Schedule

8:00–8:45 a.m.

Registration, Check-in, and Conference Opening

9:00–10:00 a.m.

What You Need to Know — NATCEP Update

Speaker: Rebecca Conway, State Coordinator, Nurse Aide Training Program, PA Department of Education

Join this session to hear state and federal updates about nurse aide programs in PA and how these changes will affect your teaching and nursing practice.

10:00–10:15 a.m.

Break

10:15–11:45 a.m.

Credentia: Testing Processes Review and Update (Session 1)

Speaker: Brenda Scafiro, Client Relationship Director, Credentia

Learn how to navigate the Credentia Platform to successfully plan and coordinate nurse aide testing processes from start to finish! Information to be covered includes utilizing reports, approving students, and much more!

11:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Exhibitor Presentation, Department of Human Services

Visit the Department of Human Services table to learn more about how nurse aide candidates can seek reimbursement and requirements for the reimbursement process. Please note: Lunch room will not open until noon. Please utilize this transition time to visit exhibits.

Noon–1:00 p.m.

Networking Lunch

1:00–2:15 p.m.

Credentia: Testing Tips and Techniques for Success (Session 2)

Speaker: Brenda Scafiro, Client Relationship Director, Credentia

During this session, Credentia will be discussing the skill portion of the nurse aide exam. Statistics will be provided about the most frequently missed skills and how to help your students succeed during the Nurse Aide Assessment Test.

2:15–2:20 p.m.

Break

2:20–3:20 p.m.

Breakout Session 

Please select one session to attend.

Bridging the Language Gap: Effective Instruction for ESL

Speaker: Caitlyn Mitchell

Want to learn how to become a more effective teacher for your students who are English as second language (ESL) students?

Participants who come to this session will: 

• identify the unique challenges faced by ESL learners in the nurse aide training program (e.g., medical terminology, cultural differences in patient care)
• develop strategies to differentiate instruction for students with varying levels of English proficiency
• utilize effective classroom techniques to promote active learning and communication skills for ESL students
• identify and incorporate appropriate learning materials (e.g., visuals, audio recordings, simplified text) to support diverse learning styles
• adapt assessment methods to accurately measure student understanding while considering language barriers

or

Department of Human Services: Overview of OLTL responsibilities and waiver requests process

Speaker: Megan Brandt, Section Chief, Division of Provider Operations

3:30–5:00 p.m.

Empowered Wellness: Simple Daily Adjustments for Lifelong Health Without Sacrificing Joy

Speaker: TBA

Learn about simple daily adjustments you can make to your daily routine and lifestyle to create a healthy mindset and manage stress.

5:30–7:30 p.m.

Networking Reception and Participant Workshops

Join us for an evening of fun and networking!

7:00–8:00 a.m

Continental Breakfast (hotel guests only)

8:00–9:00 a.m

Breakout Session 1a

Smart Training: Using AI to Create Time-Saving Resources for Nurse Aide Instructors

Speaker: Victoria Huber, Health Sciences Instructor, Central Westmoreland CTC

Discover cutting-edge tools and techniques to streamline your teaching process and maximize your efficiency. Victoria Huber will guide you through the transformative power of AI in creating resources that save time and enhance student learning.

or

Building Better Connections: Teaching Empathy for Improved Patient Care

Speaker: Meri Beth Elder, Health Sciences Instructor, Central Westmoreland CTC

Empathy is the cornerstone of exceptional patient care. Join Meri Beth Elder as she shares strategies for teaching empathy, helping your students connect more deeply with patients, and improving their overall care approach.

9:00–9:05 a.m.

Session Group Room Swap

Switch rooms to attend the opposite topic during breakout session 1b.

9:05–10:15 a.m

Breakout Session 1b

Repeat of 1a sessions to allow everyone to attend both topics.

10:15–10:30 a.m

Break

10:30–11:30 a.m.

Breakout Session 2a

Lego Serious Play

Speaker: Deborah Allen, Executive Director, Penn Cares

Experience a dynamic and engaging method to enhance creativity and problem-solving in your teaching practices. Lego Serious Play offers a hands-on approach to exploring complex ideas and fostering collaborative learning and sharing.

or

The Power of the Mind: Meditation and Stress Response

Speaker: Dr. Swapan Mookerjee, Teaching and Research Faculty, Department of Kinesiology, Penn State

Unwind and recharge with a session dedicated to mindfulness. Learn how meditation can effectively manage stress and boost your mental resilience, helping you maintain balance and focus in your demanding role.

11:30–11:35 a.m.

Session Group Room Swap

Switch rooms to attend the opposite topic during breakout session 2b.

11:35 a.m.–12:35 p.m.

Breakout Session 2b

Repeat of 2a sessions to allow everyone to attend both topics.

12:40–1:40 p.m.

Lunch