APHON Spring Education Exchange
May 13 – 14, 2026
Mark your calendars for May 13 – 14, 2026 as APHON brings you two days of fresh insights, expert-led education, and practical takeaways designed for pediatric hematology/oncology nurses. This virtual learning experience is the perfect opportunity to expand your knowledge and stay current on emerging trends in the field.
Registration Rates
Member: $199 | Non‑Member: $280
Why Attend?
- Flexible, Virtual Format – No travel required! Engage in high-quality education from anywhere.
- Earn Essential Education Hours – Scan the QR code to view eligible ILNA categories for each session. ONCC assigned categories will be posted as soon as available. Nurses may use their best judgment when claiming ILNA categories for certification.
- Learn from Leading Experts – Gain practical knowledge from top professionals in the field.
- Interactive Exchange Sessions – Engage in discussions with peers and thought leaders to exchange ideas and best practices.
- On-Demand Replay – Sessions offering NCPD credits will be accessible roughly one week post-event and available for review up to 30 days.
Thank You to Our SEE Partner!
SEE the Program Details
May 13 – 14, 2025
12:00 -12:15 PM EST
Welcome & Speed Networking
Kick off your APHON SEE experience with an engaging welcome session designed to help you connect with fellow attendees right from the start! This interactive icebreaker and speed networking activity will set the stage for meaningful conversations, collaboration, and a fun start to the event. Don’t miss this chance to meet peers, exchange ideas, and build your professional network in a relaxed and energizing environment.
12:15 – 12:45 PM EST
The Pathophysiology of and Nursing Implications for Anaphylaxis in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Patients and Nursing Implications for Anaphylaxis in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Patients
Rebekah Maloney, MSN APRN PCNS-BS BMT-CN
Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening complication of treatment for cancer and other disorders. Presentation and manifestations can vary by systems involved and severity. We will discuss the pathophysiology of anaphylaxis and emergency management of this often rapidly progressing complication. We will address the differences and similarities between infusion reactions, cytokine release syndrome, and anaphylaxis, and how to recognize these reactions. We will explore titer monitoring and desensitization protocols for asparaginase and further nursing implications for administering high risk medications.
12:45 – 1:45 PM EST
Recognizing and Responding to Challenges Related to Dinutuximab Administration in the Pediatric Patient with Neuroblastoma
Kristen Dalton MSN RN CPNP-AC CPHON
Jennifer Saggio MSN, CRNP
This session explores key challenges related to GD‑2–directed monoclonal antibody dinutuximab administration in pediatric patients with neuroblastoma, including neurotoxicity, anaphylaxis, and length of hospital stay. Presenters will share findings from a 5‑year retrospective analysis highlighting early-onset neurotoxicity, associated risk factors, and nursing interventions to support safe administration. The session will also review the implementation of an outpatient dinutuximab initiation pathway designed to reduce inpatient burden and improve patient and family satisfaction. Finally, speakers will discuss a nurse-driven desensitization protocol that has successfully allowed patients with prior severe allergic reactions to continue therapy safely.
1:45 – 2:00 PM EST – 15 Minute Break
2:00 – 3:00 PM EST
Blurring of the Lines: Maintaining Professional Boundaries in Pediatric Nursing
Beth Fisher, DNP APRN CPNP-AC/PC CPON CHPPN
Nursing is built on trust and meaningful therapeutic relationships, yet maintaining professional boundaries is essential to protect both patients and nurses. This session explores how boundary crossings can occur, often unintentionally, and the impact they may have on nurse well-being and burnout. Participants will review professional boundary principles and practical strategies to support healthy, compassionate relationships through education, role modeling, and accountability.
3:00 – 3:30 PM EST
Healing through the Screen: Virtual Nursing in Pediatric Hematology Oncology
Brittany Hall, BSN RN CPHON
Nursing is built on trust and meaningful therapeutic relationships, yet maintaining professional boundaries is essential to protect both patients and nurses. This session explores how boundary crossings can occur, often unintentionally, and the impact they may have on nurse well-being and burnout. Participants will review professional boundary principles and practical strategies to support healthy, compassionate relationships through education, role modeling, and accountability.
3:30 – 4:00 PM EST
Leadership Strategies to Build Trust and Staff Satisfaction
Lauren Evans, MSN, RN, CPN, CPHON, TCTCN
Night shift teams face unique challenges related to communication, engagement, and retention. This session highlights leadership strategies used to rebuild trust and improve morale among pediatric hematology/oncology night‑shift staff, including stay interviews, structured communication, and increased leadership visibility. While developed for night shift, these evidence‑based approaches can be adapted to strengthen culture, collaboration, and retention across any clinical team.
4:00 – 4:45 PM EST
Facilitated Exchange and Fun
4:45 – 4:55 PM EST
ONCC Remarks
4:55 – 5:00 PM EST
Closing Remarks
12:00 – 12:05 PM EST
Welcome to Day Two!
12:05 – 12:35 PM EST
Navigating Pain with Color: A Sickle Cell Pain Care Plan
Isabella De Francisco, RN BSN CPHON
Courtney Trace, MSN, RN, CPHON
Pain in sickle cell disease is often unpredictable, and families previously reported inconsistent guidance and uncertainty about when to escalate care. This project introduced a standardized, visual, color‑coded pain care plan—co‑designed with patients, families, nurses, and hematologists—to support safe, confident pain management. Implemented prior to discharge and personalized with a Patient and Family Navigator, the four‑zone plan guides prevention through severe pain and clearly outlines when emergency care is needed. Early outcomes show improved consistency, increased confidence, and more informed decision‑making, with potential reductions in ED utilization.
12:35 – 1:05 PM EST
COG KidsCare App Improves Caregeivers’ Perceived Education and Support During their Child’s Cancer Journey
Katrina MacDonald RN BScN CPHON
We will share the experience of beginning our journey in nurse-led, interdisciplinary clinical research. We are both novice researchers- we learned as we went, with mentorship and guidance from a medical colleague. We’ll describe the conduct of our research study and what the outcomes of the study were. As well, we’ll share our experience with rolling out the COG KidsCare App at the IWK Health Centre, and how we continue to use the App to support our patients and families.
1:05 – 2:05 PM EST
You Already Do Advocacy: The Professional Responsibility of Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurses
Joan O’Hanlon Curry, DNP, RN, CPNP-PC, CPON, NEA-BC, FAPHON, FAAN
Emily Padgett, BSN RN CPN CPHON
Advocacy is a core responsibility of nursing and extends far beyond legislation or policy. Pediatric hematology/oncology nurses are uniquely positioned to advocate for patients and families navigating vulnerability, complex decisions, and inequities in care. This session reframes advocacy as an essential part of everyday practice and explores how it shows up across the bedside, healthcare systems, community, and policy arenas. Through real‑world examples and an overview of APHON’s advocacy priorities, participants will gain practical strategies to recognize their influence and take actionable steps to advocate for patients, families, and the nursing profession at any career stage.
2:05 – 2:20 PM EST – 15 Minute Break
2:20 – 3:20 PM EST
Bones of Contention: Comparative Analysis of Osteosarcoma and Ewing’s Sarcoma
Meghan Harris MSN, APRN-NP, CPNP-AC
Yael Derman MSN, APRN, CPNP-AC, CPHON
Osteosarcoma and Ewing’s sarcoma are the two most common primary malignant bone tumors in children and young adults, yet they exhibit distinct clinical, radiographic, histologic, and genetic characteristics. This lecture will provide a comparative analysis of these tumors, beginning with their typical age of onset, staging at presentation, and key diagnostic features. We will explore imaging modalities and histo-pathologic findings that aid in differentiation, along with a review of their genetic profiles, including implications for hereditary cancer syndromes such as Li-Fraumeni. Treatment strategies will be discussed, covering multimodal approaches such as chemotherapy, surgical resection, and radiation therapy. Lastly, we will examine patient outcomes, highlighting morbidity, mortality, and advancements in therapeutic protocols.
3:20 – 3:50 PM EST
Nurse Leaders and Shared Governance Partner to Reduce Burnout
Margie Kjellin RN MSN CPHON NE-BC
Nurse burnout is a significant challenge in pediatric hematology/oncology, where emotional intensity and clinical complexity are high. At St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, clinical nurses and nurse leaders partnered through Shared Governance to assess burnout, identify stressors, and implement nurse‑driven interventions. Using a brief annual burnout survey, the team guided targeted strategies focused on education, mentorship, staffing flexibility, recognition, and professional support. From 2023 to 2024, nurses reporting moderate to severe burnout decreased from 56.4% to 42.7%, with notable improvements across departments. This project highlights the impact of data‑driven, collaborative approaches in strengthening nurse well‑being and sustaining a healthy workforce.
3:50 – 3:55 PM EST
Thank You & Closing Remarks
SEE Schedule – Downloadable PDF
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APHON SEE Cancellation Policy
Please note that refunds will not be issued for cancellations of APHON SEE registration. However, we are happy to transfer your SEE registration to another individual if you are unable to attend. Registration fees for APHON SEE cannot be transferred or applied to the APHON Annual Conference or any other APHON events. If you need to transfer your registration, please contact us at education@aphon.org for assistance.