NP Transition to Practice Conference - NP Roundup: Breaking Trail-Your Guide to Riding into Practice
Lost Spur Event Center
2750 Sibley Memorial Highway
Eagan, MN 55121
Friday, February 20, 2026 at 8:00am CT - 4:00pm CT
Info
Topic
• Real-world transition strategies from NPs who've successfully navigated the student-to-practitioner journey • Practical tools to bridge the confidence gap between graduation and your first patient encounter • Insights into common role transition challenges—and proven solutions to overcome them • Panel of Recent Graduates—Get your questions answered from NPs who have just gone through their transition •Networking opportunities
Credits Offered
This event offers
8.5 contact hours
to attendees.
Accreditation Info:
Board of Nursing.
Additional Information
Our Keynote speaker will be Kathy Baldridge, DNP, FNP-BC, FAANP, Lead Nurse Practitioner Education Specialist for APEA!
Join us for an essential day of professional development that will equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate your advanced practice journey.
Key Topics Include:
• Keynote - Certification Success: Building a Study Plan with Kathy Baldridge
• Wrangling Opportunities: The Job Search: Tips, CVs and Interview Prep
• Experiences on the Range - NP Panel of Recent Grads
• Roping in Productivity, Billing and Coding
• The Rodeo: Understanding the legislative process and current NP Legislation

REGISTER NOW: 2-20-2026 - EAGAN, MINNESOTA.
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Breakfast and Lunch catered by Lost Spur!
Why NP Students Must Attend: Your Bridge from Student to Confident Practitioner
The leap from NP student to practicing clinician is one of the most challenging transitions in healthcare—but you don't have to make it alone. For over five decades, Nurse Practitioners have been transforming patient care and driving healthcare innovation, yet the journey from classroom to clinical practice remains a critical juncture that can define your entire career.
This conference is specifically designed for NP students and recent graduates navigating the complex path to professional practice. Whether you're feeling unprepared, overwhelmed by scope of practice decisions, or uncertain about your first steps into autonomous care, you'll find the guidance and support you need here.
What You'll Gain:
- Real-world transition strategies from NPs who've successfully navigated the student-to-practitioner journey
- Practical tools to bridge the confidence gap between graduation and your first patient encounter
- Insights into common role transition challenges—and proven solutions to overcome them
- Panel of Recent Graduates—Get your questions answered from NPs who have just gone through their transition
- Networking opportunities with experienced NPs, recruiters, career advice
Your education has prepared you clinically, but the professional identity shift from student to autonomous provider requires its own roadmap. Join us to ensure your transition sets the foundation for a thriving, sustainable NP career that delivers the exceptional patient outcomes our profession is known for.
Your future practice starts here.
Event Agenda
NP Transition to Practice Conference - NP Roundup: Breaking Trail-Your Guide to Riding into Practice
Event Agenda
Friday, February 20, 2026 at 8:00am CT - 4:00pm CT
All times listed in
Central Time (US & Canada).
Download event agenda (PDF)
Friday, February 20, 2026
-
7:30am - 8:15am
Registration, breakfast, networking, visit our exhibitors/recruiters
-
8:15am - 8:25am
Welcome and Introductory Remarks
Kim Heckmann, APRN, FNP-C, SCRN, PHN Education Liaison, Minnesota Nurse Practitioners
-
8:25am - 9:20am
Certification Success: Building a Study Plan
Kathy Baldridge, DNP, FNP-BC, FAANP Lead Nurse Practitioner Education Specialist for APEA
-
9:20am - 9:30am
Break
-
9:30am - 11:00am
Wrangling Opportunities: The Job Search: Tips, CVs and Interview Prep
Andrew Trecker Physician and Advanced Practice Provider Recruiter
-
11:00am - 11:15am
Break/Posters/Visit Exhibitors & Recruiters
-
11:15am - 12:15pm
The Rodeo: Understanding the Legislative Process and Current NP Legislation
Kerry Johnson DNP Program Director, Metro State University MN APRN Coalition President
-
12:15pm - 1:00pm
Lunch/Networking/Vendors
-
1:00pm - 2:00pm
Experiences on the Range: NP Panel
A panel of recent NPs graduates to answer your questions about transition.
-
2:00pm - 3:30pm
Roping in Productivity: Billing and Coding
Zane Dye, APRN, DNP, FNP-C
-
3:30pm - 3:45pm
Raffle & Closing Remarks
Kim Heckmann, APRN, FNP-C, SCRN, PHN Education Liaison, Minnesota Nurse Practitioners
-
3:45pm - 4:00pm
Evaluations
Fill out our evaluation for your credits.