Friday Program

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

Sponsored by Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.
Beyond the Baseline: A Comprehensive Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment of Tardive Dyskinesia
Presenter: Desiree M. Matthews, PMHNP-BC

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Keynote Presentation | 1 Contact Hour
9:00AM – 10:00AM Eastern
8:00AM CT | 6:00AM PT

The Extraordinary Power of Connection – RN APRN

In this timely presentation, award-winning author Johann Hari will share what he discovered about the power of connection through his experience with depression and anxiety. With an authentic and accessible approach, he will discuss the influence of disconnection on the ability to experience hope and achieve well-being. Hari weaves in the perspectives of more than 200 of the world’s leading experts on anxiety and depression and proposes a variety of ways to reconnect as an essential mental health strategy.

Presenter: Johann Hari
Available to virtual livestream attendees.

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

Earn up to 4 contact hours for time spent viewing and evaluating the poster presentations Thursday – Friday.
Online poster gallery available to virtual livestream attendees.

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Exhibit Hall Open

10:00AM – 1:00PM Eastern

Get information from and engage with industry stakeholders in psychiatric-mental health nursing.

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Meet the Poster Presenters

10:30AM – 11:30AM Eastern

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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Product Theater Lunch

Meal Service: 12:00pm-12:30pm
Presentation: 12:30pm-1:30pm Eastern

Treating MDD: A Rapid-Acting Oral Antidepressant With Multimodal
Presenter: Chelsie Monroe, MSN, APN, PMHNP-BC
Sponsored by Axsome

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Mini Concurrent Sessions | 0.75 Contact Hours 

1:45PM – 2:30PM Eastern

12:45PM CT | 10:45AM PT

 

3011: Addictions
1:45pm – 2:30pm Eastern

Smoking Cessation for People Experiencing Homelessness – RN APRN

This presentation discusses a DNP project to help persons experiencing homelessness quit smoking. It explores readiness to change and strategies for cessation amongst a historically treatment-resistant population. With application beyond persons experiencing homelessness, it highlights the importance of human connection and community in addiction treatment.

Presenter: Erin Crosbie, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC

Tobacco Treatment Engagement and Delivery within Assertive Community Treatment Services:  Connecting Providers’ and Consumers’ Perspectives – RN APRN

People with serious mental illnesses (PSMI) continue to experience tobacco-use related disparities. Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) services are important settings to provide wrap-around care for PSMI, which should include tobacco treatment. Our presentation provides the survey results of ACT service consumers’ and providers’ perspectives on delivering and engaging in tobacco-treatment.

Presenter: Heather Robertson, MPA, Chizimuzo T.C. Okoli, PhD, MPH, APRN, PMHNP-BC, NCTTP, FAAN; Bassema M. Abufarsakh, PhD, MSN, RN, NCTTP

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3012: Resilience
1:45pm – 2:30pm Eastern

High Stakes Conversations: Preparation Tips for Before, During, and After to Reduce Negative Effects  – RN APRN

A model for high-stakes conversations will be presented and integrated with practical advice to improve the dialogue and after-effects of these important discussions.

Presenters: Julie Murphy, PhD, CRNP, PMHNP-BC

Available to virtual livestream attendees.

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3013: Integrated Care
1:45pm – 2:30pm Eastern

The Effect of Telehealth Service Expansion on Beneficiaries with Mental and Behavioral Health Challenges – RN APRN

In 2018, Kentucky increased accessibility to mental health services by authorizing the use of telehealth services and preventing health plans from prohibiting telehealth coverage. Our presentation will discuss the impact of and perspectives towards tele-mental health services among Medicaid beneficiaries.

Presenter: Sarret Seng, RN, BSN, BA

Integration of Problem-Solving Therapy to Address Mental Health Needs of Family Medicine Patients  – RN APRN

This interactive presentation will introduce an efficient way to decrease depression scores on the PHQ-9 questionnaire as well as help bridge the gap between family medicine and mental health through integrated care. This also opens the door for psych providers to be on-site for integrated care with primary care.

Presenter: Robert Sutter, DNP, PMHNP-BC, MPA

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 3014: Depression
1:45pm – 2:30pm Eastern

The Beauty of Nature, the Power of Wonder, and Their Connection to Human and Planetary Well-Being: The Results of an International Study and Implications for Fighting Depression and Finding Joy for Patients, Providers, and Communities – APRN

This presentation will share the results of an international study which investigated the constructs of happiness and subjective well-being. More specifically, it will discuss humans’ innate connection with nature, the important but under-valued emotion of wonder, and offer new approaches for fighting depression and supporting well-being in individuals and communities.

Presenter: Pamela A. Stephens Lehenbauer, PhD, MBA, MSN, PMHNP -BC

Social and Clinical Determinants of Postpartum Depression Among Women Within Six Months of Childbirth in New Jersey: Evidence from the New Jersey Pregnancy Risk Monitoring System (PRAMS) Survey 2017-2021 – RN APRN

Postpartum depression is a key population health challenge throughout New Jersey with significant variations across counties/regions and diverse populations. Depression is often under-diagnosed, particularly among marginalized women affecting their health and well-being. This project analyzed the relationships between social and clinical determinants and depression within six months of childbirth in NJ.

Presenter: Sangita Pudasainee-Kapri, PhD, DNP, RN, APN, FNP-BC, CPN

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3015: Wellness
1:45pm – 2:30pm Eastern

Academic Well-Being Through a Relaxation Room – RN APRN

This interactive presentation presents the opportunity to discuss and develop steps to create a healthy workplace environment in the academic setting through incorporation of a relaxation room.

Presenter: Jennifer Graber, EdD, PMHAPRN, CS, BC

Nurse-Faculty Work-Life Balance: Setting Boundaries to Combat Burnout – RN APRN

The purpose of this presentation is to showcase strategies used by nursing faculty to address the need for a work-life balance. This is done through educational sessions for educators surrounding healthy boundaries for self, colleagues, and students.

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

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3016: Violence Prevention
1:45pm – 2:30pm Eastern

Stop the Violence! Applying Trauma-Informed Care to Create Safe Spaces – RN APRN

This presentation introduces a strategy for training and implementing trauma-informed care (TIC) to mitigate workplace violence in an inpatient psychiatric setting. The intervention aims to provide participants with the knowledge and skills needed to recognize and respond to trauma-related triggers and behaviors effectively, and promote a culture of safety, empathy, and empowerment.

Presenter: Kelly Kearney, DNP, RN, PMHNP-BC

Implementing a Violence Risk Assessment Tool in an Inpatient Mental Health Unit – RN

This presentation introduces workplace violence in the mental health unit and introduces the PMH nurses to the Dynamic Appraisal of Situation Aggression (DASA) violent risk assessment tool to the inpatient setting. This lively presentation presents the opportunity to discuss and explore treatment planning when the DASA score is greater than four.

Presenter: Maira Rodriguez, DNP, MS, RN, PMH-BC

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3017: Simulation
1:45pm – 2:30pm Eastern

Unlocking Competence, Cultivating Connections: Adapting Escape Rooms for Graduate Nursing Education – RN APRN

This interactive presentation offers an example of an innovative teaching activity for psychiatric mental health graduate nursing education that allows for competency assessment of necessary clinical skills while fostering connection and promoting engagement and collaboration. Participants will leave with the skills necessary to incorporate experiential learning into the graduate curriculum.

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

Beyond the Veil: A Simulated Conversation with a Departed Patient who Died by Suicide – RN APRN

This interactive, engaging presentation introduces a suicide simulation to prepare nursing students for professional practice. It allows the student to interact with a patient’s ghost who died by suicide and process any emotional responses. The next steps for the PMHNP provider will also be discussed,

Presenters: Jamison Lord, DNP, MSN, RNC, APRN-PMHNP-BC; Lemuel Scott, DNP, RNC, PMHNP-BC; Kristin Smith, MSN, ANP-BC, PMHNP-BC

Available to virtual livestream attendees.

Connect with Councils & Committees
2:45PM – 3:45PM Eastern

Meet subject matter experts from across APNA councils and committees.

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Concurrent Sessions | 0.75 Contact Hours 

4:00PM – 4:45PM Eastern

3:00PM CT | 1:00PM PT

3021: Practice
4:00pm – 4:45pm Eastern

Empowering Family Nurse Practitioners to Manage Common Mental Health Conditions in Primary Care – RN APRN

Unlocking the FNPs Potential: Bridging the Mental Health Gaps in Primary Care. Discover effective strategies to train Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) students in managing common mental health problems and enhancing their competence in addressing the rising mental health needs within primary care settings.

Presenters: Queen Henry-Okafor, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC; LeTizia Smith, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC

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3022: Child & Adolescent
4:00pm – 4:45pm Eastern

American Psychiatric Nurses Association’s Youth Suicide Prevention Position Paper – RN APRN

In 2023, APNA assembled the Youth Suicide Prevention Position Workgroup. This presentation will summarize the Youth Suicide Prevention Position Paper, including the purpose and historical background of the paper, a review of the current state of knowledge, and the recommendations suggested by the workgroup. Authored by the entire Workgroup.

Presenters: Jamie Zelazny, PhD, MPH, RN; Isabel Buckingham, BSN, RN; Andrea Kwasky, DNP, PMHNP-BC, PMHCNS-BC

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3023: Safety
4:00pm – 4:45pm Eastern

Bringing Safety to Life: Staff Safety Initiatives at a State Psychiatric Facility – RN APRN

This presentation will explore staff safety initiatives led by a front-line staff safety council, focusing on preventing Type II Violence events, supporting victims, and conducting formal reviews to enhance workplace safety. The presentation emphasizes creating a safe and supportive environment for healthcare workers.

Presenters: Kevin Bryant, DNP; Thomas Pettrey, MHA; Marc Woods, DNP, RN, NEA-BC

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 3024: Trauma
4:00pm – 4:45pm Eastern

A Review of the Literature on Secondary Traumatic Stress: Universal Precautions for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses – RN APRN

Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) is a universal problem affecting nurses around the globe. This presentation suggests that there may be “universal precautions” that can be implemented to mitigate the effects of vicarious trauma and suggests interventions to prevent the development of STS in PMH nurses.

Presenter: Stacy Horowitz, BSN, RN, PMH-BC, CARN

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3025: Competency Based Education
4:00pm – 4:45pm Eastern

Psychotherapy and the PMHNP: Reclaiming the Vital Connection – APRN

The therapeutic relationship is enhanced when PMHNPs are taught how to use psychotherapy techniques. This improves connection and the ability to work with more depth, expertise, and is bidirectional, both the patient and the nurse benefit. A psychotherapy training model integrated across a graduate PMHNP program will be presented.

Presenters: Hannah Robidoux, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC; Joy Ann Lauerer, DNP, PMHCNS-BC

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3026: Women’s Health
4:00pm – 4:45pm Eastern

Factors Influencing Maternal Mental Health and Infant Outcomes among Women 6-12 Months Postpartum in Nepal: A Mixed-Methods Exploration – RN APRN

Postpartum mental health is a neglected area of concern in Nepal, affecting the health and well-being of mothers and infants. This presentation will discuss the findings from a mixed-methods study examining the factors associated with postpartum mental health and infant outcomes in Nepal.

Presenters: Mary Wunnenberg, EdD, MSN, APN, PMHNP-BC, CNE; Sangita Pudasainee-Kapri, PhD, DNP, RN, APN, FNP-BC, CPN

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3027: Recovery Research
4:00pm – 4:45pm Eastern

Changing Hearts and Minds: Partnering with the Recovery Community to Bring Authenticity and Lived Experience to Addictions-Focused Simulations – RN APRN

Need an effective way to break stigma and challenge stereotypes in providing addiction care? Discover how partnering with a recovery community enriches nursing education and humanizes addiction fostering hope and igniting personal growth. Join us to explore the authentic journeys shared by recovery community members, shaping the future of compassionate care.

Presenters: Trisha Charbonneau-Ivey, BA, MSHAL; Kimberly Martini, LMSW, CPC, QIDP; Kathleen Schachman, PhD, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, FIAAN, FAANP

Concurrent Sessions | 0.75 Contact Hours 

5:00PM – 5:45PM Eastern

4:00PM CT | 2:00PM PT

3031: Practice
5:00pm – 5:45pm Eastern

EmPATH – A Journey to Improved Emergency Department Behavioral Healthcare – RN APRN

EmPATH (Emergency Psychiatric Assessment Treatment and Healing) is a concept gaining national attention to help patients seeking behavioral health evaluation and care. These observation spaces provide immediate access to psychiatric professionals to evaluate, prescribe, and treat assessed needs. Recognized and endorsed by both The Joint Commission and the National Center for Behavioral Health, EmPATH was included in the 2022 Facility Guidelines Institute’s Guidelines for Design and Construction. EmPATH is designed to allow nursing to reframe how care is delivered. Patients suffering from behavioral health conditions are moved to a unit uniquely designed to provide physical and psychological safety, rapid assessment, and early treatment in anticipation of a safe discharge to local services and support. Everything about this space and the nursing care provided is focused on achieving positive outcomes for patients, staff, and communities.

Presenters: Shannon Miles, RN, MSN NEA-BC; James Bryant, RN, DNP, CEN, CPEN, NEA-BC; Brooke Stratton, BSN, RN

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3032: Child & Adolescent
5:00pm – 5:45pm Eastern

Impact of an Educational Intervention and Process Improvement for Provider Screening and Management of Autism Spectrum Disorder – RN APRN

This interactive session prepares nurses and nurse practitioners to screen and refer children at risk for autism spectrum disorder according to current evidence-based practice guidelines. Screening and referral practices will be explained using a practice protocol template with pediatric case study examples.

Presenters: Michelle Hext, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, FNP-C, ENP-C, PMHNP-BC

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3033: Safety
5:00pm – 5:45pm Eastern

Transition to a Restraint Free Inpatient Behavioral Setting – RN 

The journey of an organization’s success in coming together with strong leadership, evidenced-based planning inclusive of all disciplines to ultimately eliminate mechanical restraints from practice.

Presenters: Shawna Gigliotti, DrOT,OTR/L; Dawn Bausman, MSN, RN

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3034: Resilience
5:00pm – 5:45pm Eastern

Reducing Burnout in Nursing: How Leaders Can Make the Difference – RN APRN

Burnout is a public health problem. This presentation summarizes national advisories and consensus guidelines for addressing burnout with a focus on leader actions and policy. Programs often focus too narrowly by highlighting the importance of individual self-care but ignore systemic drivers.

Presenter: Christine Tebaldi, DNP, MPH, PMHNP-BC

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3035: Competency Based Education
5:00pm – 5:45pm Eastern

Measuring the Abstract in Competency-Based Curriculum – APRN

This program will discuss PMHNP educator strategies for formative assessment of concepts and courses that are abstract and often difficult to measure. The importance of an iterative, collaborative, and introspective process will be discussed, and concrete recommendations will be clarified for educators to employ in their teaching for competency-based curricular design.

Presenter: Katherine Pfeiffer, DNP, APRN, PMHCNS, PMHNP

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3036: Women’s Health
5:00pm – 5:45pm Eastern

Supporting Nurse Practitioners’ Preparedness to Treat Mental Health Concerns During Pregnancy: Results of a Grounded Theory Study and Recommendations for Practice – APRN

This interactive presentation will review the findings of a grounded theory study of PMHNPs’ reluctance or willingness to treat patients who are pregnant, before describing current treatment guidelines, research concerning the safety of psychopharmacology during pregnancy, and available resources to support clinicians’ preparedness to treat perinatal mental health concerns.

Presenter: Rachel Eakley, PhD, RN, PMHNP-BC

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3037: Recovery Research
5:00pm – 5:45pm Eastern

Nurses in Recovery from Substance Use: A Grounded Theory Study – RN APRN

This presentation describes the narratives of nurses in recovery from substance use, which provides the foundation of a coherent theory made up of concepts, themes, and patterns of recovery. The context of the nurse practicing in a regulatory environment is juxtaposed to personal recovery from substance use.

Presenter: Karen J. Foli, PhD, RN, MSN, ANEF, FAAN; Yitong Wang, MSN, RN

Concurrent Sessions | 0.75 Contact Hours 

6:00PM – 6:45PM Eastern

5:00PM CT | 3:00PM PT

3041: Practice
6:00pm – 6:45pm Eastern

Creating and Implementing a Support and Therapy Skill-based Program for Patients Receiving Ketamine Therapy – RN APRN

This presentation will discuss the value of support and education for patients having ketamine and explain methods utilized to set up this psychotherapy model.

Presenters: Sabra Sullivan, PMHNP-BC; Paula Bolton, MS, CNP, ANP-BC

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3042: Child & Adolescent
6:00pm – 6:45pm Eastern

Pause and Reflect: The Transformation of Inpatient Care through Behavior Chaining – RN APRN

DBT has long been an aid in helping individuals hold both sides and broaden their ability to process difficult events and repair relationships. The Bradley Hospital Pause Program provides a targeted series of admission to discharge DBT-based interventions to help individual build valuable skills to use beyond hospitalization.

Presenters: Kristen Kichefski, DNP, MBA, RN, PMH-BC, NEA-BC; Morgan Lindberg, M.Ed., LMHCA

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3043: Safety
6:00pm – 6:45pm Eastern

Improving Patient Safety by Implementing, Optimizing, and Improving an Electronic Q15 Minute Rounding System – RN APRN

The process of implementing this technology took six months and involved nurse leaders and clinical nurses, the 3rd party vendor, and the IT department of the hospital. Successful implementation was dependent on organizational buy in, clinical nurse involvement, and leadership from a nurse with IT background. It included drafting policies, creating preferences for the app, and more. Once live, refining the use process, fixing inefficient processes, and improving the quality of practice became on-going need. Giving a road map for this initiative decreasing suicidal behavior is time intensive.

Presenters: Bob Bencangey, DNP, PMHRN-BC

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3044: Trauma
6:00pm – 6:45pm Eastern

Where Two Rivers Meet: Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Indigenous Peoples in America – RN APRN

This presentation will promote resiliency and hope within indigenous populations by closely investigating how a population’s culture and social constructs impact mental health.

Presenters: April Phillips, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C; Ellen Urquhart, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC

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3045: Competency Based Education
6:00pm – 6:45pm Eastern

Let’s Connect on Competency-Based Education: Entry and Advanced Level Exemplars for the New Essentials Domain 10 – APRN

This interactive presentation will provide a platform for the exchange of exemplars for Domain 10 competencies at the entry and advanced level. Qualitative data will be shared on the experiences of students with competency-based education related to Domain 10. Audience engagement will be encouraged via polling and discussion.

Presenters: Traci T. Sims, DNS, RN, CNS/PMH-BC; Karen Corcoran, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC; Todd B. Hastings, PhD, RN, CNE; Sarah A. Robinson, DNP, PMHNP-BC, RN

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3046: Women’s Health
6:00pm – 6:45pm Eastern

Balancing the Needs of Caregiver and Patient: ADHD in Women and its Impact on Families – APRN

This presentation explores the overlooked challenges of women with ADHD who are also mothers, caregivers, or partners. Learn how ADHD impacts family dynamics and discover strategies to empower women to manage both their condition and these vital roles effectively. Participants will leave with tools to support these women better.

Presenter: Tonjanika Ballard, DNP, PMHNP-C

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3047: Recovery Research
6:00pm – 6:45pm Eastern

Exploring Barriers to and Facilitators of Sustained Employment among Veterans with Opioid Use Disorder – RN APRN

This presentation will examine the barriers to and facilitators of sustained employment, including evaluation of employment challenges, occupational functioning, community integration, and quality of life and satisfaction among Veterans with opioid use disorder (OUD) while providing relapse prevention outcomes.

Presenters: Shakia Brantley, BSN, RN, CCRN; Mercy Mumba, PhD, RN, CMSRN, FAAN

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Connect & Dine Dinner | No Contact Hours Provided

7:00pm-8:00pm Eastern

Meal Service: 7:00pm-7:30pm