Wisconsin Director of Nursing Council

10/06/2026

⏰ TIK-TOK! Time is running out! DON Basics Certification Course registration closes soon.

Ready to strengthen your skills and confidence?

DON Basics Certification Course | November 3-4 & December 1-2, 2026 in Wausau, WI.

Don’t wait until the clock runs out. ⏳

👉 Register today!

Thanks to our Partnership with Pathway Health, we are able to bring the Director of Nursing Basics Certification Course to Wisconsin.

09/12/2026

Wednesday mornings are better with a little WDONC & ☕️

Join us at 7:00 AM CT every Wednesday for our weekly Support Call. We’ve got some great guests lined up for September, and a little behind-the-scenes scoop: most of the rest of 2026 is already booked, too!

📅 September 16: Kardex System with Cagney Martin
📅 September 23: Risk Mitigation with Mitch Gordon, M3 Insurance
📅 September 30: Candid Conversations with Families and Residents with Dr. Michael Barnett, VitalTalk

Grab your coffee, call in, and start your Wednesday with people who understand your world.

All are welcome. Link in the comments to be added to the email reminders.

09/11/2026

Today marks 25 years since September 11, 2001. We pause to remember the lives lost, the families forever changed, and the first responders and countless others whose courage and service we will never forget.

As we remember this day, we’re grateful for those who continue to serve and care for others in our communities every day.

09/04/2026

Which September Camp Are You In?

Some of us are saying, “It’s STILL summer until September 22!” and hanging onto every last warm, sunny day.

Others saw September 1 and immediately thought, “Bring on fall!” Pumpkin everything, cooler weather, sweaters, and all.

Which camp are you in? Vote ☀️or🍁in the comments

And is anyone else wondering how it’s September already?!

09/04/2026

Have a great idea for Symposium 2027? We want to hear it!

The Call for Proposals is open for Symposium 2027: Unstoppable.

We’re looking for engaging topics, fresh ideas, and practical takeaways across three tracks:

• Clinical & Regulatory
• MDS
• Emerging Leaders

Have a panel discussion you’d love to see? A topic we need to discuss? Let us know or submit a proposal!

📅 Proposals are due September 30, 2026.

07/28/2026

We're excited for our 1st IP Bootcamp course. Join us September 23-25 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Wisconsin Dells.

07/24/2026

WDONC is excited to partner with Pathway Health to bring an in-person Infection Preventionist Certification Bootcamp for Nursing Facilities. Attendees have the opportunity to earn the IPCC-LTC credential.

A special thank you to Ellen Hardy and North Shore Health for helping WDONC make this possible.

Learn more and Register Today! Space is limited.

Infection Preventionist Certification Course for Nursing Facilities required for F880 survey compliance. This interactive certification course provides opportunities for learners to ask questions and participate in case studies.

07/24/2026

When people come together with a shared goal and a common purpose, the impossible becomes possible. That is exactly what I witness and what we are doing as members of the Wisconsin Director of Nursing Council.

I witness leaders who show up, support one another, share their experiences, and lift each other up—not because the work is easy, but because your work MATTERS.

We know there are days when the weight of this work feels heavy—days when you wonder how you can give one more ounce of yourself, solve one more problem, or take one more step forward. And yet… you do. Because the people you serve are counting on you.

When we stand alone, we are strong. But when we stand together, we are stronger. Together, we share the challenges, celebrate the victories, and continue to move long-term care forward one day at a time.

This is what I witness: courageous leaders with heart, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the people they serve. Leaders who stand together, support one another, and prove that even the greatest challenges can be overcome when we face them together.💪☀️

Lori Koeppel, Executive Director, WDONC

06/26/2026

Congratulations 🎉 on your hard work and dedication being recognized.

We are excited to share that Dove Healthcare - Rice Lake has received a Bronze -- Commitment to Quality Award from the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living!

According to the AHCA/NCAL, the National Quality Award Program is a progressive, three-step process that encourages the continuous learning, development, and ex*****on of integrated quality systems to achieve performance excellence. Bronze -- Commitment to Quality Award recipients are able to describe their mission, characteristics, and key challenges and to recognize the relationship of these factors to their ability to achieve performance improvement. The Bronze Award level provides applicants with the tools and resources they need for continuous improvement in quality care.

This award is a testament to all of the hard work by each and every member of our Rice Lake team. Thank you to all of our dedicated employees for continuing to embody our mission of providing compassionate, quality care!

Learn more about the National Quality Award Program here: https://www.ahcancal.org/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.aspx

06/05/2026

💕💕💕

If you could share one message during Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, what would it be?

"My beautiful mother passed away from Alzheimer’s disease this past Christmas. While our journey certainly had many challenges and heartbreak, we also shared many meaningful and joyful moments together, even later in her disease process. One message I would share during Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month is the importance of using patient-first language. Instead of saying ‘the demented resident,’ say ‘the resident with dementia.’ Small changes in language help reduce stigma and restore dignity to those living with this disease. Small acts of empathy and respectful communication can make a meaningful difference for patients and families living with dementia." - Dr. McAvoy, Senior Living Medical Director