Get Inspired at Inspire 2026!
Join us for the annual Inspire Nursing Symposium! Our expert keynote speaker and highly experienced session speakers drive Inspire 2026 with a focus on putting the care back in health care:
- Addison Pfannenstiel,RN, and Nathanael Hawkinson, AAS, EMT-P | Critical Incident Stress Management
- Melissa Gillespie, RN, with Madeline Gatz, BSN | Navigating Practice Concerns for Nurses | Burnout Recovery
- Plus some special surprise guests – shhh, it’s a secret!
Event Details
May 08 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Who's Invited?
The Inspire 2026 Nursing Symposium is open to all RNs and LPNs looking to further their careers, win prizes, and earn valuable CEUs as they learn about the latest techniques in compassionate care.
If this sounds like you, Inspire 2026 was made for you!
Registration closes on May 1, but seats may fill up before then. Don’t wait to register or you may miss out!
Inspire 2026 Schedule - May 8th
7:30 | Check-in and Free Breakfast Buffet
Check-in is at 7:30, where you’ll have access to a free continental breakfast to help start your morning off with a bang! Don’t forget to bring your Nursing License or License Number if you don’t provide it when you register online.
8:00 | Session 1 – Critical Incident Stress Management
Keynote Speakers: Addison Pfannenstiel and Nathanael Hawkinson
This session provides practical tools for real-time stress management and effective de-escalation.
Learning Objectives
- Review of basic principles of Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)
- Communicating with peers who may be experiencing crisis for stress management in real time
- Using active listening and communication skills for de-escalating peers
9:45 | Break and Raffle Drawings
10:00 | Session 2 – Navigating Practice Concerns for Nurses
- Navigating practice concerns for nurses
- Observations vs. evaluations in mitigating conflict
- Using a compassionate and curious approach to guiding professional practice
11:00 | Session 3 – Burnout Recovery
Speakers: Melissa Gillespie with Madeline Gatz
Learning Objectives
- Burnout recovery
- Rewiring nervous systems
- Speaking kindly to yourself
Meet the Inspire 2026 Nursing Symposium Speakers
Keynote Speaker: Addison Pfannenstiel, RN
Clinical Educator
Addison Pfannenstiel, BSN, RN, NRP, EMT-P began his healthcare career in 2014 as an Emergency Medical Technician in the Emergency Department at Via Christi St. Joseph. In 2017, he earned both state and national paramedic certifications and joined Reno County EMS, where he contributed to the development of an EMS peer support team alongside colleague Nathanael Hawkinson.
Addison obtained his nursing license and transitioned into the Emergency Department, where he has served in roles including charge nurse and currently serves as the Clinical Educator supporting both the Emergency Department and Behavioral Health Unit.
Recognizing a critical need for structured peer support within healthcare, Addison is CISM certified with extensive training in crisis intervention and mental health support including Adult Mental Health First Aid, Advanced Assisting Individuals in Crisis, and Group Crisis Intervention.
Addison remains deeply committed to strengthening peer-to-peer support systems following critical incidents. He has been instrumental in establishing a peer support committee within his organization, focused on developing and implementing sustainable, effective support resources for healthcare professionals.
Keynote Speaker: Nathanael Hawkinson, AAS, EMT-P
Mental Health Advocate
Nathanael Hawkinson, AAS, EMT-P, has worked in healthcare since 2011, with extensive experience in emergency medical services. He served with Reno County EMS from 2014 to 2022, where he contributed as a student preceptor and Protocol Committee member. He collaborated in developing a peer support team, authored articles on peer support for the KEMSA Chronicle and has served as Staff Director of Kansas Bible Camp.
Nathanael holds certifications in Mental Health First Aid, Assisting Individuals in Crisis, and Group Crisis Intervention. He is actively involved in efforts to implement a system-wide peer support program within his organization. He is passionate about mental health in healthcare and is committed to fostering connection, resilience, and shared humanity among those in the profession.
Melissa Gillespie, RN
Director of Emergency and Forensic Departments, Hutchinson Regional Medical Center
Melissa Gillespie, RN, began her nursing career in 2015, bringing a steadfast commitment to patient care, education, and advocacy. She currently serves as the Director of both the Emergency and Forensic Departments, overseeing operations with a focus on nursing development, safety, and compassionate care.
Throughout her career, Melissa has held diverse leadership roles, including Risk Coordinator, Emergency Department Educator, and Behavioral Health Educator. These experiences have honed her expertise in fostering effective communication and promoting nursing autonomy.
A passionate advocate, Melissa emphasizes curiosity, critical thinking, and open communication as essential tools for both clinical practice and leadership. She firmly believes that self-care is foundational to the ability to care for others, inspiring those around her to prioritize both personal well-being and professional excellence.
Melissa’s leadership is defined by a balance of empathy, strategy, and advocacy – ensuring that patients, families, and staff alike receive the guidance, support, and respect they deserve.
Madeline Gatz, BSN, RN
Forensic Nurse Coordinator, Hutchinson Regional Medical Center
Madeline Gatz, BSN, RN, currently serves as the Hutchinson Regional Medical Center Forensic Nurse Coordinator, supporting patients, families, and healthcare teams through complex and sensitive situations with a trauma-informed lens. Her work is highly focused on advocacy, safety, and helping restore dignity.
Throughout her 8 years of nursing, Madeline has held several leadership roles where she has supposed high-acuity environments, team cohesion, and patient-centered decision-making. Known for approaching challenges with curiosity, compassion, and clarity, she creates space for growth, connection, and meaningful change.
Madeline is passionate about supporting resilience, self-awareness, and sustainable ways of caring for both patients and ourselves.
Join Us at the Inspire 2026 Nursing Symposium!
Ready to get 4 free CEUs, complimentary breakfast, hear important nursing topics and take your nursing career to the next level? Join us the morning of May 8th!
Registration is open now!
Registration closes on May 1 but seats may be gone sooner, so don’t miss out and register today. We hope to see you there!
Note: You must attend all sessions to earn CEUs for this event. NMC Health is approved as a provider of CNE by the Kansas State Board of Nursing. This course offering is approved for 4.0 contact hours applicable for APRN, RN, or LPN re-licensure. Kansas State Board of Nursing provider number: #LT0209-0916.
