NCANS Annual Convention 2025

Join us in Wilmington, NC, for the NCANS 2025 Annual Convention and chart your course to a successful nursing career! Set along North Carolina’s scenic coast, this event brings together nursing students and professionals from across the state to dive into essential topics like new grad resilience, navigating burnout, and building confidence in clinical practice. Don’t miss this chance to connect, learn, and set sail toward a thriving future in nursing! The NCANS Annual Convention is a great way to network with fellow students, exhibitors, and potential future employers. This annual event is a great way to network and learn! It also will host an exhibit hall and offer uninterrupted time for networking! YOU are the Future!

Location: Hotel Ballast

301 N Water Street, Wilmington, NC 28401

Date: February 21 -23, 2025

Theme: Navigating the Shift from Classroom to Clinical Practice

Early bird pricing closes January 26th, 2025 at 11:59 PM!

Paper Registration Form

Cost

Early Bird Regular

NSNA member $120 $137

Non-NSNA member $168 $189

Faculty $126 $137

** Please note that these prices are for event registration and does not include hotel pricing **

Stay

Attendees have the option of staying at the Hilton Ballast. If they choose to do so, they should book their stay online at this link or call (1-800-HILTONS) and mention group code: NAU. Attendees may also choose to stay at alternative places in the nearby area. This is up to the individual to find. NCANS is not responsible for booking any locations to stay. Parking is not included with the hotel but there is parking available for a fee at the hotel and in the surrounding areas.

*Group hotel rates are available until room block is full or until 1/21/2025, whichever comes first.

Food

Light snacks at the night 1 networking event, day 2 breakfast and lunch, and day 3 breakfast will be included with your registration cost. Wilmington has many wonderful nearby restaurants for other meals!

*If you have allergies, please send us an email after you register!

Dress

Night one: Cruise wear—> Wear your favorite vacation outfit!

Day two: Business Professional -> classic pieces like tailored suits, dress shirts, and ties and conservative dresses, skirts, or pantsuits. Gender-neutral options often incorporate structured blazers and neutral-colored slacks or skirts that align with a formal business dress code

Day three: School spirit -> Represent your school by wearing their gear!

Meet Our Speakers

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Meet Our Speakers 〰️

Randy Hamm, DNP, RN, CCRN

Keynote Speaker
Dr. Randy Hamm is the Executive Director of Nursing and Practice at Barton College, bringing over 20 years of expertise in nursing and emergency care. A dedicated leader and educator, he has earned recognition for his scholarly contributions, clinical leadership, and commitment to mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals.
View a full bio of Dr. Hamm here
Sara Griffith, PhD, MSN, RN, NE-BC

Speaker
Dr. Sara Griffith serves as the Chief Nursing Officer for the North Carolina Board of Nursing, leveraging 24 years of experience as a registered nurse with expertise in cardiac surgery and cardiology. As a leader in nursing regulation, she oversees departments such as Investigations, Education, and Strategic Planning, while also editing The Bulletin and managing the Board’s social media to advance patient safety and professional education.
View a full bio of Dr. Griffith here
Dr. Lisa M. Foster, DNP, RN, NPD-BC

Speaker
Dr. Lisa Foster is a distinguished registered nurse with over 38 years of experience in nursing and more than 20 years dedicated to nursing education. A board-certified Nursing Professional Development Specialist (NPD-BC), she is passionate about lifelong learning, professional development, and fostering community involvement among nurses.
View a full bio of Dr. Foster here
Madison Lane, RN

New Grad Panel Member
Madison Lane, RN, began her nursing journey at Catawba Valley Community College, earning her ADN in 2024 and now pursuing her BSN at Appalachian State University, with graduation anticipated in July 2025. As the former President of CVCC's ANS chapter and current Vice President of NCANS, she is dedicated to fostering strong connections between NCANS and local chapters while making a meaningful impact in emergency medicine.