Outcomes in Action

Community, Celebration, and ‘Good Vibrations’ Kick Off #AMSN2026

Welcome to sunny Palm Springs, California, and the 2026 AMSN Convention! The medical-surgical nursing community gathered for its first full day in the desert on Thursday, Sept. 24, kicking off with convention orientation, the CMSRN Certificant Milestone Celebration, opening remarks, the keynote session, and the Party Like It’s 1991 Opening Reception. From professional milestones to new and rekindled connections, attendees shined as bright as the California sunshine. Read on for a glimpse of today’s highlights, memorable moments, and the community energy that launched convention.

A Defining Moment in Nursing

AMSN’s 35th birthday kicked off with applause, pom-poms, and true celebration. AMSN President Dr. Kristi Reguin-Hartman brought the “Good Vibrations” to the stage for her opening address, where she highlighted AMSN’s work and accomplishments over the past year, recognized volunteers who lead AMSN activities, and recognized awardees. Congratulations to the PRISM Award recipients and Kathleen Singleton Organization Award recipient. Dr. Reguin-Hartman also invited MSNCB President Courtney Lykins to the stage to shout out CMSRN® and CAVRN® certificants.

After the opening remarks, opening keynote speaker Renee Thompson, DNP, RN, FAONL, FAAN, CSP, took the stage for her presentation, “Empowered, Caring, and Engaged: A Roadmap for Today’s Nursing Workforce.” Dr. Thompson led with a thought-provoking question that instantly engaged the audience: “I want you to think about the most important person in your life.” This question framed the session’s focus on addressing workplace conflict by treating others as if they are the people you care about most. Plus, Dr. Thompson reminded us what we can learn about kindness from the best creatures on the planet … dogs!

So, what’s going on? Dr. Thompson shared that the No. 1 cause of burnout is toxic workplace behaviors, 58% of nurses consider their work environment unhealthy, and a culture of caring can lead to a more positive and supportive workspace for nurses. Now, we are at a defining moment in nursing, where we can keep reacting, or we can rebuild our culture intentionally. There is a positive correlation between confidence and competence. How will you navigate workplace conflict in a caring, engaged way?  

Belonging, Connection, and Key Day 1 Takeaways

The first day of convention is the ultimate opportunity to make connections and solidify AMSN as the place you belong. Our on-the-ground convention reporters, the AMSN Digital Content Committee and Podcast Subcommittee, focused on the themes of belonging and connection while highlighting their key a-ha moments.

  • For Caroline Ashman, the most meaningful experience so far was hearing from Dr. Renee Thompson. “We are at a crossroads,” Dr. Thompson said. “Keep reacting, or be intentional? Which path will you choose?” —Caroline Ashman, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, CMSRN, FAMSN
  • I am so thrilled to see all the FIRST TIMERS! Almost every person I met through bingo was new to practice or a convention first timer. I love the energy and excitement! —Wendy Woodall, MSN, MSS, CMSRN, CNE, FAMSN
  • “AMSN is grounded in a sense of belonging and connection,” Alyssa Ball, nurse educator at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, said when interviewed by Ergie Inocian, EdD, MSN, RN, CMRSN, CNOR. “When medical-surgical nurses feel recognized, supported, and connected through our common purpose, we are better equipped to contribute to solutions and advance meaningful change. Dr. Renee’s opening keynote thoughtfully celebrated the essential work of med-surg nurses, acknowledging both the complexities we face and the impact we have every day. Her message affirmed the value of our compassion, advocacy, clinical expertise, sound judgment, and resilience. Through AMSN, nurses gain more than a professional network — we gain encouragement, shared purpose, and the confidence to lead. Together, medical-surgical nurses have the power and perseverance to help build and sustain healthy work environments.”

  • During convention orientation and networking, Samantha Bayne, MSN, RN, CMSRN, NPD-BC, was recognized for the AMSN celebrity she is. “I met someone who recognized my voice from the podcast, and she was so sweet!” Bayne continued that it was so lovely to meet everyone in person, and that fellow former podcasters Caroline and Laura were her AMSN Fellow and chapter member, respectively, for bingo! 
  • Maritess Quinto, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, CMSRN, FAMSN, FINE, FCN, FAMSN, interviewed Nneka Ugwu, who shared that she attends convention to learn new innovations in med-surg to take back to her practice. The opening keynote reminded her of the importance of respecting others and telling her colleagues how much she loves what they are doing.
  • Maritess also spoke with Jerone Laciste who is attending convention for the first time. Jerone expressed his excitement about being part of convention, how much he is learning, and how it’s important to take care of your fellow nurses and colleagues in addition to your patients.
  • Wendy spoke with Karen Jill Velardo Tatoy, a first-time attendee who is feeling the power of community. She said, “Being a nurse for a long time, I think there’s a sense of community meeting people from different areas, different languages, and different culture.”
  • Wendy also caught up with new AMSN Fellow Wes Foster, MSN, BA, RN, CMSRN, OCN Emeritus, FAMSN, who spoke to the value of community and why he loves AMSN conventions. “I love the conferences because you do get a great sense of community. I love interacting with different folks I’ve never met before, sitting with me at lunch, and throughout the convention … and get to know their story and why they are in med-surg specifically,” Wes said. “Another thing that I love is talking with the first-time attendees, because they really need to build that connection and community so they keep coming back to conference as the knowledge base for our future.

Party Like It’s 1991

It’s not an AMSN birthday celebration without going back to our ‘90s roots. This evening, attendees took to the Exhibit Hall to mingle with exhibitors, make new friends, grab a beverage and snacks at the mac and cheese bar, and participate in a ‘90s outfit contest. What a way to kick off the fun!

What’s Next?

We hope you felt the community and connection here today at #AMSN2026! Friday begins with the AMSN Gives Back activity in the exhibit hall, followed by the President’s Award presentation and remarks, Founders Award general session, concurrent sessions, and more.

Want to contribute an inspiring takeaway, comment, or topic you learned about at #AMSN2026? Contact AMSN Content Manager Morgan Manghera at mmanghera@amsn.org, or drop by the AMSN Booth in the Exhibit Hall, for your chance to be featured on the Monitor.

Acknowledgements

Thank you to AMSN Digital Content Committee and Podcast Subcommittee for contributing to convention content coverage as reporters.

Tags: AMSN2026