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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

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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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4047-25: The Utilization of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for Clients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders: Clinical Case Study Explorations

This presentation presents the utilization of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for clients with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Case studies will be shared with participants to showcase the efficacy of EMDR as an evidence-based intervention beyond use for PTSD.

Presenter:  Anka Roberto, DNP, MPH, PMHNP-BC, APRN

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:  45 minutes

Target Audience:  APRN

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

• Discuss the use of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing for clients with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Key Takeaway(s): 

• EMDR demonstrates efficacy in reducing OCD symptoms across age groups.

Keywords:  EMDR, Obsessive-compulsive Disorder

Nursing Continuing Professional Development:
0.75 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:  January 9, 2026
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.

4046-25: Special Considerations for Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

This presentation will synthesize clinical practice guidelines for the identification, diagnosis, and treatment of an adult with ADHD without a childhood diagnosis. Risks and benefits of prescribing stimulants will be explored to minimize a medication crisis.

Presenters:  Brittany Haskell, DNP, MA, PMHNP-BC, PMH-C, CNE; Rose Vick, PhD, 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:  45 minutes

Target Audience:  APRN

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

• Identify an appropriate treatment plan for an adult presenting with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms.

Key Takeaway(s): 

• Treatment for adults diagnosed with ADHD should be focused on decreasing symptoms to increase overall functioning, while also minimizing risks associated with misusing stimulants.

Keywords:  Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Stimulant Misuse Disorder, Adult

Nursing Continuing Professional Development:
0.75 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:  January 9, 2026
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.

4042-25: Pilot of a Suicide Prevention Training for Nurses Boosts Confidence for Discussing Suicide

This session explores the impact of Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) suicide prevention training on nurses’ confidence and screening practices. Through interactive discussion and role-play, participants will learn how psychiatric-mental health nurses can lead suicide prevention efforts, integrate best practices across healthcare settings, and enhance patient safety.

Presenter:  Elyse Paxson, MSN, RN, CNL, PMH-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:

• Describe how structured suicide prevention training improves nurses' confidence.

Key Takeaway(s): 

• Suicide prevention at all healthcare sites is key to identifying people at risk for suicide and intervening early.
• Suicide prevention training that incorporates role playing can boost nurses' confidence in discussing suicide with patients.
• Psychiatric-mental health nurses are ideal instructors for staff suicide prevention training.

Keywords:  Suicide, Prevention, Training

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:  January 12, 2026
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.

4041-25: Decreasing Aggression through Enhancing Connection: Strategies to Increase Staff and Patient Satisfaction and Reduce the Potential for Workplace Violence

The nurse's first interaction with a patient might occur while the patient is in an agitated or dysregulated state. In anticipation of patients' distress, nurses can employ a strategy to reduce the potential for aggression and strengthen interpersonal connection through the creation of an a priori "caring occasion."

Presenters:  Robbi K. Alexander, PhD, APN, PMHCNS-BC; Marta Sadowski, BSN, 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:  45 minutes

Target Audience:  RN, APRN

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

• Discuss how to structure a trauma-informed intervention to reduce potential for patient aggression toward staff.

Key Takeaway(s): 

• Techniques to improve nurse patient connection must be intentional and taught to staff to reduce risk of aggression. 

Keywords:  Workplace Violence, Safety

Nursing Continuing Professional Development:
0.75 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:  January 12, 2026
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.

4043-25: “Wow! How Did You Do It?” The Process of Removing Mechanical Restraints from Child and Adolescent Inpatient Care

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

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:  45 minutes

Target Audience:  RN, APRN

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

• Describe three interventions implemented hospital-wide and their relationship to the removal of mechanical restraints.

Key Takeaway(s): 

• Elimination of mechanical restraint use is achievable.

Keywords:  Restraint Reduction, Safety, Child and Adolescent

Nursing Continuing Professional Development:
0.75 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 19, 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.

4016.2-25: Mental Health Support for Community Health Nursing Teams Experiencing Secondary or Vicarious Trauma

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

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:

• Identify two key risk factors for community health nurses experiencing secondary trauma. 

Key Takeaway(s): 

• Trauma impacts community health nursing teams.
• Incorporating a mental health team to support community health nurses improves their practice and well-being.

Keywords:  Secondary Trauma, Community Health Nurses, Integrated Mental Health Team

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:  January 6, 2026
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.

4035-25: Prescription Overload: The Hidden Dangers of Polypharmacy 

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

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:  45 minutes

Target Audience:  APRN

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

• Identify at least two evidence-based deprescribing strategies to manage polypharmacy in psychiatric practice. 

Key Takeaway(s): 

• A structured deprescribing toolkit guides safe, patient-centered medication reduction using evidence, clinical judgement, and collaborative strategies.

Keywords:  Polypharmacy, Deprescribing, Toolkit

Nursing Continuing Professional Development:
0.75 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 22, 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.

4031-25: When Push Comes to Shove: Reducing Workplace Violence (WPV) on an Inpatient Psychiatric Unit 

This dynamic presentation offers access to the successful, proactive strategies used by one inpatient psychiatric unit in reducing workplace violence (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

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:  45 minutes

Target Audience:  RN

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

• Identify one strategy to predict, prevent, or protect from workplace violence (WPV).

Key Takeaway(s): 

• Evidence-based assessment tools can help prevent WPV. 
• Implementing relevant care plans can help protect against WPV. 
• Staff can learn to prevent WPV by shifting unit culture.

Keywords:  Workplace Violence (WPV), Inpatient Psychiatric Unit, Violence Prevention

Nursing Continuing Professional Development:
0.75 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 23, 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.