Beyond the Buzz: Real-World Nursing Transformation Through AI Activation

Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026

Time: 4:30pm-7:00pm Central Time

4:30pm Registration

5:00pm Program Begins

6:00pm Q&A and Networking with food & drinks

Location: Microsoft Tech Center St. Louis

4220 Duncan Ave; Suite 501

St. Louis MO 63110

Parking: Visitor parking available in the Garage adjacent to the building

Speakers: Stephanie Clements, RN, MBA; Senior Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive, Mercy

Joe Schmitz; Executive Director, Optimization, Mercy

Nia Stacy MSN, RN; Clinical Team Leader at Mercy Hospital Fort Smith

Stephanie Whitaker, DHA(c), MSN, RN; Chief Nursing Officer for Mercy Hospital Fort Smith

Program: This panel delivers a candid, practical, and human‑centered walkthrough of the actual journey of implementing AI in nursing workflows—moving beyond theory to show how frontline teams, clinical leaders, and health‑system executives transform care through AI‑enabled processes.

The discussion highlights lessons learned, sustained leadership alignment, the critical partnership with Microsoft, and real stories from go‑lives, focusing on safety, time savings, communication efficiency, and cultural acceptance.

The panel will emphasize nurses not as end‑users—but as co‑designers and catalysts in shaping the future of AI‑supported care.

Attendees will gain an inside look at:

· How a major health system partnered with Microsoft to deploy AI tools that meaningfully impact nursing practice.

· The operational roadmap—from strategy to pilots to go‑lives.

· Leadership insights on preparing teams, fostering trust, and driving adoption.

· Frontline stories of how AI reduces burden, improves communication, and enhances patient care.

This honest, solution‑focused discussion highlights what worked, what didn’t, and what every organization needs to know as they consider adopting AI into their nursing ecosystem.

Free for HIMSS Members; $35.00 for non-members

Registration is required:

We thank our sponsor Microsoft for their generous support of this program.

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Host or Publisher HIMSS Midwest Gateway Chapter