Saturday Program

Product Theater Breakfast | No Contact Hours Provided
Meal Service: 7:15am- 8:45am
Presentation: 7:45am-8:45am Eastern

Come Learn about Innovations In Schizophrenia
Presenters: Desiree M. Matthews, PMHNP-BC and Hara Oyedeji, PMHNP-BC
Sponsored by Bristol Myers Squibb

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Mini Concurrent Sessions | 0.75 Contact Hours

9:00AM – 9:45AM Eastern

8:00AM CT | 7:00AM PT

 

4011: Advanced Practice
9:00am – 9:45am Eastern

Identifying Patients Appropriate for Ketamine: Key Management Considerations – APRN

Ketamine has emerged as a clinically effective, rapid acting intervention for treatment-resistant depression, but providers lack knowledge of its benefits and risks. Psychiatric nurse practitioners can increase access to this promising and hopeful intervention. Clinical vignettes will illustrate important considerations to make in referring patients for safe and effective care.

Presenter: Emily Criscuolo, BS, RN
This session is eligible for up to .25 pharmacology contact hours.

Treating Trauma-Related Symptoms with Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy: A Program Evaluation – APRN

This presentation provides a synthesis of the current research and evidence for ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and highlights the findings from a program evaluation and analysis of a Tucson-based KAP clinic’s impact on their client’s trauma-related symptoms as measured by pre-and post-treatment PCL-5.

Presenters: Carrie M. Anderson, DNP, PMHNP-BC

Available to virtual attendees.
May be eligible for pharmacology contact hours.

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4012: Resilience
9:00am – 9:45am Eastern

Steps to Safely and Ethically Incorporate Animal-Assisted Therapy into Your Practice – RN APRN

An interactive presentation discussing the latest research in animal-assisted interventions. The presentation will prompt attendees to ask the right questions when considering animal-assisted therapy for their practice with steps specifying how to progress forward if circumstances and conditions are well suited.

Presenter: S. Akeya Harrold, DNP, PMHNP, APRN-BC, C-AAIS

Get In The Game: A Proactive Coach Approach to Supporting Nurses and Patients in Non-Behavioral Health Environments – RN 

Guided by nurse leaders, an interdisciplinary team successfully responded to improve staff satisfaction and promote a workplace safety culture via the pilot of a Behavioral Health (BH) Safety Coach (SC) role for non-BH inpatient units and emergency departments (EDs).

Presenters: Cardina Ross, MSN, PMH-BC, NE-BC; Shannon Jennings, MSN, RN, PMH-BC

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4013: Safety
9:00am – 9:45am Eastern

Connecting Patient Needs to Appropriate Interventions: A Pilot Study of the Dynamic Appraisal of Situational Aggression (DASA) – RN 

Safety events can arise form patients who have increased risk for aggressive behaviors. The Dynamic Appraisal of Situational Aggression (DASA) is an evidence-based tool for predicting aggressive behaviors in patients. Our presentation describes a quality improvement project to increase nurse’s implementation of the DASA in reduction of patient safety events.

Presenters: John D. Hensley, BSN, RN; James Barnes, MSN, RN, NE-BC

Long-Acting Antipsychotic Medications Compared to Orals: Making Connections Between Treatment Adherence and Healthcare Utilization Outcomes for People with Schizophrenia Who are Medicaid Beneficiaries – RN APRN

People living with schizophrenia often have poor treatment adherence leading to poor treatment outcomes and associated healthcare costs. Long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotic medications are shown to improve treatment adherence. Our presentation will share the results of a study assessing healthcare utilization and treatment outcomes by comparing LAIs to orals.

Presenters: Tianyi Wang, MS, PhD candidate; Chizimuzo T.C. Okoli, PhD, MPH, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FAAN

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4014: Undergraduate Education
9:00am – 9:45am Eastern

Implementing an Interdisciplinary Addiction Fellowship Training Program for PMHNPs at an Urban Academic Medical Center –  APRN

This presentation introduces a model for a postgraduate PMHNP fellowship to prepare new clinicians for practice across multiple addiction treatment settings. Utilizing the Benner’s novice to expert theory, fellows and faculty experiences will be evaluated in a modified CFIR framework to identify facilitating factors or barriers implementation.

Presenter: Shane Gallagher, DNP, PMHNP-BC

Step-by-Step Psychiatric Assessment Interviewing: Connecting the Dots for Student Competency – RN APRN

The new AACN essentials for professional nursing education requires a transition to competency-based education. Participants will leave this presentation with the ability to implement a system of instruction and evaluation that prepares PMHNP students to conduct psychiatric assessment interviews in a step-by-step fashion..

Presenters: Andrew Makowski, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC; Julie Perry, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC

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4015: Practice
9:00am – 9:45am Eastern

Canine-Assisted Intervention in the Inpatient Psychiatric Hospital Setting: What Is Staff’s Perception of the Benefits of Pet Therapy – RN 

This presentation introduces the development of a pet therapy program on an inpatient psychiatric unit, exploring strategies for gaining administration approval, and navigating policies and adherence to infection control practices.

Presenter: Michelle L. Geiss, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC; Shelby L. Whaley, DNP(c), BSN, RN

Emergency Response Training for Psychiatric Nurses and Mental Health Technicians – RN APRN

This presentation reviews the implementation of simulation based training for responding to medical emergencies by psychiatric nurses to address the target opportunities in addressing psychiatric nursing skill, confidence and attitude in responding to medical emergencies.

Presenters: Kateleen Collins, RN, BSN; Natalie Ramirez, BSN, RN-BC
Available to virtual livestream attendees.

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4016: Vulnerable Populations
9:00am – 9:45am Eastern

Increased Nurse Satisfaction and Patient Engagement Associated with Using an Age-Friendly Toolkit to Manage Behavioral and Psychological Disturbances in Older Hospitalized Veterans – RN 

Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) and often delirium in older hospitalized adults can negatively impact patients’ outcomes. Nonpharmacological approaches can be effective in managing behavior in such patients. An overview of VA Boston Healthcare System’s Age-Friendly Toolkit (AFT) items, implementation, and evaluation will be featured.

Presenter: Jennifer E. Moyer, MSN, RN, SANE

Identifying Post-Stroke Depression in Patients with Aphasia: A Program Plan for Evidence-Based Screening – RN APRN

This interactive, gripping presentation shines a spotlight on a vulnerable population who lacks the voice to advocate for themselves: aphasic stroke survivors. We will discuss the high prevalence of depression in aphasic patients and the necessity of utilizing non-language-based tools in the screening of post-stroke depression in this neglected population.

Presenter: Jack Y. Lagrone, DNP/PMHNP-S, RN-C

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4017: Interprofessional Education
9:00am – 9:45am Eastern

Improving Healthcare Through Interprofessional Education in Substance Use Disorder and Addiction: A Scoping Review – RN APRN

This presentation delves into the effectiveness and challenges of Interprofessional Education (IPE) in addressing substance use disorders (SUD) and addiction in medical and nursing programs. It synthesizes current research, highlighting gaps in curricula and proposing strategies to enhance IPE, aiming to improve holistic patient care in these critical areas.

Presenters: Dawn Goldstein, PhD, RN, PMHNP-BC

Addressing Biases Against Alcohol Use Disorders in Hospital Systems: Inclusive Optimization of Electronic Health Record (EHR) Systems for Addiction Screening – RN 

This presentation will foster the opportunity to discuss an integration of a comprehensive alcohol addiction screening tool into EHR systems. A modernized screening form can enhance the quality of care for individuals with alcohol use disorders (AUDs) by providing quicker diagnosis, earlier detection, and supplemental decision-based tools, leading to improved care.

Presenter: Samantha Knight, RN

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Concurrent Sessions | 0.75 Contact Hours
10:00AM – 10:45AM Eastern
9:00AM CT | 8:00AM PT

4021: Clinical Practice
10:00am – 10:45am Eastern
Using Measurement Instruments in Psychiatric Evaluation to Improve Clinical Practice – RN APRN

This presentation will summarize how to assess the validity and reliability of an instrument to use in clinical practice and how to obtain instruments appropriate for diverse groups.

Presenter: Christine A. Williamitis, PhD, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC, ACNP-BC

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4022: Simulation
10:00am – 10:45am Eastern
High Fidelity, Low Anxiety: A Scaffolded Comprehensive Simulation Curriculum to Prepare PMHNP Students for Clinical and Practice – APRN

A scaffolded simulation curriculum integrated across a PMHNP program, to prepare students for clinical in a CBE framework, will be presented. Micro-resiliency skills to reduce anxiety around simulation and the comprehensive preparation of “ready to practice” PMHNPs are included. Audience engagement will be encouraged via polling and discussion.

Presenters: Karen Corcoran, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, CHSE; Kathryn Phillips, PhD, APRN; Danielle Conklin, DNP, NP-P, PMHNP-BC

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4023: Outpatient
10:00am – 10:45am Eastern

Nursing Role in Child and Adolescent Outpatient Psychiatry: Perspectives of Nurses Working in This Practice Environment – RN APRN

This interactive scientific presentation will inform you of the latest Canadian mental health research about the nursing role in child and adolescent outpatient psychiatry from the nurses’ perspectives. By providing a common definition of the nursing role, the participant will reflect on the transferability of it in the American context.

Presenter: Imane Hani, RN, MSN (Student)

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4024: Graduate Education
10:00am – 10:45am Eastern

Continuous Quality Improvement in PMHNP Education: Using a QI Process to Refine a Psychopharmacology Assignment – RN APRN

Faculty observed that students did not perform as expected on an assignment for a PMHNP psychopharmacology course involving critical analysis, synthesis, and application of published literature. We conducted a QI project using student focus groups to revise the assignment for the next cohort. Student grade distribution improved after the revision.

Presenters: Lyons Hardy, MSN, PMHNP

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4026: Special Populations
10:00am – 10:45am Eastern

Delirium in the Hospitalized Elderly Patient: Best Practices and Prevention – RN APRN

Delirium, a potentially life-threatening medical condition and distinguished from dementia, may be under-recognized with the potential to significantly increase mortality and healthcare cost-burdens among the frail hospitalized elderly. Measurement tools for identification, pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic approaches, and nurse-centric strategies for prevention will be presented with implications for performance improvements.

Presenter: Constance Noll, DNP, MA, CRNP, PMHNP-BC
Available to virtual livestream attendees.

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4027: Recovery Tools
10:00am – 10:45am Eastern

Psychometric Properties of the Positive and Adverse Childhood Experiences Survey (PACES) in Clients with Opioid Use Disorder – RN APRN

This interactive presentation will discuss the current state of trauma-informed care and introduce the psychometric evaluation of a new screening tool, the Positive and Adverse Childhood Experiences Survey (PACES), designed to improve the experience of assessing trauma by identifying protective factors that may lead to enhanced resilience.

Presenters: Linda Driscoll Powers, BSN, RN; Kerry Peterson, PhD, DNP, PMHCNS-BC, PMHNP-BC
Available to virtual livestream attendees.

Concurrent Sessions |  0.75 Contact Hours

11:00AM – 11:45AM Eastern

10:00AM CT | 9:00AM PT

 

4031: Clinical Practice / Pharmacology
11:00am – 11:45am Eastern

The Risks of Anticholinergic Burden in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: Tips for Practice  – RN APRN
This presentation reviews anticholinergic burden, its prevalence in schizophrenia spectrum disorder populations, and its negative impacts on cognitive ability and quality of life. Participants will gain the knowledge to identify anticholinergic side effects, understand their risks in individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and screen for them in everyday practice.

Presenter: Jeremy Mills, DNP, PMHNP-BC
Available to virtual attendees.
This session is eligible for up to 0.75 pharmacology contact hours.

 

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4032: Simulation
11:00am – 11:45am Eastern

Use of Virtual Standardized Patient Simulations to Teach Psychotherapy to Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Students–An Outcome Evaluation of Changes in Knowledge, Skills, Confidence and Therapeutic Communication – APRN
This presentation introduces an innovative teaching methodology to develop PMHNP students’ use of psychotherapy. The outcomes of a pilot implementation will be presented illustrating changes in students’ knowledge, skills, confidence, and therapeutic communication. Use of virtual standardized patient stimulations is a promising method to teach psychotherapy in online PMHNP programs.

Presenter: Anne L. Thatcher, DNP, MSW, APRN, PMHNP-BC, LMSW

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4033: Outpatient
11:00am – 11:45am Eastern

In This Crisis Together: Practice Data Describing the Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist Role – RN APRN
This presentation will provide in-depth data from a 2021 survey describing how advanced practice nurses are addressing the child mental health crisis in primary care settings. Informal polling will be offered to engage attendees and assess awareness of primary care practice for developmental, behavioral, and mental health (DBMH) screening, diagnosis, management, and referrals.

Presenters: Lillian Adele Foerster, MSN, APRN, CPNP-PC, ICE-CCP; Scott David Meskimen, MSN, CPNP-PC, PMHS

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4034: Graduate Education
11:00am – 11:45am Eastern

Connecting the Dots: How One Department in an Academic Medical System Improved Access to Mental Health Care Through Development of a Coordinated Clinical Training Program – RN APRN

This presentation examines barriers to psychiatric nurse practitioner training and strategies for overcoming those barriers to improve access to high-quality mental health care. We will discuss how the right training at the right time enhances both student and preceptor experiences and better prepares graduates for successful transition to practice.

Presenters: Laura Kelliher, MA, MSN, APRN, CPNP-PC, PMHNP-BC; Debra Fournier, MHCDS, MSN, APRN, ANP-BC, PMHNP-BCBC

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4035: Professional Practice
11:00am – 11:45am Eastern

Creating a Safe Space through Intentional Presence and Mindfulness – RN APRN

This interactive, lively presentation presents the opportunity to define, discuss, and develop a safe-space example utilizing mindfulness and intentional presence language/techniques defined within the presentation. The participant will leave with an improved understanding of mindfulness and intentional presence, and examples on how to create a safe space for clients.

Presenter: Bethanie M. Simmons-Becil, DNP, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, APHN-BC

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4036: Special Populations
11:00am – 11:45am Eastern

Navigating Healing Paths – Evidence-Based Treatments for Sexual Assault Survivors – RN APRN
This presentation addresses evidence-based treatments for trauma-induced PTSD in sexual assault victims, equipping nurses with updated knowledge. Supported by psychotherapies, complementary interventions, and pharmacological treatments, the session emphasizes mental health nurses’ pivotal role in fostering individual recovery and enhancing community well-being impacted by sexual violence.

Presenter: Leslie W. Miles, DNP, PMHNP-BC
Available to virtual attendees

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4037: Recovery Tools
11:00am – 11:45am Eastern

The Modified Behavioral Health Care Competency Scale: A Connection Tool to Promote More Integration Between Practice, Education, & Research – RN APRN

In this interactive session, participants will have the opportunity to take the modified Behavioral Health Care Competency (Rutledge, et al, 2012; Tice, 2020) tool and evaluate how this reliable and validated competency tool might be used to improve connections between practice, education, and research in their settings.

Presenter: Maria M. Tice, PhD, RN, PHN, CNE; Valerye N. Peterson, Student

Concurrent Sessions | 0.75 Contact Hours

12:00PM – 12:45PM Eastern

11:00AM CT | 10:00AM PT 

 

4041: Clinical Practice / Pharmacology
12:00pm – 12:45pm Eastern

What’s in Your Toolbox for the Management of Increased Body Mass Index in Patients Taking Psychotropic Medications? – RN APRN
This presentation introduces a “toolbox” approach that can be used by psychiatric nurses and nurse practitioners to prevent and manage weight gain in patients with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression who are at risk for weight gain related to the use of psychotropic medications.

Presenters: Blaine A. Winters, DNP, ACNP-BC, PMHNP-BC; Neil Peterson, PhD, RN, FNP-C, AGACNP-BC; Audrey Eyring, SN; McKenzie Stones, SN; Chloe Clark, SN
This session is eligible for up to 0.75 pharmacology contact hours.
Available to virtual attendees.

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4042: Simulation
12:00pm – 12:45pm Eastern

Innovative Interprofessional Simulation Project in Integrated Behavioral Health Care – RN APRN
This presentation introduces an innovative educational simulation project for psychiatric mental health and family nurse practitioner students, and behavioral health provider students, on implementing integrated behavioral health care in a virtual setting. The participant will understand the outcomes of this project and strategies to implement similar education projects.

Presenter: Therese L. Mathews, PhD, APRN-NP; Margaret R. Emerson, DNP, PMHNP

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4044: Graduate Education
12:00pm – 12:45pm Eastern

Trauma-Informed Care in PMHNP Curricula: Developing a National Toolkit for Educators – APRN
In this interactive presentation, we will share our work-to-date on a HRSA-funded project centered on supporting PMHNP student competencies to deliver trauma-informed care and will include a national toolkit for educators. We will provide examples of multi-faceted curricular innovations and elicit audience feedback to guide toolkit development before its launch.

Presenters: Susan W. Blaakman, PhD, RN, PMHNP-BC, FNAP, FAAN
Available to virtual attendees.

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4045: Professional Practice
12:00pm – 12:45pm Eastern

Preparing Nurses for the Complexities of Practice: A Mental Health Training Program – RN APRN
“Tools of Engagement: Mental Health, Communication, and Longevity in Nursing” (TOE) is a visionary initiative created to address some of the profound challenges facing the nursing profession. This presentation provides an overview of the five TOE modules, their associated experiential learning activity, and preliminary program evaluation results.

Presenter: Kerry Peterson, PhD, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FAANP

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4046: Special Populations
12:00pm – 12:45pm Eastern

Ethnicity Transition Time Span, Social Support, Coping and Mental Health Outcomes in Latino Immigrant College Students: An Observational Study – RN APRN

This presentation introduces a research study using an adaptive version of Meleis and Colleagues Transition Theoretical Framework to understand how situational transitions such as ethnicity, transition time span (time spent in college), and environmental conditions (social support) affect coping behaviors and mental health outcomes in Latino immigrant college students.

Presenters: Karen Massiah, PhD, RN

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4047: Recovery Tools
12:00pm – 12:45pm Eastern

Connecting Emergency Department Providers to a Novel Training Modality to Address Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT): Using Computer-Based Scenario Training – RN APRN
Substance use disorders (SUD) are prevalent among patients presenting to the emergency department (ED). Training ED healthcare providers in screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) is crucial to address this problem. Our presentation describes the evaluation of a novel computer-based SBIRT training for ED healthcare providers.

Presenters: Stephanie Kehler, PhD, RN, CHSE, SANE; Bassema Abufarsakh, PhD, MSN, RN, NCTTP; Sarret Seng, BA, BSN, RN

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Product Theater Lunch | No Contact Hours Provided

1:00PM – 2:30PM Eastern 

What Makes it PTSD? Breaking Down Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Sponsored by Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. and Lundbeck
Presenters: Rodger Rivera DNP, FNP, PMHNP and Desiree Matthews, PMHNP-BC
Available to virtual attendees.

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Annual Meeting & Town Hall 

2:45PM – 3:45PM Eastern 

1:45PM CT | 12:45 PM PT 

Hear about APNA’s past year, present status, and future goals. During the Town Hall, take advantage of the exclusive opportunity to speak directly to the APNA Board of Directors to help inform the direction of your organization and ensure that APNA meets your needs.
Available to virtual attendees.

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APNA reserves the right to make program changes as necessary and the right to cancel sessions if minimum enrollment has not been met or events occur beyond reasonable control of APNA.