Wednesday Program

Pre-Conference Deep Dive Sessions | 1.5 Contact Hours

8:00AM-9:30AM Mountain

8:00AM PT | 11:00AM ET

1011: Violence Prevention
8:00am – 9:30am Mountain

Beyond the Code: Transforming Nursing Confidence in Behavioral Health Emergency Management RN APRN

This presentation explores de-escalation curricula and Behavioral Response Team competencies that enhance nurses’ self-efficacy in crisis response. Evidence-based frameworks equip participants to reduce workplace violence and improve staff safety.

Presenters: Alirio Olmedo, DNP, MSN, RN, MICN, CEN; Sonny Okundolor, DNP, PHN, APRN, PMHNP-BC; Maria Capiral, DNP, MSN, RN; LaShonna Jackson-Freeman, PhD, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, PMHNP-BC
Also in Virtual Real-Time.

1012: Special Populations
8:00am – 9:30am Mountain

Infertility and IVF: A Clinical Primer for Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practice RN APRN

This presentation highlights predictable phases of infertility treatment with unique psychological risks. It identifies when depression, anxiety, trauma symptoms, and suicidality may intensify and offers practical, trauma-informed strategies to strengthen psychiatric assessment and safety.

Presenters: Allyce Jones, DNP, MSN, PMHNP-BC, APRN, CNE, NCMP, PMH-C; Joni Lybbert, DNP, PMHNP-BC, APRN

1013: Quality Improvement
8:00am – 9:30am Mountain

Beyond the Basics: Navigating Bias, Comorbidities, and Nuance in Adult ADHD APRN

This interactive clinical presentation prepares PMH-APRNs to accurately identify, comprehensively assess, and effectively treat adult ADHD and its complexities. Attendees gain an evidence-based framework to differentiate overlapping comorbidities, identify malingering, and optimize care.

Presenter: Naomi Myrick, MSN, PMHNP-BC

1014: Practice
8:00am – 9:30am Mountain

Decoding Deprescribing Guidelines: Best Prescribing Practices 2026 RN APRN

A synthesis of the latest deprescribing recommendations for PMH practice will include application to RN and APRN roles, and interaction related to deprescribing experiences and patient needs. Cases integrate processes to use across age, agents, diagnosis, and common interacting medical agents.

Presenter: Joanne Iennaco, PhD, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FAAN, FFNMRCSI, FNYAM
Also in Virtual Real-Time.
May be eligible for pharmacology contact hours.

1015: Addictions/ Substance Use
8:00am – 9:30am Mountain

An Addiction Primer for the Psychiatric Provider RN APRN

This deep-dive session will serve as a crash course on the basics of integrating addiction treatment into psychiatric practice. The course, taught by practicing and certified addiction treatment providers, will provide practical strategies for addressing common issues that arise in practice.

Presenters: Justin Alves, RN, FNP-BC, ACRN, AACRN, CARN, CNE; Megan Hudson, RN, PMHNP-BC; Vanessa Loukas, RN, FNP-BC, CARN-AP; Annie Potter, RN, FNP-BC
May be eligible for pharmacology contact hours.

1016: Artificial Intelligence 
8:00am – 9:30am Mountain

Teaching with AI: Opportunities, Vulnerabilities, and Environmental Realities RN APRN

Explore how generative AI enhances teaching efficiency and creativity while posing ethical, equity, and environmental challenges. This session equips educators with practical, responsible strategies for integrating AI sustainably and protecting the integrity of learning.

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

1017: Child & Adolescent
8:00am – 9:30am Mountain

The Role of the Psychiatric-Mental Health Advanced Practice Nurse in Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder APRN

This interactive presentation explores PMH-APRN scope in diagnosing autism, including use of assessment tools, history-taking, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. It addresses common diagnostic challenges, such as differentiating ASD from co-occurring conditions. Case examples illustrate practical strategies.

Presenter: Renee Nauful, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC

Pre-Conference Power Hour Sessions | 1 Contact Hour

9:40AM – 10:40AM Mountain

9:40AM PT  |  12:40PM ET

1021: Child & Adolescent
9:40am – 10:40am Mountain

Decoding Distress: Child and Adolescent Trauma, ADHD Overlap, and Psychiatric Nursing Well‑Being RN APRN

This presentation discusses the complexities of navigating ADHD and PTSD in the child and adolescent population. Through interactive MI, participants will build upon trauma-informed approaches while experiencing the nuances of being in the seat of the child, parent, and clinician.

Presenters: Haley Duncan, DNP, CRNP, PMHNP-BC; Katie Buys, DNP, MPH, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, CNE
Also in Virtual Real-Time.

1022: Advanced Practice
9:40am – 10:40am Mountain

GLP-1 Receptor Agonist in Psychiatric Care: Navigating Scope and Liability RN APRN

This interactive presentation examines the expanding use of GLP-1 agonists in psychiatric settings and addresses emerging scope, regulatory, and liability concerns for PMHNPs. Participants will analyze prescribing trends and professional standards and explore a framework for collaborative practice.

Presenter: Natasha Carew, DNP, ACNP-BC, PMHNP-BC

1023: Complementary & Alternative Therapy
9:40am – 10:40am Mountain

Psychedelics and Nursing: Past Wisdom, Present Science, Future Healing RN APRN

This thought-provoking session explores the evolving role of psychedelics in treating psychiatric disorders, from ancient spiritual practices to modern clinical care and future psychiatric nursing practice. Participants will gain insight into how these therapies promote healing and reduce suffering.

Presenters: Jeffery Ramirez, PhD, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP, CNE, FIAAN, FAANP, FAAN; Amy Berg, DNP, PMHNP-BC; Carol Kottwitz, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNAP

1024: Integrated Care
9:40am – 10:40am Mountain

Beyond the Prescription Pad: Applying the Biopsychosocial Model to Chronic Pain Management RN APRN

Chronic pain is underrecognized in psychiatric practice — yet PMH nurses are uniquely positioned to help. This presentation applies the biopsychosocial model within an integrated care framework, equipping nurses with behavioral interventions and validated tools for collaborative pain care.

Presenter: Carrie Ann Matyac, DNP, FNP, PMHNP

1025: Addictions/Substance Use
9:40am – 10:40am Mountain

Medetomidine in the Fentanyl Era: Emergence of a Veterinary Sedative as a Novel Adulterant RN APRN

This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of a new emerging adulterant in the fentanyl supply called medetomidine, which is a significant contributor to overdose cases. This substance is 100–200× more potent than xylazine and does not respond to naloxone.

Presenters: Deborah Salani, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, NE-BC; Beatriz Valdes, PhD, APRN, PMHNP-BC, CHSE; Deana Goldin, PhD, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
Also in Virtual Real-Time.
May be eligible for pharmacology contact hours.

1026: Recovery & Resilience
9:40am – 10:40am Mountain

Best Practices in Artificial Intelligence (AI): Strategies for Research & Scholarship in Behavioral Health RN APRN

The rapid growth of AI use has outpaced the development of standardized guidance, particularly in research and scholarship. This session will explore best practices for responsible AI integration, with emphasis on ethical use, data protection, transparency, and the preservation of scholarly rigor.

Presenters: Kelly Kearney, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC; Jamie Zelazny, PhD, MPH, RN; Brandy Mechling, PhD, APRN, PMHCNS-BC, CNE, FNAP; Michaela K Hogan, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, CNE; Kosuke Niitsu, PhD, ARNP, PMHNP-BC

1027: Resilience
9:40am – 10:40am Mountain

Role Plasticity in Addiction Nursing: A Framework for Therapeutic Use of Self, Professional Identity, and Provider Resilience RN APRN

The session connects neuroplasticity, substance use recovery, and provider resilience. Participants will apply brain science to develop practical strategies that enhance recovery-oriented care, reduce burnout, and support sustainable PMH practices throughout the lifespan. Participants will engage in case studies to explore role plasticity.

Presenters: Rosemary Smentkowski, DNP, MSN-Ed, PMHNP-BC, CARN; Queen Henry-Okafor, PhD, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC

Pre-Conference Deep Dive Sessions | 1.5 Contact Hours

10:50AM – 12:20PM Mountain

10:50AM PT  |  1:50PM ET

1031: Workplace Violence
10:50am – 12:20pm Mountain

From Risk to Resilience: Findings and Recommendations From the APNA Restoring Workplace Safety Task Force RN APRN

This presentation will include an interactive panel discussion from APNA’s Restoring Workplace Safety Task Force to address the impact of violence on our PMH nursing community through incorporating existing APNA resources, the PMH Scope and Standards, and evidence-based practices for promoting safety.

Presenters: Kristen Kichefski, DNP, MBA, RN, PMH-BC, NEA-BC; Linda Beeber, PhD, PMHCNS-BC, FAAN

1032: Child & Adolescent
10:50am – 12:20pm Mountain

Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing Boot Camp – Part 1 RN APRN

Part 1 of Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing Boot Camp will address developmental foundations of child and adolescent psychiatric nursing and best practices for the psychiatric assessment of children & adolescents, suicide and safety assessments, crisis management, and clinical case formulation.

Presenters: Jamie Zelazny, PhD, MPH, RN; Jessica M. Gordon, PhD, APRN, CPNP-PC, PMHNP-BC, IMH-E; Isabel Grace Buckingham, MSN, ARNP, PMHNP-BC; Michaela K Hogan, DNP, PMHNP-BC, APRN, CNE
Also in Virtual Real-Time.

1033: Nursing Professional Development
10:50am – 12:20pm Mountain

Help! I’ve Been Named in a Lawsuit…Tales From a Nurse Expert Witness to Safeguard Your Practice From Both the Plaintiff & Defense Perspectives – Part 1 RN APRN

This interactive 2-part workshop provides data regarding increases in malpractice lawsuits against PMHRNs/APRNs in all settings. As an experienced plaintiff and defense expert witness, the presenter will share current malpractice cases, chart errors, risk management strategies, and deposition preparation

Presenter: Mary Moller, PhD(h), DNP, ARNP, APRN, PMHCNS-BC, CPRP, FAAN
Also in Virtual Real-Time.

1034: Practice
10:50am – 12:20pm Mountain

Finding Balance: Stabilization Through MOUD RN APRN

Explore how integrating buprenorphine-based MOUD with harm reduction transforms care for OUD. Learn strategies for patient education, treatment initiation, maintenance monitoring, & follow-up to enhance engagement, reduce relapse and overdose, and promote stabilization in diverse clinical settings.

Presenter: Kayla Cross, MSN, MA, ARNP, PMHNP-BC
May be eligible for pharmacology contact hours.

1035: Recovery & Resilience
10:50am – 12:20pm Mountain

Neuroplasticity in Substance Use Care: From Brain Development and Environmental Drivers to Integrated Treatment and Provider Resilience RN APRN

This session integrates neuroplasticity and environmental determinants to advance a comprehensive understanding of youth substance use and recovery. You’ll explore how brain development, adverse childhood experiences, and social determinants of health interact to shape substance use trajectories, while applying evidence-based nursing, trauma-informed, and systems-level interventions.

Presenters: Susan Caverly, PhD, ARNP; Lee Moore, DNP, MEd. CRNP-PMH, PMHNP-BC, CNE

1036: Violence Prevention
10:50am – 12:20pm Mountain

Getting Ready to Pop the Question: Improving Student Confidence in Assessing Suicidality & Violence RN APRN

This engaging session will discuss an innovative way to support students in learning suicide and violence assessment, safety planning, and reflection. Educators will benefit from learning strategies to establish psychological safety, promote peer feedback, and support debriefing and future growth.

Presenters: JoEllen Schimmels, PhD, DNP, PMHNP-BC; Aparna Kumar, PhD, MSN, MPH, MA, PMHNP-BC; Kristen Holder, DrPH, PMHNP; Kayla Mays, DNP, PMHNP

1037: Special Populations
10:50am – 12:20pm Mountain

Sex Abuse Prevention Through the Lens of Caring Science RN APRN

This interactive presentation will give psychiatric nurses tools to feel comfortable and confident in addressing sexual abuse issues and reduce stress and vicarious trauma. Participants will be introduced to the evidence-based Risk, Need, and Responsivity Model in addressing sex abusers.

Presenter: Joseph Giovannoni, DNP, PMHCNS-BC, APRN-RX

Product Theater Lunch | No Contact Hours Provided

12:25PM-1:55PM Mountain

Sponsored by Johnson & Johnson

Pre-Conference Deep Dive Sessions | 1.5 Contact Hours

2:05PM – 3:35PM Mountain

2:05PM PT  |  5:05PM ET

1041: Safety
2:05pm – 3:35pm Mountain

Rebuilding Safety Culture: Transforming Injury Reduction and BPPE Practices on a Neurobehavioral Unit RN APRN

This Deep Dive reviews a multi-year safety transformation on a pediatric neurobehavioral unit, highlighting injury reduction, decreased restraint use, improved staff retention, and innovations in behavioral PPE. Participants will gain practical, evidence-informed strategies to enhance unit safety.

Presenter: Austin Corsmeier, RN, PhD, CPN

1042: Child & Adolescent
2:05pm – 3:35pm Mountain

Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing Boot Camp – Part 2 RN APRN

This boot camp is designed to strengthen psychiatric nurses in delivering safe, evidence-based mental health care to youth. Participants will leave more confident in their abilities to determine when medication alone or combined treatment is indicated.

Presenters: Jessica Gordon, PhD, APRN, CPNP-PC, PMHNP-BC, IMH-E; Jamie Zelazny, PhD, MPH, RN; Isabel Grace Buckingham, MSN, ARNP, PMHNP-BC; Michaela K. Hogan, DNP, PMHNP-BC, APRN, CNE; Tracee Ridley-Pryor, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC

1043: Private Practice
2:05pm – 3:35pm Mountain

Medical Billing and Coding for the Nurse Practitioner Entrepreneurs APRN

This 90-minute deep dive preconference session is an interactive course designed to expand knowledge of billing and coding for future and current APRN entrepreneurs. APRNs will leave this course with a full understanding of the concepts and apply them immediately to practice.

Presenter: Stacey Molle, ACNS-BC, FNP, PMHNP
Also in Virtual Real-Time.

1044: Psychopharmacology
2:05pm – 3:35pm Mountain

Everything Benzodiazepines: A Comprehensive Update for 2026 APRN

Whether managing long-term treatment or initiating a taper, benzodiazepines can present clinical challenges even for experienced clinicians. This comprehensive update on benzodiazepines will review current prescribing data, newly published research, modern safety recommendations, and the latest strategies for discontinuation.

Presenter: Jeremy Mills, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC
May be eligible for pharmacology contact hours.

1045: Recovery & Resilience
2:05pm – 3:35pm Mountain

Neuroplasticity & Substance Use Recovery: Complex Co-morbidities Impacting Neurobiology and Treatment Choices RN APRN

Integrate neurobiological and resilience-focused approaches to optimize treatment of substance use disorders with co-occurring psychiatric conditions. You’ll examine shared neural pathways and integrated pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic strategies while addressing clinician burnout through neuroplasticity-informed resilience practices to strengthen clinical decision-making, reduce relapse risk, and promote sustainable recovery.

Presenters: Julie B. Perry DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC; Shane Gallagher, DNP, PMHNP-BC
May be eligible for pharmacology contact hours.

1046: Research
2:05pm – 3:35pm Mountain

Beyond Words: Creative and Arts-Based Research Approaches for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing RN APRN

This fun and interactive workshop introduces arts-based approaches for PMH nursing research. Participants will learn to collect, analyze, and disseminate art as a form of data, and will leave with practical facilitation experience, an individualized implementation plan, and a collection of artwork.

Presenter: Brianna Jackson, PhD, MScN, RN, CPMHN(C)

1047: Nursing Professional Development
2:05pm – 3:35pm Mountain

I think I have Autism. Oh, & RSD & Misophonia! Can You Help Me? Exploring Internet Self-Diagnosis & Non-DSM Language RN APRN

This presentation will discuss how the internet and social media influences patients to self-diagnose and treat mental health conditions. We will discuss how to assess and engage these patients, and define various terms used to identify mental health symptoms not traditionally taught in psychiatry.

Presenter: Sara Jones, PhD, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN
Also in Virtual Real-Time.

Pre-Conference Power Hour Sessions | 1 Contact Hour

3:45PM – 4:45PM Mountain

3:45PM PT  |  6:45PM ET

1051: Resilience
3:45pm – 4:45pm Mountain

Meaning Making Before, During, & After Moral Injury Associated with a Patient Safety Incident RN APRN

Participants in this workshop will explore the growing body of evidence describing moral injury in healthcare, especially in nurses after involvement with a medical error. Empirical evidence describing the role of meaning-making in life and work will be explored as a critical element of healing.

Presenter: Mady Stovall, PhD, ANP-BC, PMHNP-BC

1052: Research
3:45pm – 4:45pm Mountain

Promoting Health and Well-Being in ADHD: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review of Psychosocial Resources and Coping Strategies Across the Lifespan RN APRN

Move beyond the pathological model. Review evidence on the key psychosocial resources and coping strategies that promote positive outcomes in people with ADHD across the lifespan. Participants will leave with a novel, evidence-informed conceptual framework for nursing research and practice in ADHD.

Presenter: Taylor Bellfield, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Also in Virtual Real-Time.

1053: Advanced Practice
3:45pm – 4:45pm Mountain

Artificial Intelligence in Psychiatric Documentation: Ethical and Legal Considerations RN APRN

This interactive presentation examines the growing use of AI-assisted documentation in psychiatric care. It explores ethics, HIPAA compliance, documentation accuracy, and accountability, and presents practical safeguards to support responsible, compliant use of AI in psychiatric nursing practice.

Presenter: Natasha Carew, DNP, ACNP-BC, PMHNP-BC

1054: Outpatient
3:45pm – 4:45pm Mountain

Do No Harm: A Safer Approach to Deprescribing Antidepressants APRN

This presentation reviews antidepressant withdrawal, highlighting patient experiences. It differentiates withdrawal from relapse and introduces hyperbolic tapering—an emerging method which can reduce withdrawal intensity and support safer discontinuation of these medications.

Presenter: Lisa Patterson, DNP, APRN, PNP-PC
May be eligible for pharmacology contact hours.

1055: Addictions/Substance Use
3:45pm – 4:45pm Mountain

Treating Stimulant Use Disorders: Where to Start RN APRN

This session provides a practical overview of stimulant use disorders in psychiatric settings. Topics include management of overamping and stimulant-induced psychosis, evidence-based medications for cocaine and methamphetamine use disorders, and strategies to promote patient safety.

Presenters: Megan Hudson, MSN, PMHNP-BC; Justin Alves, MSN, FNP-BC, ACRN, CARN, CNE; Ogo George, MSN, PMHNP; D’Arcy Gebert, MSN, PMHNP
Also in Virtual Real-Time.
May be eligible for pharmacology contact hours.

1056: Graduate Education
3:45pm – 4:45pm Mountain

Creating and Sustaining a PMH-APRN Fellowship APRN

This presentation explores the APRN Fellowship model and its benefits in addressing practice and knowledge gaps of new graduates entering the mental health nursing field. It will explore the components and creation/sustainability of a Fellowship with the goal of graduating independent practitioners.

Presenter: Catherine Shull, PMHNP-BC

1057: Artificial Intelligence
3:45pm – 4:45pm Mountain

AI-Enhanced Suicide Risk Assessment Simulation: Developing Clinical Judgment and Therapeutic Communication Skills in Undergraduate Nursing Students RN APRN

This interactive 60-minute session demonstrates how AI-enhanced clinical simulation can strengthen competency-based education in PMH nursing. Participants will observe a live AI patient interaction, review outcome data, and explore practical strategies for implementation in their own programs.

Presenter: Phillip Olla, PhD

Pre-Conference Deep Dive Sessions | 1.5 Contact Hours

4:55PM – 6:25PM Mountain

4:55PM PT  |  7:55PM ET

1061: Forensic
4:55pm – 6:25pm Mountain

Fight the New Drug: Pornography’s Impact on Child Abuse RN APRN

Faced with a world of sexualized images young teens require protection and screening for abuse as many will view pornography when as young as 10. Offenders often use technology to groom and normalize behaviors that parents and educators may have feared speaking about unless trained to do so.

Presenter: Anne Troy, FNP-BC

1062: Women’s Health
4:55pm – 6:25pm Mountain

Nobody Asked About Her Hormones: Closing the Perimenopausal Gap in Psychiatric Nursing Practice RN APRN

Perimenopause is hiding in your psychiatric caseload. This workshop dismantles five myths that delay diagnosis and equips RNs and PMHNPs with practical tools to finally integrate hormonal health into women’s psychiatric care.

Presenter: Erica Ramey, PhD, DNP, PMHNP-BC
Also in Virtual Real-Time.

1063: Advanced Practice
4:55pm – 6:25pm Mountain

Beyond the Prescription Pad: Integrating Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Into Medication Visits APRN

What if your medication visits could do more? Learn how to integrate Solution-Focused Brief Therapy into brief psychiatric medication appointments to boost engagement and outcomes. Through case studies and hands-on practice, gain skills you can use immediately.

Presenters: Blaine Winters, DNP, PMHNP-BC; Julianne Williams, Student Nurse; Emma Gilbert, Student Nurse; Kylie Phillips, Student Nurse; Lauren Toronto, Student Nurse

1064: Psychopharmacology
4:55pm – 6:25pm Mountain

Prescribing with Protection: Legal Awareness and Documentation Tips for PMHAPRNs in Psychopharmacology APRN

Explore real-life malpractice and State Board actions, review legal pitfalls in psychopharmacology and prescribing, plus documentation best practices to help you protect your license.

Presenter: Jared Vega, JD, PMHNP-BC
May be eligible for pharmacology contact hours.

1065: Addictions/Substance Use
4:55pm – 6:25pm Mountain

Rethinking Risk: Harm Reduction as Essential Psychiatric Nursing Practice RN APRN

Join us to explore harm reduction in PMH nursing. A year in review of our collaborative bimonthly event serving high-risk, underserved community members & discuss challenges, successes, outcomes, and opportunities to implement these principles in diverse settings.

Presenter: Kayla Cross, MSN, MA, ARNP, PMHNP-BC

1066: Resilience
4:55pm – 6:25pm Mountain

Resiliency as Parenting Adults with Developmental/Intellectual Disabilities RN APRN

This interactive presentation will provide the opportunity for psychiatric-mental health nurses to experience a research project about the lived experiences of parenting adult children with DD/ID and critically think about ways to care and advocate for this population within our current health care system.

Presenter: Siri GuruNam Khalsa, PHD, MSN, RN, CNE

1067: Artificial Intelligence
4:55pm – 6:25pm Mountain

Human Judgment in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Advanced Practice Nurses Shaping the Future of Mental Health Care RN APRN

This session explores the role of APNs in guiding the ethical and equitable use of artificial intelligence in mental health care. Participants will explore clinical applications, potential risks, and strategies to maintain human judgment and therapeutic relationships in AI-augmented practice.

Presenters: Queen Henry-Okafor, PhD, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC; Matt E. Schroer, DNP, PMHNP-BC; Regina G. Russell, PhD, MA, MEd
Also in Virtual Real-Time.

APNA Welcome & Honors
6:35PM – 7:35PM Mountain
6:35PM PT | 9:35PM 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.
Also in Virtual Real-Time.

Product Theater Dinner | No Contact Hours Provided

7:40PM-9:10PM Mountain

Real Voices, Real Challenges: Exploring the Dimensions of TD Impact and the Importance of Regular Assessment

Presenters: Chelsie Monroe, MSN, APN, PMHNP-BC, and patient
Sponsored by Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.