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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.

Small Towns, Big Impact: Psychiatric Nursing and Rural Opioid Safety Strategies

Contact Hours:  0.75 contact hours
Target Audience:  RN, APRN  
Presenter:  Jennifer L. Scott, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC

Distinguish yourself as a psychiatric nurse leading transformational change in rural and other addiction care settings. Join a network of psychiatric nurses who are advancing addiction care through innovative, evidence-informed education strategies. Discover how rural communities are leveraging their unique strengths to create innovative, sustainable, safe treatment programs utilizing community resources. Participants learn practical strategies for overcoming common barriers, building community partnerships, and implementing effective solutions to provide safe treatment strategies while honoring rural values and resources. Gain the tools and knowledge to:

• Identify strategies to leverage existing community strengths in developing rural safety-focused approaches.
  
• Describe practical approaches to implement and sustain community safety support in rural communities.
  
• Apply risk reduction within psychiatric nursing practice.
• Develop connections with resources that support safety-focused substance use disorder programs in a rural community.
  

Learning Outcome: 

Upon completion of this program, the participant will: 

• Identify two safety-focused strategies that should be considered when implementing sustainable opioid use disorder treatment programs in rural communities.
  

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

Keywords:  Addiction, Education, Rural Health, Partnerships

Price:  Free

Nursing Continuing Professional Development:
0.75 contact hours.  * To receive contact hours, participants must:  Complete all the course components.  Once you have completed the course, post-test, honor statement and evaluation, and earned a passing score of at least 80% on the post-test, your nursing continuing professional development certificate will be generated online and available for immediate printing. Credit cannot be earned unless all course components are completed. No partial credit can be awarded.  

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:  November 25, 2025
Access to this course will end:  November 25, 2028

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.

© APNA 2025. Reproducing and distributing this material without the written permission of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) is prohibited. 

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4036-25: Mind and Metabolism in Harmony: Addressing the Metabolic Side Effects of Second-Generation Antipsychotics with Topamax, Metformin, and GLP-1 Receptor Agonists 

This dynamic presentation explores the cardiometabolic risks associated with second-generation antipsychotic medications. It highlights the efficacy of topiramate, metformin, and GLP-1 receptor agonists in managing these risks, including weight loss, improved BMI, enhanced glycemic and lipid profiles, increased medication compliance, and improved self-esteem in patients with psychotic disorders.

Presenters:  Tiffany Pressley, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, PMH-BC, CNE, CMSRN; Nina Russell, DNP, FNP-C, MSN-Ed, APRN

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

Tiffany Pressley, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, PMH-BC, CNE, CMSRN is the CEO of BIA Healthcare. The presentation content is not related to the business lines of BIA Healthcare.

Session Length:  30 minutes

Target Audience:  RN, APRN

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

• Understand cardiometabolic risks associated with SG2-antipsychotic medications. 

Key Takeaway(s): 

• Topiramate, metformin, and GLP-1 receptor agonists are effective in managing SGA risks, including weight loss, improved BMI, and increased medication compliance.

Keywords:  Pharmacology

Nursing Continuing Professional Development:
0.5 pharmacology contact hours.  * In order to receive contact hours, you must: Listen to the entire presentation, complete the reflection activity, 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. Contact hours cannot be awarded unless all required components 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.

Release Date:  December 8, 2025
Access to this course will end:  December 1, 2027

*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.

4044-25: Creating a Meaningful Post-Conference Experience to Enhance Learning for the Pre-Licensed Nursing Student

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; Patricia Mulvaney-Roth, DNP, MSN, APRN, PMHCNS-BC, AGCNS; Katherine B. Evans DNP, RN

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:

• Formulate four patient-related clinical questions based on the Clinical Judgement Model using a trauma-informed approach in the clinical post-conference.

Key Takeaway(s): 

• Formulating Socratic questions utilizing the Clinical Judgement Model supports student learning.
• Support students who have observed or experienced critical incidents during their clinical day.
• Utilize peer support and debriefing framework to support student learning during post-conference for clinical or simulation.

Keywords:  Trauma-informed Care, Nursing Education

Nursing Continuing Professional Development:
0.5 contact hours.  * In order to receive contact hours, you must: Listen to the entire presentation, complete the reflection activity, 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. Contact hours cannot be awarded unless all required components 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.

Release Date:  December 8, 2025
Access to this course will end:  December 1, 2028

*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.

4017.2-25: Implementing an Equitable Acuity Scale in Inpatient Psychiatric Units: Optimizing Ratings for Understanding Psychiatric Unit In-Hospital Acuity through Learning and Evaluation (ORUPOLE)

The Inpatient Psychiatric Unit (IPU) faces challenges in standardized acuity assessment. To address this, we developed the ORUPOLE tool, integrating CMS guidelines and clinical data. In collaboration with our Neuroscience Clinical Research team, we refined acuity assessment. ORUPOLE is expected to revolutionize psychiatric acuity measurement and adapt to various inpatient settings.

Presenters:  Mable Koshy, BSN, PMH-BC; Amy Weaver, MHA, BSN, RN, CEN, PMH-BC, NEA-BC

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:  15 minutes

Target Audience:  RN, APRN

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

• Understand the challenges of using a standardized acuity assessment in inpatient psychiatric units.

Key Takeaway(s): 

• A standardized acuity tool like ORUPOLE reduces personal rating variance and improves staffing accuracy.
• Scenario-based testing helps validate acuity tools in real-world psychiatric care settings.

Keywords:  ORUPOLE, Psychiatric Acuity, Acuity Based Staffing

Nursing Continuing Professional Development:
0.25 contact hours.  * In order to receive contact hours, you must: Listen to the entire presentation, complete the reflection activity, 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. Contact hours cannot be awarded unless all required components 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.

Release Date:  December 8, 2025
Access to this course will end:  December 1, 2028

*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.

4017.1-25: Implementing a Standardized Clozapine-Induced Constipation Nursing Protocol in Inpatient Psychiatric Settings

Clozapine-induced constipation is a leading cause of life-threatening bowel obstruction in psychiatric inpatients. This session presents a nine-month evaluation of a nursing-led constipation management protocol. Key strategies include structured assessments, prophylactic bowel regimens, and patient education initiatives, to reduce complications and improve Clozapine patient outcomes through prevention-focused care.

Presenters:  Scott Levine, RN, BSN; Anthony Patterson, RN-BSN

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:  15 minutes

Target Audience:  RN, APRN

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

• Describe the development of a nursing-led clozapine constipation protocol.

Key Takeaway(s): 

• Clozapine-induced constipation is preventable through nursing-led interventions that promote hydration, ambulation, and bowl regimen.
• Clozapine-induced constipation poses a significantly greater mortality risk than agranulocytosis, yet it remains under-recognized and under-monitored in clinical practice.

Keywords:  Clozapine Adverse Effects, Clozapine-induced Gastrointestinal Hypomotility (CIGH), Clozapine-induced Constipation

Nursing Continuing Professional Development:
0.25 contact hours.  * In order to receive contact hours, you must: Listen to the entire presentation, complete the reflection activity, 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. Contact hours cannot be awarded unless all required components 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.

Release Date:  December 8, 2025
Access to this course will end:  December 1, 2028

*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.

4026-25: Deprescribing in Action: Reducing Polypharmacy to Improve Mental Health Outcomes

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

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:  APRN

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

• Recognize three specific strategies in the management of polypharmacy.

Key Takeaway(s): 

• Deprescribing is important and needed to maximize patient wellness and quality of life.
• Shared Decision Making (SDM) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) provide tools to assist with deprescribing in practice.

Keywords:  Deprescribing, Motivational Interviewing, Shared Decision Making

Nursing Continuing Professional Development:
0.5 contact hours.  * In order to receive contact hours, you must: Listen to the entire presentation, complete the reflection activity, 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. Contact hours cannot be awarded unless all required components 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.

Release Date:  December 5, 2025
Access to this course will end:  December 1, 2028

*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.

4013.2-25: Use of a Measurement-Based Care Protocol in Adolescent Mental Health Therapy: A Quality Improvement Project to Improve Outcomes 

This presentation describes the development, implementation, and evaluation of a measurement-based care (MBC) protocol at an outpatient counseling center to improve treatment engagement and mental health outcomes for adolescents. The benefits of using MBC to monitor and guide psychiatric treatment, and strategies to sustain the process, will be provided.

Presenter:  Dana M. Anderson, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC

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:  15 minutes

Target Audience:  RN, APRN

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

• Identify three strategies to improve measurement-based care engagement rates.

Key Takeaway(s): 

• Measurement-based care is an evidence-based practice shown to improve mental health treatment outcomes.
• Psychiatric nurse providers should consider using measurement-based care with youth experiencing mental health distress.
• Knowledge reinforcement, reminders, increased frequency of use, and leadership support may help sustain measurement-based care use.

Keywords:  Adolescents, Measurement-based Care, Youth, Mental Health 

Nursing Continuing Professional Development:
0.25 contact hours.  * In order to receive contact hours, you must: Listen to the entire presentation, complete the reflection activity, 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. Contact hours cannot be awarded unless all required components 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.

Release Date:  December 3, 2025
Access to this course will end:  December 1, 2028

*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.

4033-25: Understanding Rare Disorders: PANDAS/PANS, Serotonin Syndrome, and Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another (Munchausen Syndrome) 

This presentation will delve into the intricacies of three rare neuropsychiatric disorders – PANDAS/PANS, serotonin syndrome, and Munchausen syndrome. We'll explore their definitions, clinical presentations, diagnostic approaches, and management strategies, providing you with the knowledge to confidently identify and manage these complex conditions.

Presenter:  Jennifer Allain, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC

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:

• Differentiate the key clinical presentations of PANDAS/PANS, serotonin syndrome, and Munchausen syndrome from other neuropsychiatric disorders.

Key Takeaway(s): 

• PMHNs can play a critical role in improving the lives of patients with rare neuropsychiatric disorders.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration can enhance patient outcomes, foster shared understanding, and strengthen advocacy for the well-being of all patients.

Keywords:  PANS, PANDAS, Serotonin Syndrome, Rare Disorders, Munchausen Syndrome

Nursing Continuing Professional Development:
0.5 contact hours.  * In order to receive contact hours, you must: Listen to the entire presentation, complete the reflection activity, 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. Contact hours cannot be awarded unless all required components 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.

Release Date:  December 3, 2025
Access to this course will end:  December 1, 2028

*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.

4014.2-25: The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Psychological Distress on Mental Health Services Help Seeking Intentions Among Nursing Students 

This presentation examined Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), psychological distress, and help-seeking intentions among nursing students. Attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control influenced intentions, with ACEs moderating subjective norms' effect. Key barriers—time constraints, financial concerns, fear of disclosure, and stigma—highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve mental health service use.

Presenter:  Zainab Almogheer, PhD, MSN, BSN

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:  15 minutes

Target Audience:  RN, APRN

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

• Identify two ways Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) influence psychological distress and behavioral factors that affect nursing students' intentions to seek mental health services.

Key Takeaway(s): 

• The constructs within the Theory of Planned Behavior significantly influence nursing students’ intentions to pursue mental health support.
• Practical barriers remain major challenges to mental health service utilization among nursing students.

Keywords:  Nursing Students, Adverse Childhood Experiences, Psychological Distress

Nursing Continuing Professional Development:
0.25 contact hours.  * In order to receive contact hours, you must: Listen to the entire presentation, complete the reflection activity, 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. Contact hours cannot be awarded unless all required components 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.

Release Date:  December 5, 2025
Access to this course will end:  December 1, 2028

*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.