More than one thousand medical-surgical nurses have been having a Tex-traordinary time in Austin this week! After a themed Rodeo Reception to close out day one, #AMSN2025 attendees started day two recharged and ready to learn and network.
For today’s roundup, the AMSN Digital Content Committee and Podcast Subcommittee focused on the themes of innovation and inspiration. What new innovations will they take back to their practice? What inspired them most? Keep reading to find out.
‘It’s Not About Accolades, It’s About Impact’
After breakfast in the Exhibit Hall, the morning began with a certification highlight, an awards presentation, and an important panel discussion. MSNCB President Dr. Jessica Tully opened the morning’s session, highlighting the value of medical-surgical nursing certification (hint, you can learn more about CMSRN and CAVRN here) and introducing the room to the MSNCB Board of Directors.
AMSN President's Award.
After Dr. Tully’s address, Dr. Kristi Reguin-Hartman returned to the stage to present the morning’s awards. Congratulations to the distinguished awardees honored in the first general session:
- CMSRN of Distinction Award: Elizabeth Dickey, MSN, RN, CMSRN, CNL
- Clinical Leadership Award: Danielle Brooks, MSN, RN, CNL, CMSRN, ONC, PMGT-BC,
- President’s Award: Monica van der Zee, BSN, RN, CMSRN
- AMSN Founders Award of Distinguished Practice: Bernadette M. Melnyk, PhD, APRN-CNP, EBP-C, FAANP, FNAP, FAAN
- Read more takeaways from Dr. Melnyk's inspiring session below!
AMSN Founders Award.
Once the crowd cheered on the awardees, the panelists took the stage for the AMSN and AACN Partnership Panel: Stronger Together: Building Bridges Between Critical Care and Medical-Surgical Nurses. Moderated by Sara Grieshop, MHI, BSN, RN, MHI, panelists Julie Ann Poblete, RN, BSN, CMSRN; Blaine Jumper, CMSRN; Brady B., DNP, CRNP, CNS, RN, CCRN, TCRN; and Megan Brunson, PhD, RN, CCRN-CSC, CNL, FCCM, had a candid and moving conversation about strengthening collaboration, improving handoffs, and seeing each other nurse to nurse, human to human.
AMSN members, want to continue the conversation from this morning's panel? Contribute to the discussion in the Huddle!
AMSN and AACN Partnership Panel.
Where We Saw Innovation and Inspiration
Innovation and inspiration are everywhere at AMSN. Today, the Digital Content Committee and Podcast Subcommittee reflected on innovative practices and inspiring moments that they will take with them long after convention. Here’s what they had to say:
- Today, Digital Content Committee and Med-Surg Moments Podcast volunteers met for lunch, and it was incredible to be together. Our group traveled from Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Georgia, North Carolina, Texas, Montana, Illinois, Florida, and beyond. We all know each other from our work behind the screens, but it is great to celebrate in person. AMSN brings nurses together! —Dr. Mark Lee, DNP, MS, BSN, RN-BC
- Dr. Bernadette Melnyk gave a talk I will always remember. There were many takeaways. She shared 3Ds for success: “Dream Big,” “Discover,” and “Deliver.” That “Vitamin G” — or “gratitude” — is essential. And that we as care providers cannot pour from an empty cup. I left inspired. To do more, to take care of ourselves, and to take care of one another. She shared that change is hard, but it can be done. Dr. Melnyk said, “Inch by inch it is a cinch. Yard by yard it is hard.” What change are you making today? —Dr. Mark Lee, DNP, MS, BSN, RN-BC
- Thirty-four percent of nurse executives do not allot any budget for EBP. An increase in EBP budget was equated with decreased patient falls and decreased turnover. —Dr. Trish West, DNP, MSN, CMSRN, PCCN, CEN, NEA-BC, FAMSN
- One of the most inspiring people I met today: Morgan’s joyous personality, amazing attitude and work ethic, and authenticity make it so easy to feel inspired and want to contribute to the amazing work that AMSN does every day for our nurses and, ultimately, our patients! —Deltra Muoki, PhD, APRN, AGNP-C, CMSRN, CNE, NE-BC
- Palliative care is not a death sentence, and we need to make sure our patients and families understand that it is a resource to help maximize quality of life. We must change the narrative. —Deltra Muoki, PhD, APRN, AGNP-C, CMSRN, CNE, NE-BC
- We need to see differently when it comes to urinary and bowel patterns! Urinary incontinence and diarrhea are not normal and need to be addressed in the inpatient setting, whether that means testing for C. Diff within the first three calendar days or requesting a physician’s evaluation after an incontinence screening. —Hayley Sweetser
- We are inspired by the team at Wellstar Douglas 3N, who is celebrating their PRISM Award. “We did it first!”, they said when they chatted with the Digital Content Committee. —Dr. Mark Lee, DNP, MS, BSN, RN-BC
Team Wellstar Douglas 3N.
Live From Austin
ICYMI, we’ve been covering the events happening and incredible medical-surgical nurses attending #AMSN2025. Catch up on the latest Monitor articles here:
What’s Next?
We hope you had a day full of inspiration and unlocking innovative practices at #AMSN2025! Day 3 begins with the AMSN Morning Walking Club at 6:45 a.m., followed by breakfast and posters viewing in the Exhibit Hall, concurrent sessions, and the AMSN Town Hall to round out the day.
Want to contribute an inspiring takeaway, comment, or topic you learned about at #AMSN2025? 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.