Connect with us

NevPANA 2026 Spring Conference

Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center
1600 Medical Parkway, Valley View Conference Room, 3rd Floor
Carson City, NV 89703

Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 9:00am PT - 2:00pm PT

Perianesthesia Nursing
1600 Medical Parkway, Valley View Conference Room, 3rd Floor, Carson City, NV 89703

Info

Topic

Obstetric and Gynecological Procedures; Emerging Perioperative Anesthesia Considerations: Medications and Patient-Specific Risk Factors; Under the Scrubs: Self Knowledge, Beliefs & Mental Models in Peri-Operative Nursing; Robotic Urology Procedures & Associated Nursing Considerations

Credits Offered

This event offers 4.0 CEU credits to attendees.
Accreditation Info: Nevada State Board of Nursing.

Attachments
Additional Information

Come join us in person or online at NevPANA's 2026 Spring conference focused on advancing perioperative practice, strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration, and enhancing patient safety — while connecting with peers for meaningful networking and knowledge sharing.

Our featured speakers include:

Tessa Black, M.D., FACOG will review key obstetric and gynecologic procedures with essential nursing considerations across the surgical continuum.
Steven Cuzilla, CRNA, DNAP will discuss emerging anesthesia considerations, including medication updates and patient-specific risk factors impacting perioperative care.
Fabiola Russo, BSN, RN, NC-BC will explore how self-knowledge, beliefs, and mental models influence decision-making and teamwork in the perioperative setting.
Ryan Powers, D.O., MPH will present on robotic urology procedures and the perioperative nursing considerations critical to safe and effective care.

This dynamic program offers practical, evidence-informed education alongside valuable opportunities for collaboration, professional connection, and shared learning for perianesthesia nurses.

Speakers

Tessa Black
Tessa Black M.D., FACOG

Originally from Fallon, Nevada, Dr. Black attended the University of Nevada, Reno, School of Medicine. Upon completing her residency at the University of Colorado, she began practicing in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Ultimately, her love for Northern Nevada, its beautiful surroundings and family quickly brought her back to Carson City. With its central location, Carson Medical Group was the perfect choice for Dr. Black to pursue her passion and allow her to serve all members of the Northern Nevada community. Surrounded by the family she loves and in the state that has always felt like home, she spends time with her family and two children indulging in their favorite activities: skiing, cooking, baking, hosting family get-togethers, and enjoying the faint smell of sagebrush after it rains.

Ryan Powers
Ryan Powers D.O., MPH

Dr. Powers attended medical school at Midwestern University in Glendale, AZ. He completed his residency in urology at Cook County Health in Chicago, IL, where he served as chief resident during his final year. After residency, he completed a fellowship in advanced minimally invasive robotic surgery at the top-rated University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles, CA. Dr. Powers is a member of the American Urological Association. Dr. Powers has received training in complex robotic surgeries for malignant and benign urologic disorders under the tutelage of world-renowned experts at USC. He is very comfortable performing open surgery for these disorders as well given his background at Cook County Health. He treats cancers of the urinary tract that include kidney, bladder, prostate, testicular and penile cancers as well as benign conditions such as kidney stones, strictures, BPH or enlarged prostates, overactive bladder, urinary incontinence, urologic trauma, erectile dysfunction, and infertility. Dr. Powers is interested in providing access to new technologies and using minimally invasive techniques in urologic surgery to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction. In addition to his work in the office and the operating room, Dr. Powers has published works in medical journals and presented research at national and local urology conferences. He believes that urologic care is best undertaken as a partnership between patients and himself, thus taking the time to educate his patients in their care. In his time outside of urologic practice, Dr. Powers spends time with his family that includes his wife, daughter and dog. He is an avid outdoorsman and loves the ability to be outdoors all year. Education and Medical Training University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Department of Urology Clinical Faculty (Fellow) Physician, Minimally Invasive Surgery 2020-2021 Cook County Health, Chicago, IL Division of Urology Resident Physician, Urologic Surgery 2015-2020 Midwestern University- Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine 2011-2015 Drexel University, School of Public Health Master of Public Health 2009-2011 Western Washington University 2003-2008 B.S. Biology/Anthropology; Minor in Chemistry

Fabiola Russo
Fabiola Russo BSN, RN, NC-BC

Meet Fabiola — Nurse, Coach, and Guide for Mind-Body Transformation Blending the science of nursing with the art of awareness to help you heal from within. With over 15 years of experience as a Registered Nurse, my path in healthcare has been both humbling and deeply inspiring — and it’s what led me to expand my approach beyond traditional medicine. For years, I watched patients come to us seeking relief from pain, stress, and burnout. We could treat the symptoms, but I knew there was something deeper happening — something that couldn’t always be fixed with medication or procedures. People needed support for their mind, not just their body. Then, in 2023, I attended an NLP training in Florida that completely changed my life. Something inside me clicked — it felt like I had finally dropped years of emotional baggage I didn’t even know I was carrying. Life became lighter, sweeter, and filled with possibility. That moment inspired the birth of A Positive Switch — because that’s exactly what it felt like: a switch flipping inside me, turning awareness into transformation. Not long after, I trained for a half Ironman in just 14 weeks, traveled to Brazil, and completed it injury-free. My only two goals were to finish and not get hurt — and I achieved both. That experience showed me just how powerful the human mind is when it’s aligned with the heart. Today, I bring that same focus and compassion into my work as a Board-Certified Nurse Coach, integrating the science of healthcare with the healing power of consciousness. I’ve trained extensively in: Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Hypnosis Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Transformational Coaching PSYCH-K® This unique blend allows me to help clients move beyond symptoms — addressing emotional blocks, subconscious patterns, and the deeper layers of healing that create true balance and fulfillment.

Steven Cuzilla
Steven Cuzilla DNAP, CRNA

Steven A. Cuzzilla, DNAP, CRNA, is currently practicing as a board-certified nurse anesthetist in Carson City, Nevada.  Though his professional origins are in Tennessee, where he attended the Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia (MTSA), he has transitioned to providing care in the Nevada region.  Current Practice & Reputation Location: He provides anesthesia services at Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center in Carson City. Clinical Focus: Patients have specifically commended him for his skill and bedside manner during procedures such as epidural and spinal placements for labor and delivery. Professional Recognition: He is noted for his "upbeat energy," thoroughness, and gentle approach, particularly in high-pressure clinical environments.  Professional Qualifications Credential: Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP). Certification: Board certified by the NBCRNA as of December 2024. Previous Affiliation: He was previously listed with University Anesthesiologists in Knoxville, TN, before moving his practice to Nevada. 

Event Agenda

Attachments

Register For This Event

NevPANA Member, Virtual Option

This is for our NevPANA members attending our conference virtually.

** Please note that your Zoom link to the conference and post conference instructions will be in the registration confirmation email.**

Due to room constraints we may not be able to change your registration to an in person option if you change your mind on how you want to attend the conference.

IF you have any issues signing up for the conference please text Debra Bennett at 775-721-9022 or email at debrabennett99@gmail.com.

$30.00

Non-NevPANA Member, Virtual Option

This is for Non-NevPANA Members attending our conference virtually.

**Please note that your Zoom link to the conference and post conference instructions will be in the registration confirmation email.**

Due to room constraints we may not be able to change your registration to an in person option if you change your mind on how you want to attend the conference.

IF you have any issues signing up for the conference please text Debra Bennett at 775-721-9022 or email at debrabennett99@gmail.com.

$40.00

NevPANA Member, In Person

This is for our NevPANA members attending our Spring Conference in person. Thank you for  your support of NevPANA and opting to attend our event in person! Healthy snacks will be provided.

IF you have any issues signing up for the conference, please text Debra Bennett at 775-721-9022 or email at debrabennett99@gmail.com.

Attendance at NevPANA programs and events constitutes consent to be photographed for use in print and/or electronic publicity for NevPANA. 

$30.00

Non-NevPANA Member, In Person

This is for Non-NevPANA Members attending our Spring Conference in person. Thank you for your support of NevPANA and opting to attend our event in person! Healthy snacks will be provided.

IF you have any issues signing up for the conference, please text Debra Bennett at 775-721-9022 or email at debrabennett99@gmail.com.

Attendance at NevPANA programs and events constitutes consent to be photographed for use in print and/or electronic publicity for NevPANA. 

$40.00