2026 VNA Virtual Student Outreach Night

From Prelicensure Student to RN: Step Into Your Future With Confidence

Welcome to VNA’s virtual Student Outreach Night, designed to guide you from prelicensure nursing student to registered nurse.

This FREE statewide event connects you with nurse leaders and professionals who will share real-world insights, practical strategies, and encouragement as you prepare to launch your nursing career.

Whether you're months from graduation or just beginning to think ahead, this night is designed to help you start strong.

Registration is now open until Wednesday, April 15 at 11:45 pm.
Group and individual registration options are available.

Event Agenda & Speakers

Welcome, what is VNA?
Overview of VNA and available resources.
Pat Lane, VNA Director-at-Large, Chapter Representative and Northern VA Chapter President

Build Your Brand: Who You Want to Be and Be Known as a Nurse
Learn how to define your professional identity and build your reputation from day one.
Julianne Fisher, Clinical Support Coordinator at Parham Doctors' Hospital and Nurse Residency Council, Chair
Jules began her healthcare career as a Certified Nursing Assistant and advanced through roles as an LPN and ICU Registered Nurse, gaining diverse clinical experience across multiple settings, including travel nursing. She currently serves as a Clinical Support Coordinator at Parham Doctors’ Hospital, where she supports clinical operations and collaborates with leadership on policies, procedures, and nurse-retention initiatives. Jules is also Chair of the Nurse Residency Council, mentoring new graduate nurses as they transition into practice, and serves as Membership Chair for the Virginia Nurses Association Central Virginia Chapter. In addition to her clinical work, she is a certified yoga instructor who is passionate about promoting balance and well-being among healthcare professionals. In her free time, she loves to travel with her husband and try new foods, as a self-proclaimed foodie. 

Integrating Into Your New Environment: Thriving as a New Nurse
Tips on navigating your first nursing role, building team trust, and gaining confidence in your new environment.
Elizabeth May, Administrative Director of Nursing Quality and Professional Practice with Augusta Health
Elizabeth N. May, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, NPD-BC, CNE, CRNI is a nurse leader, educator, and passionate advocate for the next generation of nurses, bringing more than 20 years of experience across bedside practice, education, and executive leadership. As the Administrative Director of Nursing Quality and Professional Practice at Augusta Health, she leads initiatives focused on nursing excellence, transition to practice, professional development, and quality improvement, with a deep commitment to empowering nurses to grow confidently from novice to expert. Dr. May is driven by a passion for nursing education, leadership development, and inspiring future nurses through innovation, advocacy, and professional excellence, and was recently honored with the Virginia Nursing Foundation Leadership Excellence Nurse Executive Award.

Nursing Perspectives
Short insights from practicing nurses sharing real-world advice for new graduates.

Erin Van Gessel, VNA Director-at-Large, Recent Graduate
Erin currently works as a Nurse Navigator at UVA Health, helping triage patients and answering clinical questions or concerns. Prior to that, she worked as a nurse in UVA’s Emergency Department after graduating from Duke University’s accelerated BSN program, where she was a Margolis Scholar of health policy and MPACT Scholar of community health. Before becoming a nurse, Erin worked in consulting with a specialty in lobbying and public affairs. She’s particularly passionate about lowering costs and improving interdisciplinary collaboration in our healthcare system, as well as recruiting more new nurses to the field.

Keirsten Caldwell, NICU Travel Nurse and Owner of Nurse Fashion Travel
Speaker Bio Coming!

Chapter Breakout Sessions
Connect with your local VNA chapter leadership, ask questions, and learn about resources in your area.