First Look: Annual Conference Sessions on Effects of Implicit Bias and Supportive Psychotherapy
The APNA 36th Annual Conference on October 19-22 is the first in-person Annual Conference in 2 years. (The event is also available via virtual livestream.) Psychiatric-mental health nurses will gather in sunny Long Beach, California, to discover and learn from their colleagues. Two presenters preview their upcoming APNA Annual Conference sessions – and their excitement about participating in person!
Thursday Session
Kimberly A. Barnes-Ayers, BSN, MAEd, RN-BC, will present Minority Mental Health and Well-being: Effects of Implicit Bias and Methods to Change the Trajectory at 3:30pm on Thursday, October 20. Co-presenters are Jennifer Newsome, RN-BC BSN and Renwick Slaughter, RN-BC. Barnes-Ayers previews this energetic and interactive session, which is an opportunity to educate, discuss, and prioritize processes to improve mental health perspectives and outcomes for minorities.
What can those who attend your session look forward to learning more about?
Those who attend our session can look forward to learning more about how minorities view mental illness and as a result, how they respond to mental health care. They will gain knowledge of statistics, but most importantly, cultural and societal influences that affect the way minorities view mental illness. They will also gain knowledge about implicit bias and its effects on minorities. This is important in order to share (compassionately) information and resources with minorities who work in behavioral health and beyond and to support these individuals as they obtain much-needed mental health care and to ensure they are given appropriate care by culturally competent practitioners.
How can attendees apply their knowledge from the presentation to their own work?
Attendees can apply their knowledge from the presentation by being mindful of the differences and therefore needs of minorities in regard to education, cultural competence, sensitivity, and implicit bias.
If there is one main point from the presentation that you’d like attendees to take away or look out for, what would that be?
A very important point is we all have blind spots, i.e. implicit bias. It’s essential to become aware of this to change the way we see and therefore respond to minority mental health.
What are you most looking forward to at the APNA 36th Annual Conference?
I’m excited about engaging with my peers, gaining and enhancing the knowledge I have, and becoming more energized in order to continue to do the work that I do now [which is] help those with mental health needs become consumers and advocates in the community.
Saturday Session
Amanda L. Schuh, PhD, APRN, PMHNP-BC, will present Supportive Psychotherapy: Practical Applications for the Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse at 12:30pm on Saturday, October 22. Co-presenter is Sarah Jacobs, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-B. Schuh previews this session, which will provide overview of supportive psychotherapy including indications, basic principles, techniques, and goals.
What can those who attend your session look forward to learning more about?
Attendees will learn more about the basics of supportive therapy and how to adequately document, code, and bill for this service.
How can attendees apply their knowledge from the presentation to their own work?
A review of supportive psychotherapy techniques will allow attendees an opportunity to apply these aspects into work with diverse clients across the lifespan.
If there is one main point from the presentation that you’d like attendees to take away or look out for, what would that be?
Increased confidence to integrate supportive psychotherapy into sessions with clients.
What are you most looking forward to at the APNA 36th Annual Conference?
It has been a few years since I have presented a podium presentation and I’m looking forward to connecting with colleagues again in person!
>>> Do these APNA Annual Conference sessions pique your interest? Register today!
About APNA: The American Psychiatric Nurses Association is a national professional membership organization committed to the practice of psychiatric-mental health nursing and wellness promotion, prevention of mental health problems, and the care and treatment of persons with psychiatric disorders. APNA’s membership is inclusive of all psychiatric-mental health registered nurses including associate degree, baccalaureate, advanced practice (comprised of clinical nurse specialists and psychiatric nurse practitioners), and nurse scientists and academicians (PhD). APNA serves as a resource for psychiatric-mental health nurses to engage in networking, education, and the dissemination of evidence. The American Psychiatric Nurses Association is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
