Friday Program

Product Theater Breakfast | No Contact Hours Provided
7:15AM-8:45AM Mountain

More information coming soon!

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Keynote Presentation | 1 Contact Hour
9:00AM – 10:00AM Mountain
8:00AM PT | 11:00AM ET

Making a Resilient Organization – RN APRN
Presenter: Adam Markel

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Exhibit Hall Open

10:00AM – 1:00PM Mountain

See the latest innovations and opportunities from industry stakeholders in psychiatric-mental health nursing.

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Poster Presentations Open | Up to 4 Contact Hours
10:00AM – 3:00PM Mountain

Earn up to 4 contact hours for time spent viewing and evaluating the poster presentations Thursday – Friday.
Available in online poster gallery.

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Meet the Poster Presenters

10:30AM – 11:30AM Mountain

Meet the bright minds behind this year’s poster presentations. Presenters will be standing with their posters during this period, ready to answer questions and discuss their topics.

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Lightning Sessions | 0.75 Contact Hours 

12:00PM – 12:50PM Mountain

11:00AM PT | 2:00PM ET

 

3011: Connections & Resilience
12:00pm – 12:50pm Mountain

Strengthening Personal Recovery and Resilience: A Mixed-methods Study of the Role of Peer Support Specialists Within a Psychiatric Hospital Setting to Advance Care RN APRN

We present the role of the peer support specialists in promoting recovery-based outcomes among people with MI. Psychiatric-mental health nurses can support the role of peer support specialists to enhance recovery for people with MI.

Presenters: Zachary Gammon, nursing student; Chizimuzo Okoli, Phd, APRN
Also in Virtual Real-Time.

Building on Strengths: A Peer-community Model to Strengthen PMH-APRN Resilience, Self-efficacy, and Burnout Prevention APRN

This session introduces the PMH Consortium, a peer-community model combating PMH-APRN isolation. Using mixed-methods data, we explore how educational networking and mentorship boost self-efficacy and resilience. Attendees gain practical, low-cost strategies to build connection in any setting.

Presenter: Jennifer Jimenez, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
Also in Virtual Real-Time.

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3012: Violence Prevention
12:00pm – 12:50pm Mountain

Mitigating Workplace Violence: A Relationship-Focused Approach Is an Essential Practice Change RN

This presentation introduces new models of de-escalation grounded in relational skills. Hear how this approach has been employed in inpatient settings and what it entails. Participants will contribute to strategies for introducing this practice change into their units and outcome measurement.

Presenter: Kathleen Delaney, PhD, APRN, PMH-NP, FAAN
Also in Virtual Real-Time.

Empathy First, Safety Follows: The Art of Flexing Rules on an Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit RN

This presentation will discuss the violent consequences of inflexibly enforcing rules on an inpatient behavioral health unit. Results of this study suggest that interventions designed to increase communication and empathy for patients can decrease workplace violence and use of violent restraints.

Presenter: Heather Strange, RN, DNP, NE-BC
Also in Virtual Real-Time.

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3013: Inpatient Intervention
12:00pm – 12:50pm Mountain

Calm at-a-Glance: Virtual Reality as a Tool for Anxiety Reduction in Inpatient Psychiatry RN

This presentation describes the nurse-led implementation of virtual reality in an inpatient psychiatric setting to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. It highlights evidence, patient outcomes, and practical strategies for integrating VR into nursing practice as a non-pharmacologic intervention.

Presenters: Patrick Hoffmann, RN, BSN; Justine Parsons, M.B.A., RN; Brenda Johnson, BSN

Music Therapy Headphones as an Intervention for Agitation and Violence Reduction in Psychiatric Inpatient Units RN

This session examines the impact of a music therapy headphone intervention on agitation and aggression in psychiatric inpatient settings. Findings from pre/post surveys and assault rate trends will be analyzed. The discussion will focus on implementation strategies and clinical applications.

Presenters: Anthony Patterson, BSN; Scott Levine, BSN

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3014: Culture / Diversity
12:00pm – 12:50pm Mountain

Bridging the Gap: Integrating Mental Health into a Rural Appalachian School-Based Health Center RN APRN

This presentation highlights an innovative model integrating mental health services in a rural, underserved Appalachian community to reduce barriers to access and improve continuity of care. Replication in similar settings may expand access to comprehensive behavioral health services.

Presenters: Kimberly Ferguson, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC; Teresa Carnevale, PhD, APRN, PMHNP

Enhancing Cultural Awareness and Cultural Competency to Improve Health Outcomes in a Chippewa Cree Community RN APRN

This engaging presentation will describe and discuss the culture training for nursing students to provide culture competent care with Chippewa Cree youth at a culturally based camp focused on building resiliency. The participant will be able to learn from tribal leaders and nurses.

Presenters: Kristin Turner, BS, MS; Jamison Lord, PMHNP, DNP; Melody “Chief Eagle Woman” Henry, BA in Education and Leadership; Mary “Earth Eagle Woman” Big Bow, MSW; Michael “Thunder Bird Feather” Geboe, MS of Psychology; Martha Schultz, MSW, PMHNP

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3015: Complementary & Alternative Therapies
12:00pm – 12:50pm Mountain

Clinical Trip Sitting: Optimizing Adaptive Neuroplasticity RN

This presentation will educate PMH nurses how complementary and alternative therapies used during ketamine infusions will enhance neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is heavily influenced by the environment. PMH nurses can leverage complementary intervention therapies during ketamine infusions.

Presenter: Linda Pham, RN, PMH-BC, AMB-BC

Surfacing Strength: Innovative Blue Mind Approaches to Nursing Burnout RN APRN

This session explores how evidence-based resiliency interventions can reduce compassion fatigue and burnout among nurses and examines the role of Blue Mind Therapy as a complementary strategy to enhance well-being and support sustainable practice.

Presenters: Michelle Galles, DNP, AGACNP-BC, PMHNP-BC; Michelle &M Galles, DNP, AGACNP-BC, PMHNP-BC

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3016: Sleep & Mental Health
12:00pm – 12:50pm Mountain

Sleep Patterns, Chronotype and Quality of Life Among Adults with Bipolar Disorder by Employment Status RN APRN

This presentation shares longitudinal findings on sleep, chronotype, quality of life, and employment in adults with bipolar disorder. Integrating circadian and occupational frameworks offers new insights to guide PMHN practice, policies, and future research.

Presenter: Julianne Armijo, MSN, FNP-C, RN

When Sleep Doesn’t Come Easy: Managing Sleep Disturbances in Children with ASD RN APRN

Sleep disturbance is common, with 50–80% of children with ASD affected. Insufficient sleep worsens ASD symptoms and behaviors. Early identification using objective and subjective measures enables timely intervention, with evidence-based behavioral, pharmacological, or combined management strategies.

Presenter: Stephanie Wynn, DNP, PMH-BC, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC, FAANP, FNAP

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3017: Administration
12:00pm – 12:50pm Mountain

Associations Between the Nurse Work Environment and Job Outcomes Among Inpatient Psychiatric Mental Health Registered Nurses RN

This presentation will use prior research and new empirical evidence to provide valuable insights for attendees into the important role of nurse work environments and nurse staffing levels in supporting and retaining inpatient PMH-RNs.

Presenter: Justinna Dixon, PhD, RN

The Impact of Clinical Acuity on Nursing Workload RN APRN

This presentation introduces a system-wide approach to defining psychiatric inpatient acuity and nursing workload to improve placement decisions. By integrating the nursing perspective into triage, it strengthens referral alignment and supports safe placement across diverse psychiatric care settings

Presenters: Sidney Lowe, RN; Christine Tebaldi, DNP, MPH, PMHNP-BC

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Product Theater Lunch | No Contact Hours Provided

1:00PM-2:30PM Mountain

More information coming soon!

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Impact Sessions | 0.75 Contact Hours 

2:45PM – 3:30PM Mountain

1:45PM PT | 4:45PM ET

 

3021: Artificial Intelligence
2:45pm – 3:30pm Mountain

Building on Our Strengths: A PMH-APRN AI Competency Ladder for Resilient, Human-Centered Practice APRN

Are you a pilot or a passenger? Most PMH-APRNs stop at AI documentation, but your clinical wisdom is the most powerful tool in any AI-augmented encounter. This session introduces a PMH-APRN AI Competency Ladder showing how to build on that strength to lead resilient, human-centered psychiatric practice.

Presenter: Andrew Monasterio, DNP, PMHNP-BC

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3022: Addictions
2:45pm – 3:30pm Mountain

Psychosis, Substances, and the Grey In-Between: A Practical Approach in SUD Settings – RN APRN

This interactive, case-driven presentation explores the timely recognition and management of substance-induced psychosis. Clinicians will leave equipped to assess accurately, intervene effectively, and improve patient outcomes in their practice.

Presenter: Megan Hudson, PMHNP-BC
Also in Virtual Real-Time.

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3023: Pharmacology
2:45pm – 3:30pm Mountain

From Symptoms to Strategy: A Prescriber’s Framework for Smarter Psych Medication Decisions RN APRN

This session introduces a practical, symptom-based framework for psychotropic prescribing. Using real world case examples, participants will learn how to translate patient reported experiences into clearer medication decisions, improving treatment fit, confidence, and patient-centered care.

Presenter: Antoinette Flowers, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC
May be eligible for pharmacology contact hours.

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3024: Education
2:45pm – 3:30pm Mountain

Sustaining the Educator: Qualitative Insights into Positive Work–life Balance in Undergraduate Nursing Faculty RN APRN

This presentation examines nursing faculty perceptions of positive work–life balance and the strategies that support it. Qualitative findings reveal protective factors, challenges, and key conditions that promote well-being and retention within academic nursing environments.

Presenter: Jacque Williams, MSN, RN, NC-BC

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3025: Depression & Suicidality
2:45pm – 3:30pm Mountain

Screening Plus MINDBODYSTRONG Yields Improvements in Nurse Burnout and Mental Health Outcomes: Findings From a RCT RN APRN

This 45-minute impact session will review the background on mental distress and suicide in nurses as well as the post-intervention results of an ongoing national randomized controlled trial with 501 nurses across the U.S. at risk for mental distress.

Presenter: Bernadette Melnyk, PhD, APRN-CNP, FAANP, FNAP, FAAN

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3026: Advanced Practice
2:45pm – 3:30pm Mountain

The Portfolio APRN: How to Build Multiple Revenue Streams That Actually Respect Your Nervous System RN APRN

This interactive session provides PMH-APRNs the opportunity to explore, discuss, and design sustainable portfolio careers. Participants will identify accessible revenue streams, address implementation barriers, and leave with a foundation plan for building careers that respect their nervous system.

Presenter: Danielle Carson, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC

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3027: Workplace Violence
2:45pm – 3:30pm Mountain

Reducing WPV Injuries in Behavioral Health Settings RN

This session includes an overview of an organizational response to workplace violence events, incorporating LEAN methods to improve team member safety. LEAN tools will be demonstrated as a powerful tool to problem solve and implement process improvements.

Presenters: Stephen Jochum, MSN, RN-PMHBC; Heidi McMullan, MSN, RN-BC; Katie Barlup, LSW, MSW
Also in Virtual Real-Time.

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Impact Sessions | 0.75 Contact Hours 

3:45PM – 4:30PM Mountain

2:45PM PT | 5:45PM ET

 

3031: Artificial Intelligence
3:45pm – 4:30pm Mountain

Building Communication Competence and Emotional Resiliency Through AI-Generated Virtual Reality Simulations in Prelicensure Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Education RN APRN

Explore innovative AI-powered virtual reality simulations in psychiatric-mental health nursing education. Learn how immersive technology enhances therapeutic communication, empathy, and emotional intelligence while building student resiliency and self-efficacy.

Presenters: Sara Gifford, DNP, RN, AGCNS-BC; Andrea Kwasky, DNP, PMHNP-BC, PMHCNS-BC
Also in Virtual Real-Time.

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3032: Addictions
3:45pm – 4:30pm Mountain

Buprenorphine in the Fentanyl Era: Emerging Evidence and Experiences From the Front Lines RN APRN

Illicit fentanyl has reshaped opioid use disorder treatment. This session reviews emerging evidence on low-barrier and higher-dose buprenorphine strategies, highlighting practical approaches to improve retention, reduce overdose risk, and strengthen clinician confidence in real-world practice.

Presenters: Mark Crawford, PMHNP-BC; Kevin Paschall, PA-C
May be eligible for pharmacology contact hours.

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3033: Pharmacology
3:45pm – 4:30pm Mountain

Achieving Benzodiazepine Withdrawal in Older Adults: Best Practices for Success RN APRN

It is estimated that 9% of adults over 65 continue to be prescribed benzodiazepines (BZD). Chronic use and deprescribing remain clinically challenging. Individualized slow taper, consideration of social conditions, treatment agreements, and therapy supports are presented in a dynamic format.

Presenter: Constance Noll, DNP, MA, PMHNP-BC, CRNP
May be eligible for pharmacology contact hours.

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3034: Education
3:45pm – 4:30pm Mountain

Nursing Faculty Perspectives on the Mental Health of Nursing Students: Implications for Teaching, Learning, and Practice RN APRN

This session examines faculty-identified mental health challenges affecting nursing student progression and retention. Qualitative findings reveal key distress themes and provide practical faculty strategies to support academic success and transition to practice.

Presenter: Patricia Tillman-Meakins, PhD, APRN, ANP-BC

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3035: Depression & Suicidality
3:45pm – 4:30pm Mountain

Interrupting Nurse Suicide Risk: A Lethal Pathway Framework with Implementable System Strategies RN APRN

National data show elevated suicide risk among nurses, yet burnout models miss suicide-specific mechanisms. This session presents a theory-informed lethal pathway framework and practical strategies to help PMH nurses identify high-risk transitions and implement measurable interventions.

Presenter: Christopher Wojnar, MSN, APNP, PMHNP-BC
Also in Virtual Real-Time.

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3036: Advanced Practice 
3:45pm – 4:30pm Mountain

Implementing Patient-Centered Care to Reduce the Cancellation Rates for a California Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic RN APRN

This session presents an evidence-based QI initiative that reduced psychiatric outpatient no-show rates from 14.5% to 9% using telehealth optimization and structured outreach. Participants will learn scalable system-level strategies to improve access, engagement, and financial sustainability.

Presenter: Charlie Perez, DNP, PMHNP, CCRN

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3037: Workplace Violence
3:45pm – 4:30pm Mountain

Optimizing Behavioral Response Teams: Methods for Kpi Development, Metric Collection, and Program Scaling Across a Multi-hospital System RN

A high-energy session using real-time feedback to explore how to build effective, scalable BRT data-collection systems. Participants learn practical strategies, analyze real documentation challenges, and leave with actionable steps they can apply immediately.

Presenter: Kristina Sorensen, MSN Ed, RN, PMH-BC

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Impact Sessions | 0.75 Contact Hours 

4:45PM – 5:30PM Mountain

3:45PM PT | 6:45PM ET

 

3041: Artificial Intelligence
4:45pm – 5:30pm Mountain

Enhancing Clinical Confidence: The Role of Standardized Patient Simulation in Psychiatric Nursing Education RN APRN

This presentation highlights the use of SP simulation with structured debriefing to strengthen therapeutic communication in PMH nursing education. Simulation provides a safe environment for practice, increasing student confidence, reducing anxiety, and improving readiness for clinical practicums.

Presenter: Kristen Lambert, PhD, RN

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3042: Addictions
4:45pm – 5:30pm Mountain

The Sentinel-NPS Recognition Framework: Designing an Evidence-Based Toolkit for Addiction Nursing Education. RN APRN

Bridge the knowledge gap regarding novel psychoactive substances (NPS) and synthetic street drugs with the Sentinel-NPS Framework. This toolkit equips nurse educators with evidence-based resources to teach independent toxidrome recognition.

Presenter: Frances Hodgkins, EdD, MSN, CNE, NE-BC, PMH-BC, CARN
Also in Virtual Real-Time.

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3043: Pharmacology
4:45pm – 5:30pm Mountain

Co-Managing ADHD and Bipolar Disorder: An Update in Pharmacologic Treatment APRN

This session examines the clinical overlap between ADHD and bipolar disorder and its impact on diagnosis and pharmacologic management. Participants will learn a structured mood-first sequencing approach, reduce risk of medication-induced destabilization, and strengthen evidence-based prescribing.

Presenters: Kristen Munyan, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC; Natalie Jones-Brown, DNP, RN, AGPC-NC, PMHNP-BC
May be eligible for pharmacology contact hours.

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3044: Education
4:45pm – 5:30pm Mountain

Human Flourishing as a Resilience Building Strategy in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Education RN APRN

This session presents an evidence-based remediation model using Human Flourishing and Strengths-Based Nursing to improve therapeutic communication, resilience, and foundational competencies in PMH nursing students through applied examples, ATI data, and interactive skill building.

Presenter: Darlla Thompson, DNP, MHP, PMHNP, FNP-BC

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3045: Depression & Suicidality
4:45pm – 5:30pm Mountain

Nurses’ Experiences of Suicide Loss Survivorship of a Nurse, Friend, or Family Member: Influences, Impact, and Implications RN APRN

This presentation includes an introduction to nurse suicide loss survivorship, the socio-ecological suicide prevention model, and a description of the NURSES Study, i.e., research methods and themes identified via qualitative analysis. Implications for practice and research will be discussed.

Presenters: Ursula Kelly, PhD, APRN, ANP-BC, PMHNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN; Natalie Whitaker, MSN, PMHNP-BC

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3046: Advanced Practice  
4:45pm – 5:30pm Mountain

Using Evidence to Guide Nursing Practice: Two Examples from Our Ketamine Clinic RN APRN

This presentation discusses two published studies conducted at McLean Hospital’s ketamine clinic: effects of ketamine on memory, and a comparison of the efficacy of IV vs IN ketamine in trMDD. Participants will gain an understanding of the research and can utilize the findings to guide treatment.

Presenters: Courtney Miller, RN, ADN, BA, DNP candidate; Paula Bolton, MS, CNP, ANP-BC; Jonathan Foley, RN
Also in Virtual Real-Time.

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3047: Workplace Violence
4:45pm – 5:30pm Mountain

The Trauma We Don’t Name: How Healthcare Systems Re-Traumatize Nurses RN APRN

Nurses often carry unnamed trauma from their work. This interactive session helps participants recognize psychological injury, name moral distress, and apply practical coping strategies that support nurse well-being and safer patient care.

Presenter: Alexandra Green, MBA, BSN, RN

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Connect with Councils & Committees

5:45PM – 6:30PM Mountain

Forge meaningful connections with colleagues around shared interests in PMH nursing– from addictions to safe environments to research & scholarship!

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Product Theater Dinner | No Contact Hours Provided

6:35PM-8:05PM Mountain

More information coming soon!