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4026-23: Retrospective Study on the Effects Of Extended-Release Naltrexone (XR-NTX) Injection Among Justice-Involved Adults Misusing Opioids Released from Correctional Facilities In Louisiana 

This presentation highlights the results of the first retrospective study on extended-released naltrexone offered by the Medication-for Opioid Use Disorder (MAT) Program by the Department of Corrections in Louisiana. Participants will learn how XR-NTX impacted treatment retention, relapse, and recidivism among justice-involved individuals misusing opioids released from correctional facilities in 2018 and 2019.

Presenters:  Isabelle Dubois, RN, BSN, MSc, PMHNP student; Sara Jones, PhD, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FAAN, FAANP

Disclosures:  The APNA planners and faculty have no relevant financial relationships to disclose. Off-label uses will not be discussed during this presentation.

Session Length:  30 minutes

Target Audience:  RN, APRN

Learning Outcome:
Upon completion of this presentation, the participant will be able to:

• Discuss the clinical impact of extended-release naltrexone among justice-involved individuals misusing opioids upon eight weeks of re-entry.

Keywords:  Extended-release Naltrexone, Opioid Use Disorder, Justice-involved Individuals

Nursing Continuing Professional Development:
0.5 contact hours.  * In order to receive contact hours, you must: Listen to presentation, complete an evaluation, and earn a passing score on the post-test before the expiration date. You will have 5 tries to correctly answer the questions on the post-test and a score of 80% is required to pass. Once you have passed and completed an evaluation, the certificate will be generated online, available for you to print immediately. You cannot earn credit unless all steps are completed.

The American Psychiatric Nurses Association is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Access to this course will end:  November 1, 2026

*For an uninterrupted learning experience, please download and use Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, etc. If you continue to experience issues, you may need to update your browser.

Emerging Threats in OUD: Critical Updates for Psychiatric Nurses

The opioid overdose crisis is evolving rapidly, driven by an increasingly unpredictable and toxic illicit drug supply. Synthetic opioids such, as illicitly manufactured fentanyl, continue to dominate overdose deaths, while emerging threats, including xylazine and other non-opioid adulterants, are fundamentally changing clinical presentation, overdose response, and treatment approaches. At the same time, polysubstance use involving stimulants, sedatives, and novel synthetic compounds has become the norm, complicating assessment and care delivery.

This course equips psychiatric-mental health nurses with up-to-date knowledge and practical strategies to respond effectively to these emerging threats. Participants will explore how changes in the drug supply impact overdose risk, symptom presentation, and treatment engagement. Special emphasis is placed on the recognition of atypical overdose presentations, including cases that may not respond fully to naloxone, as well as identifying complications such as xylazine-related wounds and complex withdrawal syndromes.

The course also reviews evolving practices in the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD), including adaptations in medications for OUD (MOUD) in the context of high-potency synthetic opioids. Participants will examine the ongoing role of safety-focused interventions, such as naloxone distribution and drug checking technologies, in reducing morbidity and mortality in a rapidly changing landscape.

Through a trauma-informed and stigma-free lens, this program highlights the critical role of psychiatric-mental health nurses in early identification, patient engagement, overdose prevention, and coordination of care across settings. Learners will leave with enhanced clinical confidence and actionable tools to improve outcomes for individuals and communities affected by OUD.

Presenter:  Jennifer L. Scott, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC 
Facilitator:  Trisha Charbonneau-Ivey, BA, MSHAL 
Interdisciplinary Team:  Jen Kreiner, MSN, NP-C, PMHNP-BC; Matthew Mitchell, DHA, LMSW, CCS CAADC; Jill Covyeou, Pharm.D.; Ricardo Bowden, MA, CPC, CADC, CPRM, CPR  

Disclosures:  The APNA planners and faculty have no relevant financial relationships to disclose. Off-label uses will not be discussed during this presentation.  

Session Length:  2 hours

Target Audience:  RN, APRN 


Learning Outcome: 
Upon completion of this program, the participant will be able to: 

• Identify one new or reinforced knowledge concept gained from this session.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Describe the clinical impact of xylazine as an opioid adulterant, including overdose management, wound assessment, and withdrawal.
2. Identify novel synthetic opioids (nitazines and emerging analogs) and the limitations of current safety focused interventions and detection tools.
   
3. Recognize designer benzodiazepines, particularly bromazolam, and their unique risks for patients with OUD.
   
4. Apply current evidence-based approaches to buprenorphine initiation in patients using fentanyl and other highly potent synthetic opioids.
   
5. Integrate interdisciplinary perspectives in OUD management using a collaborative learning model.
   

Key Takeaways: 

1. Xylazine: naloxone alone is not enough. Airway management and wound care are nursing skills now.
   
2. Novel synthetics evade test strips: counsel patients honestly. Never Use Alone (1-800-484-3731).
   
3. Designer benzodiazepines: ask every patient where their Xanax comes from. Counterfeit is common and urine drug screening will not catch it.
   
4. Buprenorphine induction: allow more time, use adjunctive meds, individualize. The supply changed the protocol.
   
5. Psychiatric hospitalization is an MOUD opportunity. Do not discharge without a warm handoff.
   

Keywords:  Opioid Use Disorder, Stimulant Use Disorder, Adolescent, Medications


Nursing Continuing Professional Development:
2.0 contact hours (of which 1.0 are in pharmacology).  * In order to receive contact hours, participants must: Listen to the entire presentation(s), complete the course evaluation, and honor statement before the expiration date. Once all steps are successfully completed, a certificate will be generated online and available for you to print immediately. Credit cannot be earned unless all components are completed. Partial credit will not be awarded.

The American Psychiatric Nurses Association is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Grant Statement: 
Funding for this initiative was made possible (in part) by grant no. 1H79TI088037 from SAMHSA. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Release Date:  July 10, 2026
Access to this course will end:  July 1, 2029

© APNA 2026. Reproducing and distributing this material without the written permission of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) is prohibited. 

*For an uninterrupted learning experience, please download and use Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, etc. If you continue to experience issues, you may need to update your browser.

Prescription Stimulant Misuse in Adolescents: A Developmental and Clinical Perspective for Psychiatric Nurses

This presentation equips psychiatric-mental health nurses with a developmentally informed, evidence-based approach to caring for adolescents with a stimulant use disorder diagnosis. It provides an age-appropriate, nonjudgmental overview of stimulant use and stimulant use disorder in adolescents, addressing both prescribed stimulants (e.g., medications for ADHD) and non-prescribed/illicit stimulants (e.g., cocaine and methamphetamine). Participants will review how stimulants affect the brain and body, why adolescent neurodevelopment can increase vulnerability to risk-taking and rapid escalation, and how stimulant misuse may present alongside anxiety, mood symptoms, sleep disruption, irritability, agitation, paranoia, or suicidality. The presentation emphasizes early identification and practical nursing interventions across settings. Participants will learn strategies to recognize risk factors (e.g., co-occurring mental health conditions, trauma exposure, academic or social stressors, impulsivity, peer influence, access to medications, polysubstance use) and warning signs (e.g., changes in sleep, appetite, mood, school functioning, relationships, vital signs, and safety behaviors). Evidence-informed approaches to assessment and treatment are highlighted, including screening and brief intervention, motivational interviewing–consistent communication, safety planning, safety-focused interventions, medication safety (secure storage, diversion prevention, and adherence support), and coordinated referral to specialty treatment when indicated. Family-centered care and community partnerships are integrated throughout. The presentation reviews strategies for engaging caregivers and adolescents collaboratively, reducing stigma, supporting informed decision-making, and connecting families with school-based support, outpatient and intensive services, crisis resources, and recovery supports. Participants leave with practical tools to help adolescents make safer choices while promoting stability, functioning, and long-term wellness.

Presenter:  Mindy Fabbro, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC 
Facilitator:  Trisha Charbonneau-Ivey, BA, MSHAL 
Interdisciplinary Team:  Jen Kreiner, MSN, NP-C, PMHNP-BC; Matthew Mitchell, DHA, LMSW, CCS CAADC; Jill Covyeou, Pharm.D.; Ricardo Bowden, MA, CPC, CADC, CPRM, CPR  

Disclosures:  The APNA planners and faculty have no relevant financial relationships to disclose. Off-label uses will not be discussed during this presentation.  

Session Length:  2 hours

Target Audience:  RN, APRN 


Learning Outcome: 
Upon completion of this program, the participant will be able to: 

• Identify one new or reinforced a piece of knowledge gained from this session.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Describe developmental drivers of prescription stimulant misuse in adolescents.
2. Identify common patterns of misuse and related substances encountered in clinical practice.
   
3. Recognize key psychiatric, behavioral, and medical red flags.
   
4. Apply screening, assessment, and differential diagnosis strategies.
   
5. Discuss evidence-based treatment and family-centered risk reduction.
   

Key Takeaways: 

1. Screen adolescents for stimulant use early and often.
   
2. Recognize subtle patterns of stimulant misuse in the adolescent population.
   
3. Address underlying drivers (ADHD, anxiety, sleep, academic pressure) that might trigger stimulant use.
   
4. Reinforce safe, sustainable coping strategies.
   
5. Support adolescents, using parents and school educators, to help provide prevention, early intervention, and treatment strategies.
   

Keywords:  Opioid Use Disorder, Stimulant Use Disorder, Adolescent, Medications


Nursing Continuing Professional Development:
2.0 contact hours.  * In order to receive contact hours, participants must: Listen to the entire presentation(s), complete the course evaluation, and honor statement before the expiration date. Once all steps are successfully completed, a certificate will be generated online and available for you to print immediately. Credit cannot be earned unless all components are completed. Partial credit will not be awarded.

The American Psychiatric Nurses Association is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Grant Statement: 
Funding for this initiative was made possible (in part) by grant no. 1H79TI088037 from SAMHSA. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Release Date:  June 15, 2026
Access to this course will end:  June 1, 2029

© APNA 2026. Reproducing and distributing this material without the written permission of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) is prohibited. 

*For an uninterrupted learning experience, please download and use Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, etc. If you continue to experience issues, you may need to update your browser.

503-26: Psychopharmacology for Every Practitioner

This presentation emphasizes the complexity of psychopharmacology, the importance of individualized treatment, and the challenges in balancing efficacy, safety, and patient needs.

Presenter:  Glenn J. Treisman, MD, PhD

Disclosures:  The APNA planners and faculty have no relevant financial relationships to disclose. Off-label uses will be discussed during this presentation.

Session Length:  1 hour 30 minutes

Target Audience:  RN, APRN

Learning Outcome:
Upon completion of this presentation, the participant will be able to:

• Describe three key factors that guide individualized psychopharmacologic treatment. 

Keywords:  Major Depression, Psychosis, Agitation, Schizophrenia, Antipsychotics

Nursing Continuing Professional Development:
1.5 pharmacology contact hours.  * In order to receive contact hours, you must: Listen to presentation, complete the reflection activities, evaluation and honor statement, and pass the post-test with a score of 80% or higher before the expiration date. Once all steps are successfully completed, the certificate will be generated online, available for you to print immediately. Contact hours cannot be awarded unless all required components are completed. Partial credit will not be awarded.

The American Psychiatric Nurses Association is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Release date: July 7, 2026
Access to this course will end:  July 31, 2028

© 2026 APNA. Reproducing and distributing this material without the written permission of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) is prohibited. 

*For an uninterrupted learning experience, please download and use Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, etc. If you continue to experience issues, you may need to update your browser.

502-26: The Treatment of Eating Disorders including Pharmacological Considerations

Eating disorders have the second highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder. They are widespread and impact people in every demographic, but many clinicians are uncomfortable assessing, diagnosing and treating these conditions. This presentation will help providers grow in confidence around recognizing eating disorders, discuss specific pharmacological considerations for treating this population, and provide resources for where to go next, once an eating disorder has been identified. 

Presenter:  Natalie Taylor, MSN, PMHNP-BC

Disclosures:  The APNA planners and faculty have no relevant financial relationships to disclose. Off-label uses will be discussed during this presentation.

Session Length:  1 hour 30 minutes

Target Audience:  RN, APRN

Learning Outcome:
Upon completion of this presentation, the participant will be able to:

• Identify one evidence-based screening tool and treatment approach for eating disorders. 

Keywords:  Eating Disorders, Anorexia Nervosa, ARFID, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge-eating

Nursing Continuing Professional Development:
1.5 pharmacology contact hours.  * In order to receive contact hours, you must: Listen to presentation, complete the evaluation and honor statement, and pass the post-test with a score of 80% or higher before the expiration date. Once all steps are successfully completed, the certificate will be generated online, available for you to print immediately. Contact hours cannot be awarded unless all required components are completed. Partial credit will not be awarded.

The American Psychiatric Nurses Association is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Release date:  July 7, 2026
Access to this course will end:  July 31, 2028

© 2026 APNA. Reproducing and distributing this material without the written permission of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) is prohibited. 

*For an uninterrupted learning experience, please download and use Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, etc. If you continue to experience issues, you may need to update your browser.

501-26: Timing, Treatment, Trust: Shaping the Trajectory of Bipolar Disorder

This presentation explores how timely recognition, evidence-based treatment, and therapeutic alliance can alter the long-term trajectory of bipolar disorder.

Presenter:  Anyi Atabong, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C, PMH-C

Disclosures:  The APNA planners and faculty, with the exception of those listed below, have no relevant financial relationships to disclose. Off-label uses will not be discussed during this presentation.

Anyinke Atabong, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C, PMH-C is a speaker for Intracellular Therapies and AbbVie Pharmaceuticals and is a consultant for Otsuka Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Atabong was previously an advisor for Teva Pharmaceuticals (relationship ended within the past 24 months).

Session Length:  1 hour 30 minutes

Target Audience:  RN, APRN

Learning Outcome:
Upon completion of this presentation, the participant will be able to:

• Describe two evidence-based pharmacologic or non-pharmacologic treatment strategies for bipolar disorder tailored to individual patient needs.

Keywords:  Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Mood Disorder, Shared Decision-making, Equity

Nursing Continuing Professional Development:
1.5 pharmacology contact hours.  * In order to receive contact hours, you must: Listen to presentation, complete the evaluation and honor statement, and pass the post-test with a score of 80% or higher before the expiration date. Once all steps are successfully completed, the certificate will be generated online, available for you to print immediately. Contact hours cannot be awarded unless all required components are completed. Partial credit will not be awarded.

The American Psychiatric Nurses Association is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Release date:  July 7, 2026
Access to this course will end:  July 31, 2028

© 2026 APNA. Reproducing and distributing this material without the written permission of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) is prohibited. 

*For an uninterrupted learning experience, please download and use Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, etc. If you continue to experience issues, you may need to update your browser.

404-26: What’s Old Can Be New Again: Reexamining Psychopharmacology Through a Neuroscience Lens

Advances in neuroscience and psychopharmacology have reshaped how clinicians understand older psychotropic medications. This presentation reframes classic psychopharmacological agents using current neuroscience, receptor-based models and pharmacogenomics. Gain appreciation why certain older medications remain relevant and how to apply this knowledge to individualized treatment planning across psychiatric disorders.

Presenter:  Laura Leahy, DrNP, APRN, FAANP, FAAN

Disclosures:  The APNA planners and faculty, with the exception of those listed below, have no relevant financial relationships to disclose. Off-label uses will be discussed during this presentation.

Laura G. Leahy, DrNP, APRN, FAANP, FAAN is on the speaker’s bureau for Sage/Biogen Therapeutics, and is on the advisory board for Johnson & Johnson and Emergent BioSolutions U.S. 

Session Length:  1 hour 45 minutes

Target Audience:  RN, APRN

Learning Outcome:
Upon completion of this presentation, the participant will be able to:

• Identify three “old” psychotropics and their mechanism of action.

Keywords:  Psychotropic Medications, Neuroscience, Prescribing, Neuroreceptors

Nursing Continuing Professional Development:
1.75 pharmacology contact hours.  * In order to receive contact hours, you must: Listen to presentation, complete the evaluation and honor statement, and pass the post-test with a score of 80% or higher before the expiration date. Once all steps are successfully completed, the certificate will be generated online, available for you to print immediately. Contact hours cannot be awarded unless all required components are completed. Partial credit will not be awarded.

The American Psychiatric Nurses Association is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Release date:  July 7, 2026
Access to this course will end:  July 31, 2028

© 2026 APNA. Reproducing and distributing this material without the written permission of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) is prohibited. 

*For an uninterrupted learning experience, please download and use Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, etc. If you continue to experience issues, you may need to update your browser.

403-26: Neurocognitive Disorders: Clinical Update

This presentation will provide attendees with an overview of updates in the diagnosis and treatment of neurocognitive disorders and their psychiatric manifestations. Conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Lewy body disease, vascular dementia, and other neurocognitive disorders will be discussed. Topics to be covered will include biomarkers and diagnostic workups, addressing psychiatric and behavioral symptoms, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Presenter:  Lyons Hardy, EdD, MSN, PMHNP

Disclosures:  The APNA planners and faculty have no relevant financial relationships to disclose. Off-label uses will be discussed during this presentation.

Session Length:  1 hour 30 minutes

Target Audience:  RN, APRN

Learning Outcome:
Upon completion of this presentation, the participant will be able to:

• Describe treatment options for two common neurocognitive disorders and associated psychiatric symptoms.

Keywords:  Dementia, Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer's, Vascular, Lewy Body, Frontotemporal Degeneration

Nursing Continuing Professional Development:
1.5 pharmacology contact hours.  * In order to receive contact hours, you must: Listen to presentation, complete the evaluation and honor statement, and pass the post-test with a score of 80% or higher before the expiration date. Once all steps are successfully completed, the certificate will be generated online, available for you to print immediately. Contact hours cannot be awarded unless all required components are completed. Partial credit will not be awarded.

The American Psychiatric Nurses Association is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Release date:  July 7, 2026
Access to this course will end:  July 31, 2028

© 2026 APNA. Reproducing and distributing this material without the written permission of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) is prohibited. 

*For an uninterrupted learning experience, please download and use Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, etc. If you continue to experience issues, you may need to update your browser.

402-26: Clearing the Air: The Evidence on Varenicline, Vaping, and Nicotine Cessation Today

In the years following FDA concerns and a boxed warning on neuropsychiatric events for varenicline, clinicians often underestimate both its effectiveness and safety in treating nicotine dependence. This presentation reviews the latest research on varenicline and other smoking cessation treatments, as well as an overview on the state of vaping and other nicotine delivery methods.

Presenter:  Jeremy Mills, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Disclosures:  The APNA planners and faculty have no relevant financial relationships to disclose. Off-label uses will be discussed during this presentation.

Session Length:  1 hour 30 minutes

Target Audience:  RN, APRN

Learning Outcome:
Upon completion of this presentation, the participant will be able to:

• Evaluate the safety and effectiveness of varenicline, including current evidence on psychiatric risk.

Keywords:  Vaping, Nicotine Cessation, Smoking, Tobacco

Nursing Continuing Professional Development:
1.5 pharmacology contact hours.  * In order to receive contact hours, you must: Listen to presentation, complete the reflection activities, evaluation and honor statement, and pass the post-test with a score of 80% or higher before the expiration date. Once all steps are successfully completed, the certificate will be generated online, available for you to print immediately. Contact hours cannot be awarded unless all required components are completed. Partial credit will not be provided.

The American Psychiatric Nurses Association is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Release date:  July 7, 2026
Access to this course will end:  July 31, 2028

© 2026 APNA. Reproducing and distributing this material without the written permission of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) is prohibited. 

*For an uninterrupted learning experience, please download and use Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, etc. If you continue to experience issues, you may need to update your browser.

401-26: ASD and Co-occurring Conditions: Current and Novel Medical Approaches

This presentation will offer in depth knowledge into the changing prevalence and significance of broad autism phenotypes, the sub-categories of ASD and Co-occurring conditions. The various controversies regarding the causes and treatments of ASD will be reviewed. Current medication management of and interventions for the treatment of ASD and Co-occurring conditions will be explored from a symptom-based perspective, while biomarker-directed strategies will guide treatment approaches related to new and novel pharmacotherapy.

Presenter:  Anthony L. Rostain, MD, MA

Disclosures:  The APNA planners and faculty have no relevant financial relationships to disclose. Off-label uses will be discussed during this presentation.

Session Length:  1 hour 30 minutes

Target Audience:  RN, APRN

Learning Outcome:
Upon completion of this presentation, the participant will be able to:

• Identify two medications used to treat co-occurring conditions in patients with autism spectrum disorder.

Keywords:  Autism, ASD, Co-occurring Conditions, Autism Spectrum Disorder

Nursing Continuing Professional Development:
1.5 pharmacology contact hours.  * In order to receive contact hours, you must: Listen to presentation, complete the reflection activities, evaluation and honor statement, and pass the post-test with a score of 80% or higher before the expiration date. Once all steps are successfully completed, the certificate will be generated online, available for you to print immediately. Contact hours cannot be awarded unless all required components are completed. Partial credit will not be awarded.

The American Psychiatric Nurses Association is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Release date:  July 7, 2026
Access to this course will end:  July 31, 2028

© 2026 APNA. Reproducing and distributing this material without the written permission of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) is prohibited. 

*For an uninterrupted learning experience, please download and use Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, etc. If you continue to experience issues, you may need to update your browser.