1067 - Lighting the Pathway: Empowering Novice Perioperative Nurses to Lead with Purpose

Saturday, April 11, 2026

2:15 PM - 3:00 PM CST

Location: R02 - R05

CE: .75 Contact Hours

Primary Speaker(s)

Ray-an B. Talatala, DNP, RN, CNOR, NPD-BC, FNAP, FAORN (he/him/his)

Perioperative Nursing Professional Development Specialist
New York City Health and Hospitals/Bellevue
New York, New York, United States

Handouts

Co-Speaker(s)

Dave Calubaquib, DNP, RN, CNOR,CV-BC (he/him/his)

Perioperative Nurse Coordinator
Houston Methodist Hospital
Conroe, Texas, United States
Kerri L. Hensler, DNP, MPA, RN, CNOR, NEA-BC

Senior Director of Nursing Perioperative Services
NewYork Presbyterian Hospital
New York, New York, United States

Disclosure(s):

Ray-an B. Talatala, DNP, RN, CNOR, NPD-BC, FAORN: No financial relationships to disclose

Dave Calubaquib, DNP, MBA, RN, CNOR, CSSM, CV-BC: No financial relationships to disclose

Kerri L. Hensler, DNP, MPA, RN, CNOR, NEA-BC: No financial relationships to disclose

Overview/Abstract: Every great journey begins with a bold first step. For novice perioperative nurses, that initial step may feel overwhelming, yet it holds the potential to create a significant impact that shapes perioperative practice. This empowering experiential session will show that leadership doesn’t always require years of experience—only the courage to begin. Through real-life stories, practical tools, and motivational guidance, participants will learn how to speak up, build confidence, make a difference, and become influential voices in the OR. Common challenges such as self-doubt and communication barriers will be addressed and transformed into opportunities for growth. By "lighting the pathway," the goal is to shift the mindset of novice perioperative nurses from viewing themselves as "novices" to embracing their role as "emerging nurse leaders," ready to make a meaningful impact to strengthen the perioperative profession.