefits, and limitations of atypical antidepressant therapies
  • Compare the roles of ECT and rTMS in the treatment of depression and other mental health conditions
  • Identify patients who may benefit from referral for advanced or non-pharmacological treatment options
11:50 AM - 12:25 PM
More than Weight Loss: The Role of GLP-1 Therapies - Dr. Ashley Power
  • Describe the mechanisms of action and clinical indications for GLP-1 receptor agonists
  • Discuss the metabolic and cardiovascular benefits of GLP-1 therapies beyond weight management
  • Apply patient selection and monitoring considerations when initiating GLP-1 therapy
12:25 PM - 1:25 PM
Lunch
1:25 PM - 2:00 PM
Language in Leadership: How Words Define, Limit, and Liberate Nurse Practitioners - Dr. Laura Hounsden, PhD, MN‑NP(F)
  • Explore the impact of professional language on role clarity and interdisciplinary collaboration
  • Identify terminology that effectively communicates the scope and value of NP practice
  • Apply strategies to enhance advocacy and professional identity through language
2:00 PM - 2:35 PM
Not Just a Gynecology Problem: The Multisystem Reality of Menopause and the NP's Moment to Lead - Marie Powell, NP
  • Describe the multisystem effects of menopause and their impact on patients' health and quality of life
  • Apply evidence-informed approaches to the assessment and management of menopausal symptoms
  • Identify opportunities for nurse practitioners to lead menopause care through education, advocacy, and comprehensive management
2:35 PM - 3:10 PM
Hidden in Plain Sight: Infection Risk and Vaccination Considerations in Cardiovascular Care - Rody Pike, NP
  • Review the relationship between infectious diseases and cardiovascular health outcomes
  • Identify vaccination recommendations relevant to patients with cardiovascular disease
  • Incorporate infection prevention and immunization strategies into cardiovascular care plans
3:10 PM - 3:40 PM
Mid - Afternoon Break
3:40 PM - 4:15 PM
I Hear a Murmur: What Now? Glenda Pack, NP & Candace Hillier NP
  • Describe a systematic approach to the assessment of heart murmurs in primary care
  • Differentiate innocent murmurs from those suggestive of significant cardiac pathology
  • Determine when further investigations or specialist referral are indicated
4:15 PM - 4:50 PM
Innovation in NP Practice: Using the Cardiovascular Assessment Screening Program (CASP) - Dr. Jill Bruneau, NP
  • Describe the features and functionality of the CASP website/app
  • Apply the CASP tool to assess and manage cardiovascular risk factors in primary care settings
  • Integrate digital health resources into clinical decision-making and patient care planning
4:50 PM - 5:00 PM
Closing Remarks & Wrap-Up
Acknowledgements

Conference Development & Delivery Team 

  • Shannon Murphy, MN NP  - Chair
  • Stephanie Reardon, MN NP 
  • Jessica Peddle, MN NP 
  • Mary Beresford, MN NP
  • Trent McDonald, MN NP 
  • Shauna Walsh, MN NP
  • Jennifer Sutton, MN NP
  • Jennifer Brown, MN NP
  • Shaina Jacob, MN NP
  • Sarah Marsden, MN, NP 

An educational grant to help support this program has been provided by: 

    • Abbott Canada
    • AbbVie
    • Bausch Health, Canada Inc.
    • Dexcom
    • GSK
    • Medtronic MiniMed
    • NL Health Services
    • Novo Nordisk
    • Parallel Health
    • Pfizer

Their support enables us to offer a high-quality conference experience, including in-person and virtual components, and contributes to the success of our networking events and educational sessions. During breaks, please visit the sponsorship booths on-site for more information on their services and contributions to healthcare innovation.

Registration Details
ENROLLMENT OPTIONS
  • In-Person NP Students (Tax Inc.)
    $75.00
  • All Virtual Participants (Via WebEx) (Tax inc.)
    $75.00
  • In-person NLNPA member (Tax inc.)
    $125.00
  • In-Person Non- NLNPA member (Tax inc.)
    $175.00
An OPED account is required to register for this program.