Healthcare and nursing education are rapidly evolving as innovations in artificial intelligence (AI), digital health, telehealth, and workforce technologies transform how care is delivered and how nurses are prepared. At the same time, workforce shortages, burnout, and increasing patient complexity demand new solutions and bold leadership. Yet many nurses lack accessible opportunities to explore these emerging innovations in ways that translate into meaningful action.
Igniting Change: Nursing Workforce Innovation Series is the Indiana Center for Nursing’s quarterly Lunch & Learn program designed to meet this need. This engaging and forward-focused series highlights cutting-edge workforce innovations, provides practical strategies nurses can apply in practice and academia, and offers nursing professional development credit. With live and on-demand access, the series makes it easy for nurses across Indiana to participate. Join us to gain fresh insights, strengthen leadership capacity, and help shape the future of nursing in our state.
All sessions are free, but registration is required.
Session #3: Centering Nursing in the AI Era and in Clinical Decision Support
Artificial intelligence is already woven into healthcare environments, shaping documentation workflows, clinical communication, triage processes, and decision support systems. This session examines the current state of AI integration in patient care through three guiding questions: Where is AI currently being used in healthcare? In which context is it demonstrating measurable benefit, and in which does it warrant heightened oversight? How can nursing professionals preserve and assert clinical reasoning and patient-centered advocacy within AI-augmented care environments? Grounded in real-world examples and organized around the National Academy of Medicine’s AI Code of Conduct, participants will analyze how AI intersects with nursing’s scope, values, and professional obligations, and explore concrete strategies to support safe, effective, and equitable implementation.
Details
- August 5th, 2026
- 12-1:30 pm
- Virtual via Zoom with on-demand access 2 weeks after presentation
Speaker
Dr. Delaney W. La Rosa, EdD, MSN Ed, RN
Florida State University College of Nursing
Dr. Delaney La Rosa, EdD, MSN Ed, RN, is a Teaching Professor and Track Coordinator of the MSN AI in Healthcare program at Florida State University’s College of Nursing, an entrepreneur, the founder of the AI Nurse Nexus, and the Director at Large of the American Board of Nursing AI (ABNAI). As a speaker and consultant, they drive practical AI solutions that advance equitable healthcare. They support FSU’s Nursing and Artificial Intelligence Innovation Consortium (NAIIC) and lead an ongoing Health Equity Influencers Program (HEIP) on responsible AI implementation. With cross-industry experience, they have spent over a decade developing and testing AI solutions. A former Steinbronn Endowed Professor in Artificial Intelligence, their scholarship spans AI-supported research, inclusive pedagogy, and curricular evaluation. They are the lead editor of the recently published book Nursing Education in the AI Era: Practical Guidance for Educators to Advance Equitable Care. As a Native American, they believe ethical technology design and utilization can sustain both culture and care.
Session #2: Virtual Reality Simulation in Nursing: Applications Across Academia and Clinical Practice
Virtual reality (VR) simulation is emerging as a powerful modality for nursing education and clinical competency development, offering immersive, repeatable, and cost-effective learning experiences. This one-hour webinar examines the current evidence supporting VR simulation across prelicensure, graduate, and hospital-based practice settings. Attendees will explore key research findings on knowledge acquisition, clinical judgment, patient safety, and cost-effectiveness, while critically evaluating where the evidence remains limited. The presentation addresses Indiana-specific regulatory considerations for simulation-based clinical learning under IC 25-23-1-20.2. Central to the discussion is the essential role of the Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice® by INACSL in ensuring that VR implementation is grounded in sound pedagogy rather than technology alone. A practical five-step integration framework will provide actionable guidance for educators and clinical leaders considering VR adoption. Whether you are exploring VR for the first time or refining an existing program, this session offers an evidence-informed, standards-driven approach to thoughtful implementation.
Details
- May 20, 2026
- 12-1pm
- Virtual via Zoom with on-demand access 2 weeks after presentation
Speaker
Elizabeth (Liz) Robison
Robison Consulting, LLC
Dr. Elizabeth (Liz) Robison is a nationally recognized nurse educator, simulation expert, and leader in integrating emerging technologies into nursing education. With more than 40 years of experience across clinical practice, higher education, healthcare simulation, and military service, she brings extensive expertise in simulation design, curriculum development, instructional technology, and faculty development. A retired full professor of nursing and former Simulation Center Coordinator, she now serves as an independent consultant supporting academic and healthcare organizations nationally and internationally. Dr. Robison is a sought-after speaker known for translating innovations such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality simulation into practical applications across academia and clinical practice. A Fellow in the Academy of Associate Degree Nursing and recipient of the 2025 OADN Bobbie Anderson Leadership Award, she remains an active leader, scholar, and mentor dedicated to advancing the future of nursing education.
Session #1: Artificial Intelligence in Nursing: Foundations, Optimization, and Ethical Practice
This interactive session explores foundational concepts of artificial intelligence (AI) in nursing, practical strategies to optimize AI use, and guidance for implementing AI-related initiatives in clinical, academic, and leadership settings. Emphasis is placed on protecting clinical judgment, promoting patient safety, and advancing health equity while responsibly integrating emerging technologies.
Details
- April 1, 2026
- 12-1:30pm
- Virtual via Zoom with on-demand access 2 weeks after presentation
Speaker
Dr. Delaney W. La Rosa, EdD, MSN Ed, RN
AI Program Track Coordinator
Florida State University College of Nursing
Dr. Delaney La Rosa, EdD, MSN Ed, RN, is a Teaching Professor and Track Coordinator of the MSN AI in Healthcare program at Florida State University’s College of Nursing, an entrepreneur, the founder of the AI Nurse Nexus, and the Director at Large of the American Board of Nursing AI (ABNAI). As a speaker and consultant, they drive practical AI solutions that advance equitable healthcare. They support FSU’s Nursing and Artificial Intelligence Innovation Consortium (NAIIC) and lead an ongoing Health Equity Influencers Program (HEIP) on responsible AI implementation. With cross-industry experience, they have spent over a decade developing and testing AI solutions. A former Steinbronn Endowed Professor in Artificial Intelligence, their scholarship spans AI-supported research, inclusive pedagogy, and curricular evaluation. They are the lead editor of the recently published book Nursing Education in the AI Era: Practical Guidance for Educators to Advance Equitable Care. As a Native American, they believe ethical technology design and utilization can sustain both culture and care.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the Indiana Organization of Nursing Leaders (IONL) for their generous educational grant, which makes this series possible. Their commitment to advancing nursing leadership and professional development across Indiana reflects a shared dedication to strengthening the nursing workforce. We deeply appreciate IONL’s partnership and continued leadership in supporting the future of nursing in our state.