Davis & Henley College of Nursing and Northwell Health Co-Sponsor AI and Human Caring Conference

Third annual PIER Conference examines how artificial intelligence can strengthen, not replace, compassionate nursing practice

Key Highlights

• Sacred Heart University’s Dr. Susan L. Davis, RN, & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing (DHCON), in collaboration with Northwell Health, hosted the third annual Nursing Practice, Innovation, Education, and Research (PIER) Conference, bringing together nurses, educators, researchers and health care leaders
• The 2026 conference focused on “Human Caring in an AI-Driven World: Redefining Nursing for Future Generations,” exploring how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies can strengthen nursing practice without replacing the empathy, compassion, and human connection at the profession’s core
• The central message was that AI should enhance nursing rather than replace nurses. Speakers highlighted opportunities for AI to reduce administrative burdens, support clinical decision-making, and give nurses more time to focus on direct patient care and meaningful human interaction

The Dr. Susan L. Davis, RN, & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing (DHCON) at Sacred Heart University, in collaboration with conference co-sponsor Northwell Health, recently hosted its third annual Nursing Practice, Innovation, Education, and Research (PIER) Conference. The conference brought together nurses, educators, researchers, and health care leaders to examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of nursing while preserving the profession’s core commitment to human caring.

Centered on the theme “Human Caring in an AI-Driven World: Redefining Nursing for Future Generations,” the conference featured nationally recognized experts across clinical practice, academia, research, leadership, and technology. The program included keynote presentations, expert panel discussions, PIER Talks, a nursing hackathon, and poster presentations designed to move participants from insight to action.

The collaboration between Sacred Heart University and Northwell Health exemplifies the power of academic practice partnerships.

“Together with DHCON dean Karen Daley and the rest of the organizing team, our vision was to create a space where nurses, educators, researchers, and health care leaders could come together to explore how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are shaping nursing practice,” said Jasper Erwin Tolarba, Beatrice Hofstadter-White Endowed Chair of Nursing Practice, Education, Research & Innovation. “This year, we especially wanted to highlight the importance of preserving human caring and compassion as we navigate an increasingly AI-driven health care environment.”

The conference was intentionally designed to go beyond traditional presentations. PIER Talks, a six-minute podium presentation format, showcased innovative work happening in nursing practice, education, and research. A nursing hackathon added a hands-on, collaborative dimension, challenging participants to work together in solving real health care problems.

“AI is rapidly transforming health care and nursing, but as technology becomes more sophisticated, we need to be even more intentional about preserving the human connection at the heart of nursing,” Tolarba added. “There could not be a more important time to have this conversation as we prepare the next generation of nurses.”

Speakers were selected for their ability to challenge attendees to think critically about embracing innovation without sacrificing the values that define the profession. The overarching message was clear: AI is a tool that can enhance nursing by reducing administrative burden and supporting clinical decisions, freeing nurses to focus on what technology cannot replicate, including empathy, compassion, and meaningful human connection.

"The future of nursing should be high-tech, but it must always remain high touch,” Tolarba said. “Nurses must have a voice in how these technologies are designed, implemented, and evaluated. We should not simply be end-users of health care technology; nurses should help shape its future.”

Behind the day’s programming was nearly a year of preparation, including weekly meetings to identify speakers, develop topics, coordinate activities, and create an engaging experience for attendees. Susan Labozzo, administrative assistant with the DHCON said the conference’s growth and positive attendee feedback have reinforced the value of that work.

“This conference has been a year in the making,” Labozzo said. “Our leadership team has put numerous hours into research and networking, and over the three years that we’ve been hosting this event, the number of attendees has increased every year.”

Since its founding three years ago, PIER has grown from a regional gathering into a conference drawing participants nationally and internationally. Through the collaboration between Sacred Heart and Northwell Health, the conference demonstrates how academic-practice partnerships can bring together education, research, evidence-based practice, and innovation to strengthen nursing and help shape the future of health care.