Celebrate rural nursing as Washington nurse leaders connect, share ideas, and shape the future of care in rural communities.
Hosted by Jefferson Healthcare in Port Townsend, the Rural Nursing Leadership Symposium brings rural nurse leaders together for two days of connection, shared learning, leadership development, and practical discussion about the future of rural healthcare.
This first annual symposium recognises rural nursing as a specialty that deserves visibility, investment, and professional pride. It creates space for nurse leaders across Washington to strengthen relationships, exchange strategies, and build a more unified voice for rural healthcare.
Event details
- Date: Thursday, June 25 – Friday, June 26, 2026
- Time: 5:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Venue: Northwest Maritime
- Location: Port Townsend, WA
- Hosted by: Carly Korpi-Cloninger
- Organiser: Jefferson Healthcare
- Tickets: Free
What this symposium is about
Rural nurses are often the backbone of healthcare in small communities, serving as leaders, problem-solvers, advocates, and trusted points of care. This symposium focuses on the unique realities of rural nursing leadership, including workforce pressures, limited resources, geographic barriers, quality improvement, innovation, and community impact.
Through speakers, shared experiences, networking, and practical conversation, attendees will explore how collaboration, leadership, and advocacy can help shape the future of rural healthcare across Washington.
What you’ll gain
Attendees can expect to leave with:
- Inspiration from leaders working to strengthen rural healthcare
- New ideas and strategies for rural nursing leadership
- Opportunities to connect with nurse leaders from other rural communities
- A stronger peer network with shared challenges and goals
- Renewed energy and purpose for rural nursing leadership
Who should attend
This symposium is designed for rural nurse leaders, nurse managers, directors, emerging nurse leaders, clinical leaders, and healthcare professionals who are passionate about strengthening care in rural communities.
It may be especially relevant for nursing professionals working in critical access hospitals, small health systems, community-based care settings, and rural healthcare leadership roles.
Topics and speakers
The programme will feature speakers with experience in rural healthcare leadership, policy, innovation, workforce development, finance, quality, and executive collaboration.
Topics include nursing leader excellence, finance for the rural nurse leader, the power of the CEO and CNO dyad, aspirational leadership in nursing quality, and workforce development.
Featured speakers include:
- Karma Bass, keynote speaker
- Hilary Whittington Kerber, keynote speaker
- Brandie Manuel
- Tina Toner
- Mike Glenn
Why this symposium matters
Rural healthcare leaders face complex pressures, including workforce shortages, limited resources, geographic barriers, and increasing demands on small health systems.
At the same time, rural healthcare offers extraordinary opportunities for innovation, collaboration, leadership, and community impact. This symposium is an opportunity to bring rural nurse leaders together around one shared commitment: strengthening rural health across Washington.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a hotel block for attendees?
Yes. A hotel block is reserved at Harborside Inn near downtown Port Townsend, about a 7-minute drive from the venue. To make a reservation, call 1-360-385-7909 and mention the group name “JHC Rural Nurses Leadership Symposium”.
Where should I park?
Street parking is available in downtown Port Townsend.
Will meals be provided?
Yes. A light breakfast, lunch, and refreshments will be provided during the symposium. Attendees should indicate dietary restrictions during registration.
Will continuing education credits be offered?
Continuing education approval is currently being finalised.
Who should attend this event?
The symposium is designed for nurse leaders in rural healthcare settings, including nurse managers, directors, clinical leaders, and emerging nurse leaders interested in strengthening rural healthcare leadership.
Are accessibility accommodations available?
The organiser aims to make the event accessible to all attendees. Contact [email protected] if you require accommodations.
Who can I contact with questions?
For additional questions, contact [email protected].
Will there be time for networking?
Yes. Dedicated networking time will be built into the symposium.
Important note
Event details can change. Please confirm registration availability, final venue details, continuing education status, accessibility accommodations, parking, hotel block availability, and schedule updates with the organiser before attending.
NurseZee lists selected third-party nursing and healthcare events for informational purposes. Event details, pricing, availability, venue rules, and organiser policies may change. Always confirm final details with the organiser before attending.
