Stroke Conference Education Sessions
AANN's Advances in Stroke Care Conference will inspire you to optimize patient care through exposure to innovative research and leading evidence-based practice in stroke nursing. Our conference is an environment built to meet your needs whether you are new to the field or a seasoned professional. This is an opportunity to meet your colleagues from around the country and foster relationships. All times are in the Central time zone (CDT).
Thursday, August 1
Pre-Conference Sessions
8:00 am – 4:30 pm CDT (7 CE contact hours)
SCRN Review Course
8:00 am – 4:30 pm CDT (7 CE contact hours)
Session: (001)
Cynthia Bautista, PhD RN CNRN SCRN CCNS ACNS-BC FNCS FCNS
Level: Intermediate
Track: Professional Development
This session requires an additional fee to attend.
The SCRN Review Course will provide a comprehensive review for nurses preparing for the SCRN® exam as well as for nurses interested in updating, enhancing, and increasing their knowledge base in stroke patient care settings.
Stroke Coordinator Boot Camp
8:00 am – 4:30 pm CDT (7 CE contact hours)
Session: (002)
Level: Intermediate
Track: Program Management
This session requires an additional fee to attend.
Calling all new and experienced recruits! This pre-con is designed to provide education specific to the role of the stroke coordinator. Sessions will focus on the evolving role of the stroke coordinator, tactics for successful program and meeting management, integration of data and research, and hot topics in stroke care and certification. Collaborate with colleagues from across the country to improve stroke care and leverage the coordinator role to lead successful stroke teams.
3D Stroke Anatomy and Assessment
8:00 am – 12:30 pm CDT (4 CE contact hours)
Session: (003)
Linda Littlejohns, MSN RN SCRN CNRN FAAN
Level: Intermediate
Track: Anatomy
This session requires an additional fee to attend.
A solid knowledge of vascular anatomy in 3D is the foundation for assessment and management of stroke patients. This session will demonstrate blood vessels and anatomical structures in the brain and brain stem using Anatomage 3D software, color-coded vessels, and case studies. Patient care, and the ability to assess and teach patients as they move from a stroke diagnosis to recovery expectations and rehab needs, will be enhanced as we travel through the brain in a dimension not available in a text book.
Friday, August 2
AANN/ABNN/AMWF Update & Keynote Speaker
8:00 – 9:15 am CDT (1 CE contact hour)
How Gratitude & Play Can Help You Rediscover Your Why
Jeff Harry
In this interactive keynote, we'll dive into the transformative power of gratitude and play in reshaping workplace culture. Gratitude isn't just about saying thank you; it's about fostering a deep sense of belonging and appreciation within teams. We'll explore how recognizing and celebrating employees' successes not only boosts morale but also strengthens team dynamics and psychological safety.
Simultaneously, we'll uncover the liberating power of play in our quest for fulfillment and happiness. By embracing curiosity and letting go of rigid outcomes, we open ourselves to a world of endless possibilities. Through this interactive keynote, attendees will identify their play values, brainstorm ways to infuse play into their lives, and tap into a state of flow. Together, we'll reimagine work as a space where gratitude and play intertwine to create joy, connection, and shared purpose.
Preparing Nurses for a Major Practice Change in Stroke Care: A Multi-Site Transition to Tenecteplase
10:00 – 11:00 am CDT (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (100)
Mary Broadway, MSN RN CNRN SCRN
Level: Expert
Track: Program Management
Pharmacology hours: 0.33
Preparing nurses for a major change in practice can be challenging. Ensuring consistent training across a large system can be daunting, but with teamwork and clear communication, implementation can be successful. The purpose of this presentation is to describe the process of training nurses in a multi-site hospital system from alteplase to tenecteplase for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke.
Post-Stroke Aphasia: We Should Talk About It
Session: (101)
Samantha Orr, MSN RN SCRN
Ginny Wiley, MA CCC-SLP
Level: Intermediate
Track: Other
Post-stroke aphasia is a common neurological disorder resulting from damage to the brain's language centers following a stroke. This condition significantly affects the affected individuals' communication abilities and overall quality of life. As neuroscience practitioners, it is crucial to understand the need for assessment and intervention strategies available to optimize outcomes for patients with post-stroke aphasia.
Let's Draw! Expanding the Understanding and Teaching of the Circle of Willis
11:10 am – 12:10 pm CDT (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (102)
Melissa Moreda, MSN APRN ACCNS-AG CDCES CNRN SCRN
Level: Intermediate
Track: Clinical
Understanding the dynamic nature of the large vessels and how they present remain a challenge for all levels of healthcare workers which is further complicated trying to teach new learners such as patients, families, and new to healthcare. The Circle of Willis is a complicated, detailed cerebral vasculature structure that joins the anterior (carotid portion) and posterior (vertebrobasilar portion) cerebral circulation through vessel anastomoses at the skull base. The purpose of this presentation is to easily construct the symptoms of the Circle of Willis anterior and posterior arteries as a viable, efficacious mnemonic strategy allowing for easy replication for other healthcare workers, patients, and their families.
Stroke Nurse Navigators Reduce Readmissions and Improve Patient Outcomes
11:10 am – 12:10 pm CDT (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (103)
Leslie Pope, MSN RN
Level: Beginner
Track: Quality
Stroke Nurse Navigators are a new and emerging role, therefore not a lot of research has been done to describe their potential benefits. The research team aimed to evaluate whether the level of engagement with stroke nurse navigators affected readmission rates and outcomes in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). A multicenter retrospective analysis of AIS patients with admission was performed, and the conclusion from that study will be presented during this session.
The Celebrations and Challenges of Using Glucagon-Like Peptide-1Receptor Agonists (GLP-1RAs) Beyond Diabetes Mellitus for Stroke Reduction
1:00 – 2:00 pm CDT (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (104)
Melissa Moreda, MSN APRN ACCNS-AG CDCES CNRN SCRN
Level: Expert
Track: Clinical
Diabetes Mellitus is a prominent chronic disease process within the United States and around the world. This condition is a significant risk factor in stroke epidemiology. Cardiovascular Outcomes Trials from the antihyperglycemic agents Glucagon-like Petpide Receptor-1 Agonists (GLP-1RAs) have shown consistently strong results in the reduction of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE) and have become a common treatment regimen to decrease the stroke burden in communities in highly developed countries. This presentation describes how the GLP 1-RAs therapeutically work, the ease of access to these medications, identification of the challenges that surround health inequity, racial disparity, and poorer outcomes in specific populations. Solutions to overcome some of these barriers are interwoven throughout this presentation.
Improving Stroke Awareness Outreach by Partnering with Community, Regional, and State Stakeholders
1:00 – 2:00 pm CDT (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (105)
Kathryn Funk, AGACNP-BC MSN-RN SCRN CNRN
Level: Beginner
Track: Community Education
Pharmacology hours: 0.1
The purpose of this presention is to discuss stroke awareness programs at a facility, city, regional, and state level. We will also discuss how to identify and partner with community stakeholders who would be willing to particapte in stroke outreach—or who may already be doing it. Methods of overcoming barriers to reach those minority and rural populations will also be discussed. The presentation will also include various methods of raising awareness and examples of engaged partnerships at the local and state level.
Back So Soon?: Risk Factors in 90-Day Ischemic Stroke Readmissions
2:10 – 3:10 pm CDT (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (106)
Lauren Sheehan, OTD OTR/L
Level: Beginner
Track: Clinical
The purpose of this study is to conduct a retrospective Medicare FFS medical claims analysis to study risk factors associated with 30-day and 90-day readmissions in patients with ischemic stroke. The goal of this study is to create awareness regarding the risks of readmission and potential mitigation strategies to reduce readmissions and support stroke survivors and care partners as they are discharged from the hospital.
Code TNK: A Primary Stroke Center's Approach to Improve Door to Monitored Bed
2:10 – 3:10 pm CDT (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (107)
Cassandra Moore, MS RN CCRN-K SCRN
Level: Intermediate
Track: Quality
An interdisciplinary workgroup formed consisting of stroke program leadership, nursing leadership, physicians and IT. Due to struggles with adherence of the post TNK monitoring protocol we needed a new solution. Attempts at auditing, and firing IT tasks through the EMR for vital signs and neurological checks had proven to be unsuccessful. Our team decided that a quick ICU pull-through process would offer the most opportunity for adherence to the monitoring protocol to ensure safe and adequate patient monitoring per the AHA Stroke Standards of Care. The purpose of this presentation is to share sustained success of a quality improvement initiative over the course of a three-year period to decrease “door to monitored bed” times for patients that received thombolytic for Acute Ischemic Stroke.
Is It a Stroke or Not? Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome
3:40 – 4:40 pm CDT (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (108)
Kathryn Funk, AGACNP-BC MSN-RN SCRN CNRN
Level: Intermediate
Track: Clinical
Pharmacology hours: 0.25
Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome (RCVS) encompasses a large array of conditions that may or may not show reversible narrowing of the arteries on imaging. Typically patients present with a severe headache and may have other focal neurological deficits. RCVS can lead to seizures, brain edema, ischemic stroke and/or hemorrhagic stroke. Most patients recover from RCVS within 3 months but a percentage of patients do suffer long-term consequences as a result of this condition. The purpose of this lecture is to raise awareness about the types and causes of RCVS; the imaging and treatments needed; as well as long-term outcomes for RCVS patients.
Utilizing the Stroke Rehab DREAM TEAM!
3:40 – 4:40 pm CDT (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (109)
Heather Meyn Sudduth, OTR/L CCM CEAS
Bayley Sanders, OTR/L
Level: Intermediate
Track: Rehabilitation
Certifying bodies for stroke programs require several standards and metrics that can be assessed and/or monitored by the stroke rehabilitation team. Utilizing the stroke rehab team (OT, PT, SLP) can reduce the workload on the nursing staff and stroke coordinator. Assigning specific metrics to the individual disciplines provides an avenue for accountability and increases compliance. Individual disciplines can also monitor their progress which can increase staff buy in. In addition to discussing the rehab metrics and standards set forth by certifying stroke program bodies, this presentation will focus on linking the following assessments to the identified rehab team member and include suggested documentation and follow-up education. Physical Therapy performing The Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) - functional outcomes measure assessment. Occupational Therapy performing depression screening and Speech Therapy performing dysphagia screening.
Multidisciplinary Rounding in an Acute Stroke Unit
4:50 – 5:50 pm CDT (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (110)
Marie Cuffee, BSN RN
Kaitlyn Dupriest, BSN RN CCRN
Level: Beginner
Track: Quality
Multidisciplinary rounding (MDR) is a useful tool to help ensure effective and comprehensive care of neurological and neurosurgical patients. This project aims to improve teamwork, stroke knowledge, and empowerment of RNs by improving effective multidisciplinary communication on the ASU. To accomplish this, we initiated a pilot project to establish formalized RN led MDRs that included a nurse-driven communication tool in the electronic medical record (EMR).
Who's Delirious? Let's Talk About Delirium in the ICU
4:50 – 5:50 pm CDT (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (111)
Katherine Archer, MSN APRN FNP-C CNR
Level: Intermediate
Track: Clinical
Delirium after stroke impacts 1 in 4 stroke patients. However, the impact of delirium on stroke patients independently results in cognitive deficits and poorer outcomes. Delirium delays cognitive rehabilitation, physical therapy, and prolongs hospitalizations. If we can prevent or reduce delirium, the stroke patient will have better outcomes. This session will provide the learner with the screening tools necessary for assessing the high-risk patient, providing preventative measures, and intervening early if delirium occurs. Ultimately, the learner will positively impact the outcome of stroke patient's by reducing delirium days and improving their long-term outcomes.
Saturday, August 3
I've Had a Stroke, I'm Going Home, Now What?
8:00 – 9:00 am CDT (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (200)
Chelsea Dunston, BSN RN SCRN ASC-BC
Level: Intermediate
Track: Other
Post-stroke care does not end once the patient is discharged from the hospital- it is actually just beginning. Knowing and utilizing the resources available after discharge can make or break stroke recovery. Resources range from stroke nurse navigators to transitional care and stroke clinics, community paramedicine and mobile integrated health, and most importantly, stroke survivor support group. Setting the patient and family up with the appropriate community resources prior to discharge is key to promoting successful recovery, preventing readmissions, and improving overall satisfaction with plan of care.
Poststroke Fatigue: Why Am I So Tired?
8:00 – 9:00 am CDT (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (201)
Cynthia Bautista, PhD RN CNRN SCRN CCNS ACNS-BC FNCS FCNS
Level: Intermediate
Track: Clinical
Poststroke fatigue is a common symptom that can have debilitating effects. The cause is highly complex, and pathophysiology is largely unknown. Several factors are generally recognized to be associated with it onset and progression. Management strategies for poststroke fatigue reflect a multifaceted interventions. An interprofessional approach should target physical and psycho-behavioral factors. Stroke nurses need to know the evidence-based information on poststroke fatigue to develop guidelines to improve the care of stroke survivors. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss poststroke fatigue to allow the stroke nurse to be a true advocate for their stroke patient in regard to early poststroke assessments, appropriate services and patient/family education.
All In the Family: A Team Based Approach to Design of a Multidisciplinary Comprehensive Stroke Clinic
9:10 – 10:10 am CDT (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (202)
Kiffon Keigher, DNP MSN ACNP-BC SCRN FAHA
Level: Expert
Track: Program Management
Background: There has been a great deal of attention focused on the acute care aspect of stroke patients that is critical to initial survival and determinant of potential disability. The post-acute phase of stroke care requires critical resources for the long-term outcome and secondary prevention of stroke for patients. This requires a multidisciplinary team of experts and a coordinated plan of care. This presentation will explore the impact nurses have on patient outcomes in reducing secondary stroke, improving knowledge of patient stroke risk factors and secondary risk control on chronic medical conditions of stroke patients.
American Board of Neuroscience Nursing (ABNN) Session
9:10 – 10:10 am CDT (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (203)
Larry Georgiana
Level: Intermediate
Track: Professional Development
More information coming soon!
Innovations in Stroke Transitions of Care: Podcasts for Patient Education
10:40 – 11:40 am CDT (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (204)
Rosa Hart, BSN RN SCRN
Level: Intermediate
Track: Community Education
The learning curve of new information after a stroke is steep, and reinforcement is needed for retention. This session aims to familiarize the audience with the unique benefits of using podcasts by nurses as a medium for health education. Tobin and Guadagno’s review found that people who listen to podcasts have higher informational needs, the use of podcasts has been shown to significantly increase knowledge gain and many learners prefer an audio option to having to read printed material. In the same study they also found podcasts provided a sense of meaning and relatedness to the host which meets a psychosocial need. The purpose of this presentation is to challenge neuroscience nurses to meet stroke patients and families where they are with the education they need to have best outcomes after stroke.
Neuro Clue: Solving the Mystery of Stroke
10:40 – 11:40 am CDT (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (205)
Nicole Westensee, MSN RN ATC SCRN
Danielle Hagedorn, MBA BSN RN CPHQ
Sara Leiter, BSN RN CCRN
Nicole Johnson, BSN RN
Rachel Longseth, BSN RN SCRN
Kimberly Roth, RN SCRN
Level: Beginner
Track: Clinical
Have you ever thought you really missed the mark when assessing a stroke patient? Did you love the game of Clue as a kid? Our stroke experts are here to provide an interactive game to learn and share as you put on your detective hat to investigate stroke, stroke syndromes and stroke mimics. Neuro assessments are complex. By providing an explanation and background information about stroke and stroke mimics, we hope that you can understand the need to cast a broad net when looking for stroke and to recognize why these evaluations can be difficult!
Pilot of an Acute Stroke Alert Nurse to Enhance Patient Care and Outcomes
11:50 am – 12:50 pm CDT (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (206)
Riley Silco, BSN RN CCRN SCRN
Jessica Tambe, MS RN
Level: Expert
Track: Program Management
This presentation describes the implementation and outcomes of an Acute Stroke Alert Nurse (ASN) pilot program at an academic Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC). Post-pandemic nursing shortages along with an influx of agency nurses has led to more novice, non-specialized nurses delivering acute stroke care. Combined with increased Emergency Department (ED) volumes and rotating Neurology and Emergency Medicine residents less familiar with the acute stroke process, inconsistencies in patient care have been appreciated. Recognizing the importance of specialty trained neuroscience nurses and the impact they have on patient outcomes, a need for a resource to deliver comprehensive evidence-based care to the acute stroke population was identified.
NIHSS Class Evolution: Videos, Virtual and Classroom Victories
11:50 am – 12:50 pm CDT (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (207)
Heather Bina, MSN RN SCRN MSC
Kerri Jeppson, BSN RN SCRN ACS-BC
Level: Intermediate
Track: Clinical
The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) is the gold standard to assess, rate and communicate stroke severity. As a comprehensive stroke center, an estimated 300 nurses need NIHSS training every 2 years. The free, online, original NIHSS courses used worldwide are accessible and satisfy our 2-year recertification requirement; however, new RN staff or first time NIHSS certifiers are required to attend our in-person class. A pivot from in-person to virtual during the COVID pandemic offered opportunities for improvements in the class. This presentation explores how nurses involved in acute stroke care report confidence and demonstrate consistency in using the NIHSS assessment with their patients.