Annual Conference Education Sessions
The AANN Neuroscience Nursing Annual Conference showcases groundbreaking research in the field. Attending the conference will inspire new ideas, inform clinical decision-making, and contribute to evidence-based patient care. All times are in the Central time zone (CDT).
Saturday, March 21
Pre-Conference Sessions
SCRN Review Course
9:00 am – 4:00 pm (6 CE contact hours)
Session: (001)
Michelle Dedeo,DNP RN ARNP-CNS ACCNS-AG CCRN SCRN
The SCRN Review Course will provide aThe SCRN Review Course will provide a comprehensive review of stroke content fornurses preparing for the SCRN® exam as wellas for nurses interested in updating, enhancing,and increasing their knowledge base in stroke patient care settings.
Stroke Coordinator Boot Camp
9:00 am – 4:00 pm (6 CE contact hours)
Session: (002)
Erin Conahan, MSN RN ACNS-BC CNRN SCRN PHRN
Claranne Mathiesen, MSN RN CNRN SCRN FAHA
Calling all new and experienced recruits! 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 ofthe 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.
Sunday, March 22
Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Cangrelor Knowledge and Neuroscience Nursing Self-Efficacy
10:00 - 10:30 am (0.5 CE contact hours)
Session: (100)
Dixie Alexander, DNP AGACNP-BC RN CEN
Reema Soni, MSN AGACNP-BC
Pharmacology hours: 0.50
This presentation aims to enhance the knowledge of neuroscience nurses about Cangrelor, a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor, that is gaining popularity in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke that requires mechanical thrombectomy and endovascular treatments. With its rapid onset and offset, Cangrelor helps maintain vessel patency in high-risk patients until oral antiplatelets can be safely administered. Proper management of Cangrelor infusion and timely transition to oral therapy is vital to prevent vessel thrombosis and re-occlusion and improve outcomes in these stroke patients.
Comprehensive Quality Improvement in Stroke Care: Venous Thromboembolism Prevention and Depression Detection
10:00 – 10:30 am CDT (0.5 CE contact hours)
Session: (101)
Romeo Junio II, MBA-HCA RN CNRN
Racheena Vieb Tolentino, MBAHC ENLS USRN HAAD RN SCRN
Michelle Duenas, MBAHC USRN HAAD-RN
Louie Jay Ramos, BSN RN
Faith Lanie Romo, SCRN CNRN
Pharmacology hours: 0.25
This presentation will demonstrate how a dual-focus quality improvement initiative—targeting venous thromboembolism prevention and depression screening in acute stroke care—can significantly enhance patient safety, recovery, and satisfaction. By integrating evidence-based pharmacological, mechanical, and psychosocial strategies into standardized workflows, the project addresses both physical and emotional outcomes, which are often managed separately. Attendees will gain practical tools, audit insights, and implementation strategies that can be adapted to diverse neuroscience nursing settings. The approach reinforces holistic, patient-centered care while aligning with national guidelines, empowering nurses to drive sustainable change and improve quality metrics within the neuroscience specialty.
Standing Strong: Advancing Fall Prevention in Neuroscience Care
10:00 – 10:30 am (0.5 CE contact hours)
Session: (102)
Kristen M. Vargo, DNP RN NE-BC
Melanie Cook, BSN RN NE-BC
The purpose of this presentation is to share the development, implementation, and outcomes of an interdisciplinary fall reduction initiative tailored to the unique needs of neuroscience patients. By highlighting evidence-based strategies, staff engagement, and leadership collaboration, the presentation aims to demonstrate how a structured, team-driven approach led to significant reductions in both patient falls and related injuries.
Epilepsy Foundation Session
10:00 – 10:30 am (0.5 CE contact hours)
Session: (103)
Della Mathew, PhD MSN RN
More information coming soon!
Enhancing Care Coordination to Improve Primary Care Follow Up and Medication Adherence Among Acute Stroke Patients Discharged to Home
10:40 - 11:10 am (0.5 CE contact hours)
Session: (104)
Florence Chukwuneke, MSN RN AGPCNP-BC CNRN NVRN-BC
Effective management of stroke patients in acute hospital is an interprofessional team approach from admission through discharge. Transitioning to home for underinsured or uninsured adult stroke patients, requires complex interventions to ensure access to primary care provider follow –up and prescribed medications for stroke prevention. Neuroscience nurses in collaboration with interprofessional healthcare team can enhance discharge care coordination process utilizing healthcare equity delivery model. This evidence-based practice project aims to reduce healthcare inequity and disparities by implementing individualized enhanced discharge care coordination interventions for eligible patients. Evaluation of data demonstrated improved continuity of care and reduced 30-day readmission and recurrent stroke.
From Blockage to Breakthrough: Carotid Surgery in an Acute Stroke Unit
10:40 – 11:10 am CDT (0.5 CE contact hours)
Session: (105)
Kaitlyn Dupriest, MBA BSN RN CCRN
This project demonstrates how targeted education and interdisciplinary collaboration can safely expand neuro-progressive care nursing roles, enabling management of complex post-carotid surgery patients outside the ICU. By optimizing resource utilization and maintaining high standards of neurological monitoring and stroke care, it directly addresses critical workforce and capacity challenges. Sharing these evidence-based strategies empowers neuroscience nurses to enhance patient flow, improve clinical outcomes, and increase confidence in caring for specialized populations.
Family Members’ Experiences in a Neurological Step-Down Unit
10:40 – 11:10 am (0.5 CE contact hours)
Session: (106)
Amy Young, MSN APRN ACCNS-AG CCRN
Megan M. LoBello, MHA BSN RN
The results of this research study can shape how caregivers deliver care to not only the patient, but the family members as well. Family members have a unique experience in the hospital setting that needs to be considered in order to promote optimal outcomes for the patient. Patients with neurological disease/illness have an unpredictable course of recovery, making this a distinct population of interest. This study may also have implications for the physical environment in which care is delivered.
Streamlining Care, Strengthening Teams: Standardizing Triage Protocols and Practices
10:40 – 11:10 am (0.5 CE contact hours)
Session: (107)
Clarissa Fraley, BSN RN CPN
Communication processes between nurses, patients, and families in pediatric neurology and neurosurgery lack standardization, causing inconsistent care and communication errors. After adding leadership oversight, gaps in call triaging and nurse education were identified. To ensure timely, coordinated, and quality care, standardized triage protocols and clear practice standards were implemented, aligning with departmental goals to improve consistency and patient outcomes. Nursing staff will gain greater confidence and proficiency in the application of standardized triage protocols and practices. This advancement facilitates clear and precise communication among multidisciplinary team members, thereby contributing to the enhancement of patient care quality.
A Unicorn Amongst Zebras: A Case Study on Navigating Nursing for Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML)
11:20 - 11:50 am (0.5 CE contact hours)
Session: (108)
Eugena Bergvall, DNP APRN ACNP-BC CCNS-BC ACCNS-AG CCRN CNRN
Taylor Gietschier, BSN RN
Shaina White, MSN RN
Pharmacology hours: 0.5
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare autoimmune neurological disorder with a 30–50% mortality rate within months of diagnosis, often linked to JC virus-related immunosuppression. Patients present with complex, rapidly evolving neurological symptoms and face profound medical and psychological challenges. This case study illustrates the critical role of neuroscience nursing in navigating these uncertainties through vigilant monitoring, medication management, and interdisciplinary collaboration. By highlighting strategies for advanced care planning and patient-family advocacy, this presentation underscores how neuroscience nurses can strengthen best practices, adapt to unpredictable disease trajectories, and provide essential support in managing rare, life-threatening conditions.
Training Over Territory: How Stroke Nurse Selection and Education Maintains Care Standards Across Changing Unit Environments
11:20 – 11:50 am CDT (0.5 CE contact hours)
Session: (109)
Nina A. Cruz, MSN APRN FNP-BC SCRN
Monique E. Sanchez, MSN RN CNRN SCRN
David M. Smith, BSN RN SCRN
Ashley Bolling, DNP APRN AGPCNP-BC SCRN
This presentation will showcase how specialized nurse selection and education can preserve excellence in stroke care despite organizational and structural changes. By highlighting the high-performing role of the Stroke RNs—who respond to all stroke alerts, audit patients at the Comprehensive Stroke Center, perform discharge follow-up calls, and deliver hospital- and system-wide education—attendees will see a replicable model for sustaining high standards of care. The impact for neuroscience nursing lies in demonstrating that rigorous training and empowerment of specialized nurses ensures program resilience, improves interdisciplinary collaboration, and advances patient outcomes across dynamic care environments.
Roadmap to Success: Optimizing Inpatient Staffing for a Pediatric Epilepsy Monitoring Unit to Enhance Patient Safety
11:20 – 11:50 am (0.5 CE contact hours)
Session: (110)
Angela Childers, ADN RN CNRN CPN
Britney Carrasco, BSN RN
This presentation will outline a successful and scalable nurse staffing model implemented in a pediatric Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) to proactively address evolving patient acuity. We will share how we aligned our staffing with national standards to empower neuroscience nurses, accelerate seizure response times, and mitigate significant patient safety risks. This presentation is essential for any nurse leader or clinician seeking to enhance patient safety and improve staff confidence by implementing a proactive, data-driven staffing model in their own high-risk neurology unit.
The Quiet Storm: Unmasking Nonconvulsive Seizures in Neuro Care
11:20 – 11:50 am (0.5 CE contact hours)
Session: (111)
Emily McDaniel, BSN RN SCRN CNRN
Ashley Higgins, MSN APRN ACCNS-AG CCRN CNRN SCRN
The purpose of this presentation is to describe the quiet nature of nonconvulsive seizures and nonconvulsive status epilepticus, its impact on patient outcomes, and to highlight the nurses’ vital role in identifying the subtle symptoms through advanced neuro assessment prompting early recognition leading to intervention.
Pediatric Headache (ACNN Session)
2:10 – 3:10 pm CDT (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (112)
Deanna Duggan
More information coming soon!
It’s Not Always Black and White When It Comes to Gray Matter: Case Studies on Atypical Stroke Presentation
2:10 - 3:10 pm (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (113)
Jennifer Slabik, BSN RN SCRN CEN
Kristina Young, BSN RN
Alexandra Graves, MS RN ANP-BC AG-ACNP ANVP
This presentation will critically enhance neuroscience nurses' diagnostic acumen for atypical stroke presentations, a frequent challenge in emergency and acute care settings. By exploring diverse, real-world case studies and highlighting subtle cues, nurses will gain practical insights to develop a higher index of suspicion, reduce critical treatment delays, and improve patient outcomes. This knowledge directly supports the neuroscience nursing specialty's commitment to advancing precise, timely, and patient-centered care in complex neurological emergencies.
Paint Your Cortex
2:10 - 3:10 pm (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (114)
DaiWai Olson, PhD RN CCRN FNCS
Denelle Hebert, BSN RN SCRN
More information coming soon!
APP Session
3:40 - 4:40 pm (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (115)
More information coming soon!
Posterior Circulation
3:40 - 4:40 pm (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (116)
Linda Littlejohns, MSN RN SCRN CNRN FAAN
More information coming soon!
Understanding Blunt Cerebrovascular Injuries (BCVI) and the Role Nursing Plays in Improving Patient Outcomes
3:40 - 4:40 pm (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (117)
Cynthia A. Blank-Reid, MSN RN TCRN CEN
BCVI was not in the literature 25 years ago. Advancements in radiology have allowed healthcare to begin to understand what the incidence of BCVI is and bring the topic of stroke prevention into trauma bays around the world. Many facilities still do not have BCVI screening criteria. If BCVI is an incidental finding, many do not understand what to do with it. Neuroscience nurses are in a unique position to share their expertise on neuro trauma and stroke for this unique patient population. This lecture will discuss how neuroscience nurses can make a difference in outcomes for BCVI patients.
Secret Weapon Attack or Mass Psychogenic Illness? The Role of Flawed Science, Diplomatic Intrigue, and Media Sensationalism in the Continued Mystery of ‘Havana Syndrome’
3:40 - 4:40 pm (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (118)
Maureen P. Lall, PhD APRN FNP-BC COHN-S SCRN NEA-BC
This presentation examines the origins, proposed causes, and controversies surrounding Havana Syndrome. It explores the neurologic symptoms, early investigations, and evolving theories—from acquired brain injury to psychogenic illness. The session highlights how flawed research, media sensationalism, and political pressures shaped public perception and scientific inquiry. It also addresses the stigma of psychogenic illness and emphasizes the importance of evidence-based neuroscience care. Finally, it offers guidance for neuroscience nurses caring for patients with unexplained neurologic symptoms.
Multimodal Monitoring: A Tiered Approach to Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Management in the Neuro ICU
4:50 - 5:20 pm (0.5 CE contact hours)
Session: (119)
Elizabeth Hundt, PhD APRN NP-C ACNS-BC FAHA
The purpose of this presentation is to discuss using multimodal cerebral monitoring for patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in the neuro ICU utilizing a case study approach.
Mixed Messaging: FAST vs BEFAST
4:50 - 5:20 pm (0.5 CE contact hours)
Session: (120)
Ashley Bolling, DNP APRN AGPCNP-BC SCRN
Kimisha L. Lutas, MSN RN CNRN SCRN
Community education about stroke is an important component of stroke programs, supporting early identification of stroke symptoms and activation of emergent stroke response systems. Understanding the evidence around mnemonics commonly used for stroke education (FAST and BEFAST) will improve participants ability to discuss the available tools and work within their programs, systems of care, and communities to improve community stroke education efforts.
Brain-Eating Ameba: A True Horror Story
4:50 - 5:20 pm (0.5 CE contact hours)
Session: (121)
Cathy L. Cartwright, DNP RN-BC PCNS FAAN
This presentation will inform neuroscience nurses about a sensationalized but deadly disease that is increasing worldwide. Some epidemiologists describe it as an emerging infectious disease that will increase. It's rapid progression makes it difficult to diagnose unless it is on the differential. After attending this presentation neuroscience nurses will be able to discuss the causes of primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) and identify early symptoms. Additionally, they will be able to educate the public about strategies for prevention in children and adults.
The Magic Kingdom of Sleep Medicine: Fun Facts Neuroscience Nurses Must Know about Sleep-Wake Disorders
4:50 - 5:20 pm (0.5 CE contact hours)
Session: (122)
Irene Abella, DNP MM MSN APRN NP-C CNRN Alumnus-CCRN
Nurses are champions of promoting adequate rest and sleep. Identifying sleep disorders and understanding the impact of disrupted circadian homeostasis on brain health can help neuroscience nurses comprehend how poor sleep and sleep disorders contribute to neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. Neuroscience nurses will identify gaps in their practice and determine potential nursing interventions to promote good quality and quantity of rest and sleep.
Monday, March 23
Early Mobility Protocol Post Intravenous Tenecteplase Administration
8:00 am – 8:30 am (0.5 CE contact hours)
Session: (200)
Carmen Lewis, BSN RN SCRN ASC-BC AGAC-NP
Pharmacology hours: 0.25
This presentation intends to highlight the impact of early interdisciplinary teamwork through empowering and equipping neuroscience nurses to utilize evidence-based practices using methodological and standardized practices. In addition to the screening of early mobility eligibility by nursing, this presentation will feature the lens of a physical therapist illuminating safe practice when mobilizing stroke patients. The presentation will emphasize the critical role of the neurohospitalist's early assessment and evaluation. This presentation will showcase nursing training and education and the process of tracking metrics and share the plan of continuing this work with research initiatives and future publications.
Neuroscience Nursing Interventions in Adult Hospitalized Patients with Ischemic Stroke: Findings from a Scoping Review
8:00 am – 8:30 am (0.5 CE contact hours)
Session: (201)
Norma D. McNair, PhD RN ACNS-BC CNRN
Susan Bell, DNP MS APRN-CNP CNRN EBP-C
This review aims to summarize interventions and outcomes for patients with AIS to identify gaps in the literature. It also identifies the lack of nurses as primary researcher or author. It is hoped that this presentation will encourage more nurses to do research and publish.
Art Meets Medicine: Improving Healthcare with Visual Education
8:00 am – 8:30 am (0.5 CE contact hours)
Session: (202)
Virginia Prendergast, PhD NP-C FANN CNRN
Samantha Mack
This review aims to summarize interventions and outcomes for patients with AIS to identify gaps in the literature. It also identifies the lack of nurses as primary researcher or author. It is hoped that this presentation will encourage more nurses to do research and publish.
Revolutionizing Hospital Education by Developing Your Own Virtual Reality Video as a Training Platform for Clinical Education
8:00 am – 8:30 am (0.5 CE contact hours)
Session: (203)
Sophia Santhosh, Student
The purpose of this presentation is to describe how nurses can make their own virtual reality videos for use in education, training, and research.
Treating Brain Tumors with Lasers? Nursing Considerations for Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT)
8:40 - 9:40 am (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (204)
Sarah Beam, MSN APRN ACNP CNRN
LITT is a neurosurgical intervention available at some institutions for the treatment of brain tumors. In appropriate circumstances, LITT can offer similar outcomes to a traditional open craniotomy for resection, but with fewer adverse effects. As the technology for LITT becomes more readily available, more neuroscience nurses will have the opportunity to care for brain tumor patients who have had LITT for treatment. Neuroscience nurses need to be informed regarding all available and effective treatments for patients with brain tumors.
Time is Brain in ICH TWO: Expanding ICH Alert Across Stroke Centers
8:40 - 9:40 am CDT (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (205)
Nina A. Cruz, MSN APRN FNP-BC SCRN
Delilah K. Cetoute, BSN RN SCRN
This presentation will showcase the sustained efficacy of the ICH Alert protocol at a Comprehensive Stroke Center and its successful expansion to a Primary Stroke Center, highlighting its value to neuroscience nursing practice. By emphasizing the nurse’s pivotal role in protocol activation, treatment initiation, and multidisciplinary collaboration, attendees will learn practical strategies to reduce treatment delays, standardize care, and improve patient outcomes in intracerebral hemorrhage. The session will demonstrate how evidence-based protocols can be adapted across different stroke center levels, empowering neuroscience nurses to drive quality improvement and advance stroke systems of care within their institutions.
Famous Neuroscience Patients and the Lone Star State
8:40 - 9:40 am (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (206)
Cynthia A. Blank-Reid, MSN RN TCRN CEN
Pharmacology hours: 0.5
Many people are fascinated by history and the lives of those who were public figures. Individuals who are famous have health issues just like those who are not famous. By reviewing three famous individuals who had a neurological issue, it is the hope the participants will see the role nursing played in their care and how neuroscience nursing has evolved over the past 75 years into the specialty it has and see how it has influenced the care of hundreds of thousands of patients across the globe.
Spines, Brains, and Pain, Oh My! Addressing Pain in the Neuroscience Population
8:40 - 9:40 am (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (207)
Holly Wirth, DNP RN NE-BC CNE SCRN PMGT-BC
This presentation will providers learners with insight into the various pain etiologies that impact neuroscience patients. Approaches to assessment, care delivery and pain management in acute and chronic pain neurological related pain will be shared to enable learners to incorporate an insightful approach when caring for individuals’ experiencing pain.
APP Session
10:15 - 11:15 am (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (208)
More information coming soon!
Brain Games: Using Gamification to Transform Neuroscience Education
10:15 - 11:15 am (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (209)
Danielle Hagedorn, MBA BSN RN CPHQ
Jodi James, MSN RN CCRN
Do you like Jeopardy, Clue, Family Feud or Kahoot? Discover how to effectively integrate these tools to enhance knowledge retention. To captivate learners, we explored the use of gamification in our educational techniques. The goal of this project was to better engage learners with education and improve retention of the content. In-person learning was requested by learners during a yearly needs assessment. Having a variety of audiences, we needed a way to enhance interactivity to hold attention and increase knowledge retention during the experience. Leveraging competition became a priority to make learning interesting and engaging.
ABNN Session
10:15 - 11:15 am (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (210)
More information coming soon!
Beyond Motor, Sensory, and Sensation Impairment: Disorders of Perception
10:15 - 11:15 am (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (211)
Patricia A. Blissitt, PhD ARNP-CNS CCRN CNRN SCRN CCNS CCM ACNS-BC
Disorders of perception are under-recognized or poorly understood by neuroscience nurses. This presentation will attempt to narrow the gap by increasing awareness, knowledge, assessment, and interventions to lessen the impact of these disorders. Perceptual disorders may be mistakenly thought to be the exclusive domain of the rehabilitation therapies. However, with increased knowledge of perceptual disorders, the neuroscience nurse may provide recognition and reinforcement of interventions to lessen the impact of these deficits on the patient and family’s quality of life.
The Path to Developing a National Association of Epilepsy Centers-Accredited Pediatric Epilepsy Monitoring Unit: Review of Essential Components and Required Processes
11:25 - 11:55 am (0.5 CE contact hours)
Session: (212)
Haley Delaney, MSN RN
Access to a pediatric epilepsy monitoring unit (pEMU) at a comprehensive epilepsy center (CEC) is imperative for pediatric patients, especially those deemed drug resistant. Staffing the pEMU with pediatric nurses who are proficient and competent in understanding the criteria for developing a NAEC-accredited pEMU is a vital component. A proactive approach, including the development of ongoing nursing education workshops has resulted in knowledgeable nurses equipped with pEMU specific protocols. This has led to increased confidence in caring for this complex and challenging population as well as improved education for families.
Impact of Health-Related Social Needs on Caregiver Burden Among Informal Care Partners of Stroke Survivors
11:25 - 11:55 am (0.5 CE contact hours)
Session: (213)
Charles J. Shamoun, BSN RN SCRN CNRN CCRN
By identifying actionable predictors of CB through HRSNs, this work equips neuroscience nurses to move beyond symptom management and address root social drivers of stress among ICPs. Incorporating HRSN-informed screening, advocacy, and referral into practice reduces CB, promotes equity, and improves outcomes for both ICPs and stroke survivors. Findings establish a critical research agenda for neuroscience nursing, prioritizing intervention studies that test scalable, equity-focused strategies and positioning nurses to lead systemic change that strengthens care partnerships, enhances resilience, and advances the specialty’s evidence base.
Past President Session
11:25 - 11:55 am (0.5 CE contact hours)
Session: (214)
Kim Meyer, PhD APRN CNRN
More information coming soon!
Name TBD - Combined Session
11:25 - 11:55 am (0.5 CE contact hours)
Session: (215)
Eloisa Herrera, MSN MBA CNS RN AGCNS-BC SCRN CNL
Mackenzie M. Cypher, MSN RN NP-C ACCNS-AG CCRN
Colleen Peachey, MSN RN CCRN AGCNS-BC
Heather Gregg, MSN RN CCRN NPD-BC
More information coming soon!
What do APPs in different states have the ability to do tied in with advocacy
1:00 - 3:00 pm (2 CE contact hours)
Session: (216)
More information coming soon!
Mixed Neuro Anatomy Session
1:00 - 3:00 pm (2 CE contact hours)
Session: (217)
Linda Littlejohns, MSN RN SCRN CNRN FAAN
More information coming soon!
JNN Publishing Session
1:00 - 3:00 pm (2 CE contact hours)
Session: (218)
DaiWai Olson, PhD RN CCRN FNCS
More information coming soon!
A Review of the 2024 McDonald Criteria for Multiple Sclerosis and the 2023 Criteria for Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody Disease
3:30 - 4:30 pm (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (219)
Claire Sinai, DNP RN CPNP
Pediatric Stroke Task Force
3:30 - 4:30 pm (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (220)
Clinical Science Committee (CSC)
More information coming soon!
Running the Race: A Case Study on Moving Forward with Concurrent Diagnosis of Bulbar ALS and CIDP
3:30 - 4:30 pm (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (221)
Charla B. Johnson, DNP RN NI-BC ONC FNAON
Pharmacology hours: 0.25
Often times nurses only see the hopelessness of diagnoses and the power of acronyms on a patients journey. ALS and CIDP, both with no cure and varying treatment success, lead patients and families in a spiral to fear and hopelessness. Patient X is among a short list of known concurrent cases globally. Participants will leave this session inspired and educated with new resources for patient and family care that can have a positive impact on healing.
Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) Session
3:30 - 4:30 pm (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (222)
More information coming soon!
Influencing Factors of Stroke Prenotification in Emergency Medical Service Among Stroke Code Patients: A Retrospective Analysis
4:40 - 5:10 pm (0.5 CE contact hours)
Session: (223)
Yuan Li, PhD RN
Suzanne Stone, BSN RN
Aubrey Day, BSN RN
This presentation aims to examine factors associated with emergency medical service stroke prenotification (EMS-SP) among patients presenting with stroke symptoms. By analyzing demographic and clinical characteristics—including age, race, blood pressure, and aphasia assessment—we identify predictors of EMS-SP and highlight disparities in pre-hospital stroke recognition. Findings underscore the importance of EMS-SP in expediting stroke care and support targeted strategies to enhance EMS education and feedback. This work contributes to optimizing stroke pathways and improving outcomes through more equitable and effective pre-hospital stroke management.
Sex, Drugs, and...Stroke?
4:40 - 5:10 pm (0.5 CE contact hours)
Session: (224)
Lauren Macko, MSN APRN ACCNS-AG CCRN SCRN
This presentation will offer the learner an opportunity to learn more about the lesser-known stroke risk factors which will allow for a more thorough development of individualized care plans.
Bite Sized Brilliance: Leveraging Microlearning to Deliver Neuroscience Nursing Education
4:40 - 5:10 pm (0.5 CE contact hours)
Session: (225)
Dawnielle C. Feucht, BSN RN SCRN
Holly Wirth, DNP RN NE-BC CNE SCRN PMGT-BC
The purpose of this presentation is to share the benefits of incorporating microlearning into your organization’s neuroscience nursing educational strategy. Presenters will highlight a variety of microlearning tools that can be harnessed to move beyond the traditional approach to neuroscience education into producing bite-sized, easily accessible and digestible content that fosters engagement and knowledge retention of key neuroscience concepts.
Feed Your Mind: Uniting Expertise to Elevate Neuro-Oncology Care Through Interdisciplinary Education
4:40 - 5:10 pm (0.5 CE contact hours)
Session: (226)
Maria Krywyj, BSN RN
Tara Miller, MSN CNP
The goal of this session is to share how we created the Feed Your Mind Series, a monthly educational forum that brings together team members from different roles to learn from each other, share ideas, and stay current on neuro-oncology care. We wanted something simple, consistent, and team-driven that would help us all grow in our roles and better support our patients.
Tuesday, March 24
APP Session
8:00 – 9:00 am (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (300)
More information coming soon!
New Ischemic Stroke Guidelines
8:00 – 9:00 am (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (301)
AHA/ASA
More information coming soon!
Blueprints of Care: The Future of Neuroscience Nursing through Thoughtful Healthcare Design
8:00 – 9:00 am (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (302)
Kristen M. Vargo, DNP RN NE-BC
Melanie Cook, BSN RN NE-BC
The purpose of this presentation is to demonstrate how nurse-led innovation and the intentional involvement of frontline caregivers can shape the design of healthcare environments to improve clinical outcomes, caregiver experience, and patient care delivery. Using the development of a new building dedicated to neurological care as a case study, this session will showcase how integrating human-centered design with frontline clinical expertise leads to more effective, efficient, and patient-focused care spaces. The presentation aims to inspire and equip neuroscience nurses and healthcare leaders with practical strategies to lead innovation and advocate for their role in care environment design and transformation.
Hydrocephalus Foundation
8:00 – 9:00 am (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (303)
More information coming soon!
Ensuring Patient Safety in Pediatric Neurosurgery through Advance Practice Provider Daily Checklist
9:10 - 9:40 am (0.5 CE contact hours)
Session: (304)
Michaela Mamary, DNP FNP-BC
Michelle Parker, MS APRN PNP-PC
This presentation will highlight the vital role of neuroscience advanced practice providers in enhancing patient safety, care coordination, and interdisciplinary collaboration. By showcasing evidence-based strategies, including the integration of a structured safety checklists, it underscores how innovative approaches can reduce errors, improve communication, and enhance outcomes for complex neurosurgical patients. The value lies in providing attendees with practical, adaptable tools to strengthen clinical practice, elevate the standard of care, and support professional growth within the specialty.
Stroke Squad: The Advantages of a Team-Based Approach in a Regional Neuroscience Service Line
9:10 - 9:40 am (0.5 CE contact hours)
Session: (305)
Jennifer Slabik, BSN RN SCRN CEN
This presentation will demonstrate how a cohesive, team-based approach significantly elevates care delivery within a regional neuroscience service line. For neuroscience nurses, understanding optimal interprofessional collaboration mechanisms is crucial for navigating complex patient pathways, fostering communication, and improving efficiency. By showcasing the 'Stroke Squad' model, this session will empower nurses to advocate for and implement integrated, high-performing teams, ultimately enhancing patient care coordination and outcomes across the stroke continuum, thereby strengthening the entire neuroscience nursing specialty.
Empowering the 1st Responder: Creation of Structured Seizure Response Roles in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit
9:10 - 9:40 am (0.5 CE contact hours)
Session: (306)
Angela Childers, ADN RN CNRN CPN
This session is highly valuable to the neuroscience nursing specialty because it offers a practical, evidence-based model for improving patient safety in a high-risk environment. The presentation will provide a scalable framework for other units to replicate, empowering nurses to reduce errors and advocate for similar safety-driven initiatives.