Skip to Main Content
APNA Conference Web Banner Smaller Text

Virtual Livestream Program

Wednesday Thursday  |  FridaySaturday


Full In-Person Program

As a virtual livestream attendee, you’ll:

  • Select one of two livestream session options for each time block, earning up to 20+ contact hours for the live event
  • Use the chat feature to ask speakers questions and connect with fellow virtual attendees.
  • Browse and evaluate poster presentations in the online poster gallery.
  • 2-3 months after the conference, access podcast recordings of the sessions presented on the days for which you registered. Earn up to 90+ more contact hours for these sessions until September 30, 2026.

Note: Virtual livestream package does not include access to industry-sponsored product theaters. Poster presentations will not be available on demand after the live conference.

Wednesday, October 15

Pre-Conference Sessions | 2 Contact Hours
8:15AM-10:15AM Central
6:15AM PT | 9:15AM ET

 

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


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


Pre-Conference Sessions | 2 Contact Hours
10:25AM – 12:25PM Central
8:25AM PT  |  11:25AM ET

 

 

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


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


Pre-Conference Add-on Sessions | 2 Contact Hours
2:10PM – 4:10PM Central
12:10PM PT  |  3:10PM ET

 

1032: Integrated Physical & Mental Health Care
2:10pm – 4:10pm Central

Masters of Disguise: Considering Medical Mimickers in the Differential l – RN APRN

Join this interactive session to explore the overlap between medical and psychiatric symptoms. Through case studies and collaboration, participants will develop practical skills to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient care by recognizing medical mimickers in their differential diagnosis.

Presenters: Mark  Crawford, MSN, PMHNP-BC; Leslie Lane, MSN, PMHNP-BC; Alexandra Sietsma, DNP, PMHNP-BC


1037: Pharmacology
2:10pm – 4:10pm Central
Targets of Psychopharmacology: Understanding Neurotransmission, Signal Transduction Cascades and Neuroplasticity – APRN

The field of CNS drug development is experiencing a resurgence, not seen since the approval of SSRIs and atypical antipsychotics. The identification of novel mechanisms of actions, neurotransmitter sub-receptors, among others is rapidly expanding. This knowledge is essential for PMH nurses to selectively treat patients with depressive & psychotic disorders.

Presenters: Laura Leahy, DrNP, APRN, FAANP, FAAN; Mary Ann Nihart, MSN, PMH-CNS, BC
This session is eligible for pharmacology contact hours.


Pre-Conference Sessions | 2 Contact Hours
4:20PM – 6:20PM Central
2:20PM PT  |  5:20PM ET

 

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


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

More Information Coming Soon – RN APRN
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.

Thursday, October 16

President’s Address | 1 Contact Hour
9:00AM – 10:00AM Central
7:00AM PT | 10:00AM ET

Empowered to Innovate and Collaborate: PMH Nurses Shaping Care Excellence – RN APRN

Dr. Joyce Shea is a board-certified advanced practice psychiatric-mental health nurse (APRN) specializing in integrated behavioral and physical health care. She is Professor Emerita at Fairfield University’s Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies. Having previously served for 5 years as Secretary on the Board of Directors for the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, she stepped into the role of President for this premier psychiatric nursing organization as of October 2024. Dr. Shea also recently co-chaired the national Task Force for revising the Scope and Standards of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Practice and has received over $6 million in HRSA funding, with the most recent grant focusing on telehealth care and inter-professional practice. She has been inducted as a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing.

Presenter: Joyce M. Shea, DNSc, APRN, PMHCNS-BC, FAAN


Concurrent Sessions | 0.75 Contact Hours 
10:15AM – 11:00AM Central
8:15AM PT | 11:15AM ET

 

 

2012: Advanced Practice
10:15am – 11:00am Central

Cracking the Code: Mastering Billing and Documentation for PMHNP Practice Success – APRN

This presentation equips PMHNPs with essential billing and coding knowledge, focusing on E&M codes, psychotherapy add-ons, and AMA guidelines. Through case examples, audio-video pearls, and interactive discussions, participants will gain practical strategies to enhance documentation, optimize reimbursement, and ensure compliance for sustainable, high-quality mental health care delivery.

Presenters: Gabrielle P. Abelard, DNP, APRN-BC, FNAP, FAAN


2016: Women’s Health
10:15am – 11:00am Central

Impact of Hormonal Fluctuations on ADHD Symptom Severity in Women: Bridging the Knowledge Gap to Improve Mental Health Outcomes – RN APRN

The relationship between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptom severity and hormonal fluctuations (during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy/postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause) in women remains underexplored. ADHD-women are disproportionately affected by hormonal fluctuations, intensifying ADHD symptoms and increasing vulnerability for mood disorders and suicide. Understanding this relationship is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Presenter: Brynne Calleran, MSN, MFA, RN, PMH-BC, NE-BC, NI-BC


Concurrent Sessions |  0.75 Contact Hours
11:15AM – 12:00PM Central
9:15AM PT | 12:15PM ET

 

2022: Advanced Practice
11:15am – 12:00pm Central

From Clinical to CEO: What NP School didn’t Teach you about Business, Marketing, and Private Practice Success – APRN

This session will explore effective marketing strategies for psychiatric nurse practitioners in private practice. Using real case studies, we’ll highlight referral-based marketing, pricing strategies, and business growth techniques. Participants will gain actionable insights to attract patients, optimize operations, and increase profitability—without relying on expensive paid ads or hiring a team.

Presenters: Alysha Woods, MSN, PMHNP-BC; Hannah Hoffman, BA


2023: Child & Adolescent
11:15am – 12:00pm Central

Smartphone Use Among Adolescents: Implications for Mental Health and PMHNP – RN APRN

This session explores the impact of smartphone use on adolescent mental health, including its links to anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. Participants will learn evidence-based screening tools, clinical interventions, and psychoeducation strategies to address problematic smartphone use in practice. Interactive discussions and case-based learning will enhance practical application for PMHNPs.

Presenter: Antonella V. Grana, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, CPNP


Concurrent Sessions | 0.75 Contact Hours
4:30PM – 5:15PM Central
2:30PM PT | 5:30PM ET

2032: Pharmacology
4:30pm – 5:15pm Central

Safer Than You Think: Making Varenicline a First-Line Choice for Smoking Cessation – RN APRN

This session explores the safety and efficacy of varenicline, our most effective option for smoking cessation, while addressing misconceptions and outdated concerns about psychiatric risks. Participants will learn how to educate patients on varenicline’s benefits, empowering prescribers and non-prescribers alike to support informed treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes.

Presenter: Jeremy Mills, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC
This session is eligible for pharmacology contact hours.


2037: Safety
4:30pm – 5:15pm Central

Empowering Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Safety: The Impact of Using Post-Assault Surveys in Psychiatric Settings – RN APRN

This presentation addresses the use of post-assault surveys in psychiatric settings to empower PMH through understanding staff needs and feedback following assault. We will cover post-assault survey components and share findings through data, and discuss its impact on understanding psychiatric-mental health nursing needs following assault.

Presenters: Charles Kevin Bryant, DNP, RN; Thomas Pettrey, MHA


Concurrent Sessions | 0.75 Contact Hours
5:30PM – 6:15PM Central
3:30PM PT | 6:30PM ET

 

2042: Pharmacology
5:30pm – 6:15pm Central

Clozapine: The Most Dangerous Thing About Using Clozeril is Not Using ItRN APRN

The field of CNS drug development is experiencing a resurgence, not seen since the approval of SSRIs and atypical antipsychotics. The identification of novel mechanisms of actions, neurotransmitter sub-receptors, among others is rapidly expanding. This knowledge is essential for PMH nurses to selectively treat patients with depressive & psychotic disorders.

Presenters: Laurie John Mackenzie, DNP FNP MAOL RN; Anita Catlin, PhD, FNP, CNL, FAAN
This session is eligible for pharmacology contact hours.


2047: Safety
5:30pm – 6:15pm Central

Beyond Sedation: Advancing Agitation Management to Protect Patients, Prevent Staff Injury, and Support Clinical Teams – RN APRN

This session explores optimized management strategies for dementia-related agitation in hospitalized patients. It balances pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to ensure patient safety and prevent staff injury. Through case studies and interactive discussions, participants will learn to apply evidence-based de-escalation techniques, judiciously use medications, and enhance interdisciplinary collaboration.

Presenters:  Kristina Isabella Asamsama, MSN, BSN, RN, PMHNP-BC; Brianna N. Swanson, MSN, BSN, RN, PMHNP-BC


Mini Concurrent Sessions | 0.75 Contact Hours
6:30PM – 7:15PM Central
4:30PM PT | 7:30PM ET

 

 

2051: Inpatient
6:30pm – 7:15pm Central

Take a Breath: Implementation of Box Breathing as an Evidenced-Based Intervention to Reduce PRN Anxiolytic Use for Adults in an Inpatient Psychiatric SettingRN

This presentation explores the implementation of Box Breathing, an evidence-based mindfulness technique, to reduce PRN anxiolytic use in an inpatient psychiatric unit. Learn how this non-pharmacological intervention empowers nurses, fosters patient self-regulation, and enhances care, ultimately improving anxiety management and promoting recovery in psychiatric settings.

Presenter:  Kateleen Collins, BSN, RN

Paws at My Feet: Integrating Facility-Based Psychiatric Service Dogs into Nursing PracticeRN APRN

There is confusion over the roles, training, credentialing, legal standards, safety, and practice impact of having animals in the workplace. The use of world class psychiatric service dogs by educated psychiatric nurses yields benefits to the patients. More research is needed to support continued integration into nursing practice.

Presenters:  Laura A. Curtis, MSN, PMHCNS-BC, PMHNP-BC


2053: Psychotherapy
6:30pm – 7:15pm Central

Competency Based Psychotherapy Training for the PMHNP: Psychotherapy, the 4th “P”APRN

This presentation provides innovative strategies to teach psychotherapy in a PMHNP curriculum. Participants will leave with clear examples of mapping the essentials and core competencies into a CBE program for PMHNPs. Tools for simulation competency evaluation will be shared.

Presenters:  Lisa Alberts, DNP, APRN, ANP-BC, PMHNP-BC; Dawn Shepard, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C, AGNP-C

Preserving “The Heart” of the PMHNP Role: An Innovative and Collaborative Approach to Teaching Psychotherapy to the Advanced Practice PMHNP
APRN

This presentation will review the trajectory of the PMHNP role as it relates to psychotherapy, discuss three general models that nursing schools are using to teach psychotherapy, and describe the collaborative, interdisciplinary model used at the University of Maryland.

Presenters:  Megan Rosenblatt, DPC, LCSW-C; Sara Robinson, DNP, RN, PMHNP-BC

Friday, October 17

Keynote Presentation | 1 Contact Hour
9:00AM – 10:00AM Central 
7:00AM PT | 10:00AM ET

The Power of OneRN APRN

This dynamic program offers real solutions to the struggle of how to keep the patient first despite limited time and other practical constraints. By weaving her remarkable journey with potent life-lessons, Massari will highlight the integral nature of person-centered care and how nurses lead the way in changing the system and achieving care excellence. Massari offers a sincere and direct approach with applicable tools for managing change, adversity, and the everyday challenges of being human.

Presenter: Allison Massari


Mini Concurrent Sessions | 0.75 Contact Hours 
12:05PM – 12:50PM Central
10:05AM PT | 1:05PM ET

 

3012: Community Care
12:05pm – 12:50pm Central

Take It to the Streets: Meeting Patients Where They Are When They Are ReadyRN APRN

This presentation illustrates the benefits of instituting a Mobile Integrated Health program to address unmet medical, psychiatric, and social needs of unhoused persons. Realized benefits of improved patient health outcomes, reduction of unnecessary medical spending, and reduction of costly emergency department visits were the products of this program.

Presenter:  Rebecca J. Lagger-Dyar, FNP-BC

Bridging the Gap: Advancing Mental Health in Rural CommunitiesRN APRN

Addressing mental health in rural communities requires a multifaceted approach that considers social determinants, healthcare access, and innovative intervention strategies. This presentation will explore the intersection of psychiatric-mental health and rural healthcare disparities. Discussion will include challenges faced by individuals living in rural areas and solutions to increase services.

Presenter:  Marian L. Farrell, PhD, PMHNP-BC, PMHCNS-BC, CRNP


3015: RN Practice
12:05pm – 12:50pm Central

Enhancing Quality of Psychiatric Inpatient Care Through Nursing-Driven Protocols: Innovations in Tobacco Use Disorder and Metabolic ScreeningRN

This session explores the impact of nurse-driven protocols on psychiatric inpatient care, focusing on metabolic screening for patients on antipsychotics and tobacco use disorder treatment. Participants will examine implementation strategies, outcome data, and future implications for expanding nurse-led interventions to improve patient care and compliance with evidence-based practices.

Presenter:  James T. DeMarco, DNP, RN, PMH-BC

Bridging the Gap: Developing a Psychiatric Nurse Liaison Program for Acute Care PatientsRN APRN

The Psychiatric Nurse Liaison (PNL) model enhances mental health integration in acute care, improving patient outcomes through early intervention, crisis management, and care coordination. This presentation explores the PNL’s role, benefits and impact, highlighting its ability to reduce hospital stays, prevent readmissions, and support trauma-informed patient-centered care in medical settings.

Presenters:  Elizabeth Caine, MSHA, MBA; Rachel G. Bailey, MBA, BSN, RN; Andrew Taylor Harris, BSN, RN; Rachel Purser, MSN, RN-BC, PMHNP-BC


Concurrent Sessions | 0.75 Contact Hours 
2:45PM – 3:30PM Central
12:45PM PT | 3:45PM ET

 

3022: Pharmacology
2:45pm – 3:30pm Central

Pink PhoriaRN APRN

This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of the new ketamine compound called Tusi. Nurses need to be cognizant about this new emerging substance and inquire about usage. Individuals need to be educated about the substances contained in Tusi and possible health complications

Presenters:  Deborah Salani, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, NE-BC; Deana Goldin, PhD, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC
This session is eligible for pharmacology contact hours.

 

3023: Artificial Intelligence
2:45pm – 3:30pm Central

An Interprofessional Approach to the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Psychiatric NursingRN APRN

This interprofessional panel discussion will use an ethical framework to define, illustrate, and analyze the salient issues that arise with the use of artificial intelligence in clinical settings. Particular emphasis will be placed on care of persons with mental health concerns. Participants will discuss concepts using case studies.

Presenters: Mary L. Serowoky, DNP, FNP-BC; Martin Leever, PhD; Phillip Olla, PhD; Andrea Kwasky, DNP, PMHNP-BC, PMHCNS-BC


Concurrent Sessions | 0.75 Contact Hours 
3:45PM – 4:30PM Central
1:45PM PT | 4:45PM ET

 

3032: Pharmacology
3:45pm – 4:30pm Central

Psychedelics: What Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses Should Know and Where They Should Learn ItRN APRN

This presentation will synthesize research on the therapeutic potential of psychedelics in clinical practice, explore the role of nurses and advanced practice nurses in this emerging field, and describe lessons learned from the first year of the University Psychedelic Education Program (U-PEP) for nurse educators.

Presenters:  Caroline Dorsen, PhD, FNP-BC, FAAN; Andrew Penn, PMHNP
This session is eligible for pharmacology contact hours.


3037: Integrated Care
3:45pm – 4:30pm Central

Enhancing the Patient Experience Through Collaborative Nursing: A Focus on Inpatient Psychiatric Nurse Consultative ServicesRN

This session will introduce a collaborative practice approach to Psychiatric Consultative Liaison Services that leverages the strengths of psychiatric-mental health (PMH) nursing to improve hospital metrics and enhance the patient experience.

Presenters:  Millie Otte, BSN, RN, PMH-BC; Dan Kinstler, MBA, MSN, CENP; Jennifer Erickstad, AD/DIP


Concurrent Sessions | 0.75 Contact Hours 
4:45PM – 5:30PM Central
2:45PM PT | 5:45PM ET

 

3041: Inpatient
4:45pm – 5:30pm Central

Reducing Restraint: One Hospital’s Approach to Engage Nurses in Strategic Priority to Reduce and Eliminate use of Physical RestraintRN APRN

This presentation describes the journey of one psychiatric hospital to engage nurses to reduce physical restraint through organizational change in alignment with strategic priorities to provide safe, equitable, patient-centered care.

Presenters:  Patrick Loney, RN, MBA, NEA-BC; Dylan Wiggins, BSN, PMH-BC; Robert Bencangey, DNP, MSN, PMH-BC


3045: Military
4:45pm – 5:30pm Central

From Stuckness to Wholeness: Mindfulness Across the Military Journey: Helping Service Members and Veterans Break Free from Feeling StuckRN APRN

This presentation explores how mindfulness-based interventions can help active-duty service members and veterans overcome feelings of being “stuck.” It highlights the benefits of mindfulness in managing stress, mental health problems, and emotional well-being, offering practical strategies for integrating these techniques into care for military and veteran populations.

Presenter:  Jane Abanes, PhD, DNP, PMHNP-BC

Saturday, October 18

Mini Concurrent Sessions | 0.75 Contact Hours
9:00AM – 9:45AM Central
7:00AM PT | 10:00AM ET

 

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

Review of the ASAM/AAAP Guidelines for Treating Stimulant Use Disorder: Considerations for PMHNPs in Private PracticeAPRN

This presentation will introduce the newest ASAM/AAAP guidelines for treating stimulant use disorder. The relevance of these guidelines to PMHNP private practice will be discussed and potential ways that PMHNPs can use innovative and collaborative approaches to providing care will be explored.

Presenter:  Amanda Culp-Roche, PhD, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C

Augmenting Genomic Competencies for Precision Psychiatric Care: What do Psychiatric APRNs NeedAPRN

This presentation explores the genomic competencies needed for precision psychiatric care, focusing on the unique challenges psychiatric APRNs face. It highlights critical training gaps and discusses targeted educational strategies to enhance genomic integration in psychiatric practice.

Presenter: Rose Mary Xavier, PhD, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FAAN, FAANP


4016: Trauma
9:00am – 9:45am Central

Supporting Nurses to be Resilient and Navigate Secondary Traumatic Stress in an Inpatient Psychiatric Setting – RN APRN

STS is a known health risk for nurses in PMH nursing. The creation of “Universal Precautions”, or systemic safeguards aimed at the promotion of resilience and support, is imperative. Interventions such as focus groups, peer-led clinical supervision, tip sheets, and toolkits have been found to support nurses to understand and navigate STS.

Presenters: Stacy Horowitz, MSN, RN, PMH-BC, CARN

Mental Health Support for Community Health Nursing Teams Experiencing Secondary or Vicarious Trauma – RN APRN

This presentation explores how community health nursing teams experience secondary trauma from prolonged exposure to clients’ traumatic experiences. Research and case studies highlight emotional distress affecting nurse well-being and retention, emphasizing the need for embedded mental health support within the team, including counseling, peer support, and interventions.

Presenters: Karmie M. Johnson, DNP, RN, PMHNP-BC, CNE; Candace Knight, PhD, RN, FAAN; Claire Harris, LICSW-S


Concurrent Sessions | 0.75 Contact Hours
10:00AM – 10:45AM Central
8:00AM PT | 11:00AM ET

 

4025: Recovery Tools
10:00am – 10:45am Central

Pharmacologic Management of Sleep Disorders in Psychiatric PatientsAPRN

Join this interactive session on managing sleep disorders in psychiatric patients. Explore polypharmacy’s impact, evidence-based pharmacologic strategies, and deprescribing techniques. Through case studies, gain practical tools to balance hypnotics, sedating antidepressants, and antipsychotics while mitigating dependency risks. Special focus on sleep architecture and aligning drug selection to disease processes.

Presenters:  Mark Crawford, MSN, PMHNP-BC; Leslie Laine, MSN, PMHNP-BC; Brianna Swanson, MSN, PMHNP-BC
This session is eligible for pharmacology contact hours.


4026: Advanced Practice
10:00am – 10:45am Central

Deprescribing in Action: Reducing Polypharmacy to Improve Mental Health OutcomesRN

This interactive, lively presentation provides the opportunity to discuss, develop, and prioritize the steps necessary to formulate a deprescribing plan for three common complex patient psychotropic medication scenarios. There will be a specific focus on the management of multiple psychotropics and controlled substances, as well as long-term antipsychotic use in the older adult.

Presenters: Bonnie Lynn Nickasch, DNP, APNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC; Miriam Sward, DNP, APNP, PMHNP-BC, ANP-BC; Alyssa Forslin, DNP, APNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC


Concurrent Sessions |  0.75 Contact Hours
11:00AM – 11:45AM Central
9:00AM PT | 12:00PM ET

 

4031: Inpatient
11:00am – 11:45am Central

When Push Comes to Shove: A Proactive Approach to Workplace Violence (WPV) on an Inpatient Psychiatric UnitRN

This dynamic presentation offers access to the successful, proactive strategies used by one inpatient psychiatric unit in reducing WPV by predicting, protecting, and preventing escalation. Participants will leave with innovative, preemptive approaches to implement on their own journeys to improve safety and satisfaction for patients and staff.

Presenters:  Mullane Harrington, MPH, BSN, RN, PMH-BC, MHP; Natalie Zender, BSN, RN, PMH-BC


4035: Pharmacology
11:00am – 11:45am Central

Prescription Overload: The Hidden Dangers of PolypharmacyAPRN

This presentation examines psychiatric polypharmacy risks and evidence-based deprescribing strategies. It covers dual antipsychotic use, benzodiazepine and stimulant tapering, and shared decision-making. Attendees will learn to optimize medication regimens using a deprescribing toolkit and interprofessional collaboration to reduce medication overload while maintaining effective treatment.

Presenters: Leslie Laine, PMHNP-BC; Mark Crawford, PMHNP-BC; Alex Sietsma, PMHNP-BC, DNP
This session is eligible for pharmacology contact hours.


Concurrent Sessions | 0.75 Contact Hours
12:00PM – 12:45PM Central
10:00AM PT | 1:00PM ET 

 

4043: Child & Adolescent
12:00pm – 12:45pm Central

“Wow! How Did You Do It?” The Process of Removing Mechanical Restraints from Child and Adolescent Inpatient CareRN APRN

This presentation will describe the multilayered approach to restraint reduction in a child and adolescent psychiatric hospital that resulted in removal of mechanical restraints completely from the children’s unit and removal of the restraint chair from two adolescent units.

Presenters: Lauren Sullivan, BSN, RN, PMH-BC; Ashley Oxley, BSN, RN, PMH-BC
This session is eligible for pharmacology contact hours.


4044: Undergraduate Education
12:00pm – 12:45pm Central

Creating a Meaningful Post-Conference Experience to Enhance Learning for the Pre-Licensed Nursing StudentRN APRN

This presentation will focus on creating a meaningful clinical post-conference experience by combining the principles of the Clinical Judgment Model and trauma-informed approach to analyzing care. Utilizing these principles of learning will assist the student to conceptualize complex patient concerns while providing safe, effective care.

Presenters: Pamela E. Marcus, RN, APRN/PMH-BC; Todd Hastings, PhD, RN, CNE; Andrea Alexander, DNP, APRN. FNP-BC, CNE; Patricia Mulvaney-Roth, DNP, MSN, APRN, PMHCNS-BC, AGCNS


Annual Meeting & Town Hall 
2:40 – 3:40PM Central
12:40PM PT | 3:40 PM ET 

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.


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.

Same Contact Hours, Two Different Experiences

New Orleans Experience

Available for: Regular Conference & One Day Registrations
Optional Add-On: Wednesday Sessions
Contact Hours: Up to 24.75+ live, 90+ on demand (includes Wednesday add-on)

  • Take your pick of sessions presented in in each time block at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
  • Engage with colleagues and speakers during sessions, breaks, and special events.
  • Browse and evaluate poster presentations in the poster hall; meet the poster presenters.
  • Enjoy meal sessions with industry-sponsored Product Theaters.
  • Two-3 months after the conference, access podcast recordings of the sessions presented on the days you are registered. Earn up to 90+ more contact hours for these sessions any time until November 7, 2025.

Note: Poster presentations and industry-sponsored product theaters and symposia only available during conference, not on demand.

Full Conference Program

Virtual Livestream Experience

Available for: Regular Conference & One Day Registrations
Optional Add-On: Wednesday Sessions
Contact Hours: Up to 24.75+ live, 90+ on demand (includes Wednesday add-on)

  • In addition to the President’s Address, Keynote Presentation, and Symposium, choose from two livestream session options available during each time block.
  • Use the live chat feature to ask questions and connect with fellow virtual attendees.
  • Browse and evaluate poster presentations in the online poster gallery Thursday-Saturday.
  • Two-3 months after the conference, access podcast recordings of the sessions presented on the days for which you registered. Earn up to 90+ more contact hours for these sessions through November 7, 2025.

Note: Poster presentations and industry-sponsored product theaters and symposia only available during conference, not on demand.

VIRTUAL LIVESTREAM PROGRAM