Wednesday Program

Product Theater Breakfast | No Contact Hours Provided

6:35am-8:05am Central

Sponsored by Alkermes

Pre-Conference Sessions | 2 Contact Hours

8:15AM-10:15AM Central

6:15AM PT | 9:15AM ET

1011: Practice
8:15am – 10:15am Central

Self-Compassion in Practice: Practical Strategies to Translate Self-Care to Patient Care – RN APRN

This experiential learning session will review mental health disparities affecting nurses and the psychological and physiological ramifications of stress. Self-compassion will be presented as a tool to improve well-being, and participants will learn several core mindful self-compassion practices leaving the session with accessible strategies for both self-care and patient care.

Presenters: Jennifer M. Ahlquist, DNP, APRN, ANP-BC, FNP-BC; Andrea N. Kwasky, DNP, PMHNP-BC, PMHCNS-BC; Mary Serowoky, DNP, APRN-BC, FNP

1012: Leadership
8:15am – 10:15am Central

The Cedar Oaks Model in Action: Highlighting the Critical Value of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) as Leaders in Forward Thinking Collaborative Mental Health Initiatives and Care Provision – RN APRN

This presentation will be interactive, lively, research based, and empowering for all nurses. It shares a story of nurses taking the lead in the mental health services gap, reducing the risk of fragmented systems, uniting communities, saving lives, reducing mental health stigma, creating safe spaces, and thriving together.

Presenter: Natasha Donnelly, PhD, PMHNP-BC, APRN, MSc, MSN, RN, RM, PG Cert Ed

1013: Advanced Practice
8:15am – 10:15am Central

The Stolen Lives of Human Trafficking Victims – RN APRN

This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of the human trafficking (HT) epidemic. The prevalence of HT, different types, vulnerable individuals at high risk of becoming victims, clinical manifestations, treatment, and resources will be reviewed.

Presenters: Beatriz Valdes, PhD, APRN, PMHNP-BC, CHSE; Deborah Salani, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, NE-BC; Deana Goldin, PhD, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC
This session is available to virtual attendees.

1014: Addictions / Substance Use
8:15am – 10:15am Central

Addicted to the Perfect Body: The Use and Misuse of the GLP-1 Receptor – RN APRN

GLP-1 use has become a multi-billion dollar business with non-FDA approved compounded drugs being offered at reduced rates, but at what cost? Join us as we explore these questions and the medications approved, indications, use, risk management and potential benefits, and how PMH nurses can help patients navigate these issues.

Presenters: Julie B. Perry, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC; Laura G. Leahy, DrNP, APRN, FAANP, FAAN
This session is available to virtual attendees.

1015: Research
8:15am – 10:15am Central

Empowerment through Collaboration: Translating Research into Clinical Practice and Transforming Clinical Expertise into Innovative Research – RN APRN

This workshop focuses on intra-disciplinary collaboration between nurses. Quite often nurses engage in interdisciplinary collaborations and the expertise may also exist within nursing. After a brief presentation and panel discussion, attendees will participate in “speed dating” and then will debrief and ask questions..

Presenters: Karen Jennings Mathis, PhD, APRN, PMHNP-BC; Kelly Kearney, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC; Tracee Ridley-Pryor, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC; Jamie Zelazny, PhD, MPH, RN; Nadia Ali Muhammad Ali Charania, PhD, RN; Jaclene A. Zauszniewski, PhD, RN-BC

1016: Nursing Professional Development
8:15am – 10:15am Central

Caring, Curiosity, and Courage: The Spiral Journey to Renewal – RN APRN

This workshop will guide participants in a practice that cultivates gratitude, curiosity, and courage and supports connections and conversations that can energize positive change. By anchoring our inner resources, allowing for the expression of emotions and cultivating new awareness, we foster a sense of empowerment in moving forward.

Presenters: Roberta Cassidy, PhD, RN, FNTP, CNFTG; Kristen Lombard, PhD, RN, PMHCNS-BC, AHN-BC

1017: Pharmacology
8:15am – 10:15am Central

Cardiometabolic Consciousness: Elevating the Standard of Care for Patients Prescribed Psychotropic Medications – RN APRN

This presentation emphasizes the importance of managing cardiometabolic risks associated with psychotropic medications in individuals with serious mental illness. It highlights the critical role of PMH nurses in screening, monitoring, and managing these risks, and underscores the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to improve patient outcomes and enhance overall care.

Presenters: Angel Anthamatten, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CNE; Queen Henry-Okafor, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
This session is available to virtual attendees.
This session is eligible for pharmacology contact hours.

Pre-Conference Sessions | 2 Contact Hours

10:25AM – 12:25PM Central

8:25AM PT  |  11:25AM ET

1021: Women’s Health
10:25am – 12:25pm Central

The PMHNP and Perinatal Mental Health: A Growing Field, A Vital Role – APRN

Brooklyn Parent Support is a group of ten PMHNPs and two social workers providing perinatal mental health care to a diverse population. We will present how-tos for gaining experience in this field as well as setting up your own practice. Our various subspecialties within the field will be explored.

Presenters: Rebecca Feldman, MSN, CNM, PMHNP-BC; Leslie Peña-Sullivan, DSW, LCSW; Colleen Hannon, RN, MSN, FNP-BC; Meg Ryan, RN, MS, PMHNP-BC; Briana Powell, RN, MSN, PMHNP-BC, CNM; Gabrielle Ranger-Murdock, DNP, PMHNP-BC

1022: Practice
10:25am – 12:25pm Central

From Trauma to Transformation: Rewiring Neural Circuits with DBR for PMH – RN APRN

This session explores DBR therapy as a transformational, neuroscience-based approach to trauma-informed psychiatric nursing. Participants will gain insights into DBR’s brainstem-focused mechanisms, its role in treating trauma-related disorders, and its integration with precision psychiatry. Engaging discussions and case applications will equip PMH nurses with practical DBR skills.

Presenters: Daniel D. Medlock, DNP, PMHNP-BC, LPC, CSAC; Evelyn Perkins, MS, RN, PMH-BC, NE-BC

1023: Legal
10:25am – 12:25pm Central

HELP! I’ve Been Named in a Lawsuit: Tales From a Nurse Expert Witness to Safeguard your Practice From Both the Plaintiff and Defense Perspectives – RN APRN

This highly interactive workshop will provide data regarding the increase in malpractice lawsuits against PMHRNs/APRNs in all practice settings. As an experienced plaintiff and defense expert witness, the presenter will share real malpractice cases and how to implement risk management strategies, prepare for deposition, and ultimately prevent lawsuits

Presenter: Mary D. Moller, PhD(h), DNP, APRN, ARNP, PMHCNS-BC, CPRP, FAAN
This session is available to virtual attendees.

1024: Addictions / Substance Use
10:25am – 12:25pm Central

Beyond Psychosis: The Connection Between Spiritual Crises and Addictive Behaviors – RN APRN

This presentation explores the misdiagnosis of spiritual crises as a mental illness in addiction care, highlighting the importance of proper screening and assessment. Participants will learn to differentiate between spiritual emergencies and psychosis and gain practical tools for integrating spiritual assessments into holistic care, improving patient outcomes in addiction recovery.

Presenters: Rosemary E. Smentkowski, DNP, MSN Ed, PMHNP-BC, CARN; Queen O. Henry-Okafor, PhD, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC
This session is available to virtual attendees.

1025: Advanced Practice
10:25am – 12:25pm Central

A Person with Autism and Depression. Now What?  Effectively Assessing and Treating the Client with Autism Throughout the Lifespan – APRN

This presentation will provide interactive role playing and mock interviews to address the challenges of assessing and effective treatment options for the autistic client throughout the life span. The participant will increase their knowledge of effective assessment and treatment strategies regarding mental health and autism.

Presenter: Jill Laughlin, DNP, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, PNP-BC

1026: Depression
10:25am – 12:25pm Central

A Collaborative Practice Change Using Predictive Factors to Differentiate Between Bipolar and Unipolar Depression Among Psychiatry and Primary Care Providers – RN APRN

Bipolar depression masking as unipolar depression poses significant risks. This engaging presentation updates, identifies, and provides steps to collaborate with primary care to differentiate between unipolar and bipolar depression. Participants will leave empowered, refreshed, with renewed confidence in diagnosing, treating, and reducing risk when managing persons presenting with depressive symptoms.

Presenters: Kathleen Carroll, DNP, PMHNP-BC; Rebecca Ann Ballinger, MSN, PMHNP-BC; Nahid Ruintan Dastyar, PMHNP-BC, DNP; Katherine Angelique Kennedy, PMHNP-BC, MSN

1027: Pharmacology
10:25am – 12:25pm Central

More Information Coming Soon – RN APRN

Product Theater Lunch | No Contact Hours Provided

Meal Service: 12:20pm-12:50pm Central
Presentation: 12:50pm-2:00pm Central

Sponsored by Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine

Pre-Conference Sessions | 2 Contact Hours

4:20PM – 6:20PM Central

2:20PM PT  |  5:20PM ET

1041: Ethics
4:20pm – 6:20pm Central

Sex, Suicide, Self-harm, Psychosis, and Stigma: Ethics in Psychiatric – RN APRN

The ANA Code of Ethics guides professional and ethical behaviors for all nurses. Due to the complex nature of PMH nursing, there can be unique ethical challenges. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss various ethical situations in PMH nursing and allow space for discussion about potentially sensitive topics.

Presenter: Sara Jones, PhD, APRN, PMHNP-BC; Sattaria Dilks, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC

1042: Integrated Physical & Mental Health Care
4:20pm – 6:20pm Central

Developing and Retaining a Highly Effective Nursing Workforce While Undergoing an Organizational Change from Behavioral to Integrated Healthcare – RN APRN

This interactive presentation will identify how to develop and retain a highly effective nursing workforce, while simultaneously undergoing organizational change from behavioral to integrated healthcare. These strategies have led to improved access to high-quality integrated healthcare, patient outcomes, patient and staff satisfaction, and healthcare efficiency.

Presenter: Michael Valenti, PhD, APRN, PMHNP-BC, NEA-BC

1043: Education
4:20pm – 6:20pm Central

Stress First Aid: A Framework for Peer and Community Intervention – RN APRN

Stress First Aid (SFA) is a framework used by hospitals around the nation for peer support. Like all forms of first aid, SFA is designed to save lives, prevent further harm, and to get injured people to additional care. It complements airway, breathing, and circulation for physical first aid.

Presenter: Richard J. Westphal, PhD, PMHCSN/NP-BC

1044: Psychotherapy
4:20pm – 6:20pm Central

Knocking-Out Patient Dropout: Tips and Implementations for Choosing Optimally Blended MI/CBT to Improve Patient Participation in Psychotherapy – RN APRN

This interactive, dynamic workshop presentation explores CBT types/styles, decision tree, and appropriate population/patient applications. It will discuss, develop, and prioritize steps necessary to choose appropriate CBT types per presentation context, reduce barriers to CBT facilitation/continuance, and reduce dropout while increasing patient /provider and third-party payer satisfaction.

Presenters: Kathleen T. McCoy, DNSc, PMHNP-BC, PMHCNS-BC, FNP-BC, FAANP, FNKF; Kimberly A. Williams, DNS, PMHNP-BC, PHNA-BC, ANP-BC

1045: Practice
4:20pm – 6:20pm Central

Walking a Fine Line: Recognizing and Preventing Boundary Violations in Nursing – RN APRN

This interactive presentation focuses on boundary violations in nursing, highlighting the importance of maintaining professional boundaries to protect patient safety and trust. Through real case studies and role-playing exercises, participants will explore common violations and develop strategies for enhancing self-awareness and emotional intelligence to prevent violations and improve patient care.

Presenter: Mary Annette Gary, PhD, RN, CNE, APRN, PMHNP-BC
This session is available to virtual attendees.

1046: Forensic
4:20pm – 6:20pm Central

From Shock to Resilience: Navigating the Aftermath of Homegrown Terror in the Big Easy – RN APRN

This interactive session will explore primary terrorism prevention in the U.S. using an ecological model for harm reduction and recovery. Through the New Orleans case study, participants will understand the nursing role in community safety, resilience, and healing while addressing healthcare barriers during times of crisis.

Presenters: Anne D. Troy, PhD, FNP-BC; Debbie St. Germain, DNP, RN, AFN-C, SANE-A, SANE-P, IVSE-C; Paul Thomas Clements, PhD, RN, ANEF, CGC, DF-IAFN, DF-AFN; Nikol Hamilton, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, LNC, FCN

1047: Pharmacology
4:20pm – 6:20pm Central

More Information Coming Soon – RN APRN
This session is available to virtual attendees.
This session is eligible for pharmacology contact hours.

Conference Kickoff & Awards Ceremony
6:30PM – 7:30PM Central
4:30PM PT | 7:30PM ET

Receive a warm welcome to the conference, hear from APNA leadership, and meet this year’s APNA Annual Award recipients and Student and Memorial Scholarship recipients.
This session is available to virtual attendees.

Product Theater Dinner | No Contact Hours Provided

7:40pm-9:10pm Central

Sponsored by Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine