Critical Care Symposium

Join the Dallas County Chapter of AACN for our Annual Critical Care Symposium on April 17–18, 2026, inspired by the National AACN theme, “On Purpose.” This year’s theme invites us to practice with intention, lead with purpose, and continue growing as critical care professionals who make a meaningful impact every day.

With both in-person and virtual attendance options available, this dynamic two-day symposium offers Continuing Education (CE) hours and features a powerful blend of clinical excellence and professional development. Every session is designed to help you reconnect with your “why,” sharpen your skills, and advance your practice on purpose.

Our Opening Keynote Speaker is Catherine Chen, MD, MSHI, a Medicine ICU intensivist at Parkland Health, whose expertise and passion for interdisciplinary critical care medicine will set the tone for an inspiring and educational symposium. Our Closing Speaker is Amy McCarthy, DNP, RNC-MNN, NE-BC, CENP, who currently serves as President of the Texas Nurses Association and as Chief Nursing Officer for Hippocratic AI, where she focuses on advancing generative AI solutions to improve access to healthcare and support the future of nursing practice.

Topics include, but are not limited to:
Airway management, ECMO, burns, palliative care, CRRT and acute kidney injury, trauma, neurocritical care, EKG interpretation, CRNA schooling and the role of the CRNA, entrepreneurship for nurses, flight nursing, and Ethics & Jurisprudence (fulfills the mandatory CE requirements for Texas nurses).

Schedule:
Friday, April 17: Doors open at 7:30 AM for registration and breakfast. Opening keynote begins at 8:30 AM.
Saturday, April 18: Doors open at 8:00 AM for registration and breakfast. First session begins at 9:00 AM.

Rooted in the theme On Purpose, this symposium is a call to be intentional in our growth, purposeful in our leadership, and inspired in our practice. Join us as we come together to learn, connect, and care with purpose.

Register today! Early bird pricing for members ends March 15.
Please note: Student registration does not include Continuing Education credits.