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).
Sunday, March 16
Pre-Conference Sessions
3D Functional Brain Anatomy Related to Stroke, Truama, and Pathology Across the Lifespan
8:00 am – 12:00 pm CDT
Session: (001)
Linda Littlejohns, MSN RN SCRN CNRN FAAN
More information coming soon!
Best Practices in Neuroscience Orientation
8:00 am – 11:00 am CDT
Session: (002)
Cynthia Bautista, PhD APRN FNCS FCNS;
Lorin Daniels, MSN APRN AGACNP-BC CNRN RNFA;
Mary McKenna Guanci, MSN RN CNRN SCRN FNCS;
Lori Rhudy, PhD APRN CNS ACNS-BC CNRN;
Marianne Beare Vyas, PhD RN ANP-BC CNRN
More information coming soon!
Spine Anatomy and 3D Correlation to Trauma and Degenerative Disease
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm CDT
Session: (003)
Linda Littlejohns, MSN RN SCRN CNRN FAAN
More information coming soon!
Basic Neuroimaging: More Than Fifty Shades of Grey
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm CDT
Session: (004)
Cathy Cartwright, DNP RN-BC PCNS FAAN;
Rachel Malloy, DNP RN CNRN SCRN
More information coming soon!
Managing Neurological Autoimmune Disease Lifelong Evolving Symptoms: A Patient-Clinician Experience and Outcomes Driven Approach
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm CDT (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (100)
Caroline R. Piselli, DNP, RN, MBA, FACHE, SSBB
Pharmacology hours: 0.25
Join us in this session to hear the firsthand experiences of a patient-clinician (PC) managing lifelong evolving symptoms of neurological autoimmune diseases (NAD), integrating evidence-based practice (EBP) guidelines, holistic care, personalized medicine (PM) and experiential outcomes to improve neuroscience nursing practice.
The nurse suddenly becomes a patient with an acute, unprovoked life-threatening NAD and lifelong sequelae. While complying with clinical EBP, the PC conducted intensive evidence-based research about integrative evidence-based practice, PM, holistic care and applied iterative learnings to daily life, achieving 7 years of experiential outcomes and approach for the life-long journey.
Empowering Nurses: Tools and Techniques for Epilepsy Care using Simulation and Human Factors
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm CDT (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (101)
Minna B. Masor, MSN, Ed, RN, CCRN, SCRN, Seizure and Epilepsy Healthcare Professional;
Stasia D. Rouse, MD; Kari Congenie, DNP, RN, CNL, CHSE;
Jen Hernandez, RN, MSN, CCRN
Discuss how translational simulation and human factors facilitated the development of a new assessment process and cognitive aid to help prepare nursing to care for electively-induced seizure patients prior to opening a new epilepsy monitoring unit.
Transsphenoidal and Sinus Surgery Precautions: Science or Just a Self-Perpetuating Myth
4:40 pm – 5:10 pm CDT (.5 CE contact hour)
Session: (102)
Shaun Golden, MS, CNRN SCRN
Identify the inherent risks associated with neurosurgical procedures, specifically transsphenoidal surgery and endoscopic sinus surgery. Explain the anatomy of the paranasal sinuses and why a thorough understanding of this anatomy is crucial for nurses caring for postoperative transsphenoidal and sinus surgery patients. Describe the specific safety precautions required for postoperative care and recognize if they are supported by evidence. Implement the evidence-based recommendations to improve patient outcomes in the postoperative care of transsphenoidal and sinus surgery patients.
Neuroscience: A Growing Specialty and Philosophy
4:40 pm – 5:10 pm CDT (.5 CE contact hour)
Session: (103)
Della Mathew, PhD, MSN, RN
Overview on Neuroscience as a growing Specialty and Philosophy.
Monday, March 17
Managing a Lifetime of Neurological Autoimmune Disease Variability: A Patient-Clinician Neuroscience Nursing Customized Process Framework and Toolset
11:00 am – 12:00 pm CDT (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (200)
Caroline R. Piselli, DNP, RN, MBA, FACHE, SSBB
Pharmacology hours: 0.25
This educational presentation’s purpose is to share a patient-clinician’s (PC) experiential neuroimmunology whole person care model (NWPCM), identifying the patient as the epicenter, powered by a framework and toolset to enable customization across quality of life goals, disease status, inter-related symptoms’ and associated factors applying iterative change management, continual improvement; embracing Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) like strategic approaches for neuroscience nurses’ awareness and potential practice changes. This was designed and self-implemented by a (PC) managing lifelong evolving co-morbid symptoms of neurological autoimmune diseases (NAD) subsequent to an unexpected, unprovoked life-threatening acute event.
Implementing Anti-Racism Education in Neurocritical Care: A Pathway to Reducing Racial Disparities
11:00 am – 12:00 pm CDT (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (201)
Ebonye Green, DNP, ACNPC-AG, CNRN, SCRN, APRN, FNCS
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.
Clinical Sequelae of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) After Hyperacute Phase: Not Out of the Woods Yet
11:00 am – 12:00 pm CDT (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (202)
Denise T. Li, PhD, AGACNP-BC, CNS
Pharmacology hours: 0.25
Increase novice practice neuroscience NP's and RN's understanding of paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity (aka. neurostorming) and post-traumatic agitation in acutely ill TBI patients after ICU stay.
Supporting Families and the Care Team Through a Diagnosis of Brain Death
11:00 am – 12:00 pm CDT (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (203)
Maureen P. Lall, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC, COHN-S, SCRN, NEA-BC;
Merrilee Littlewood, BSN, RN, CCRN, SCRN
Neuroscience nurses often care for patients experiencing brain death. Since these patients give the appearance of continued life, with respirations and a heartbeat, families may struggle to understand and accept that their loved one’s whole brain has ceased to function. This presentation reviews the medical determination of brain death, ethical objections to brain death, and legal challenges to brain death. It includes recommendations for supporting families and care teams, including how to prepare families for the diagnosis and how to manage requests for continued organ support after a declaration of brain death.
Past President Session
1:00 – 2:00 pm CDT (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (204)
More Information Coming Soon!
APP Role Survey
1:00 – 2:00 pm CDT
Session: (205)
More Information Coming Soon!
In Our Right Mind: Keeping Our Right Hemisphere Damage Patients Safe in the Acute and Post Acute Period
1:00 – 2:00 pm CDT (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (206)
Samuel Melada, MA, RN, NPD-BC, CNRN, SCRN
This session will help new and experienced nurses refine their ability to assess Right Hemisphere Damage (RHD) patients' deficits and associated needs in order to improve safety and recovery and to avoid injuries related to perceptual, cognitive and functional deficits associated with RHD.
Brain Injury Behavior Management
1:00 – 2:00 pm CDT (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (207)
Cynthia Bautista, PhD, APRN, FNCS, FCNS
Pharmacology hours: 0.5
This educational session aims to describe evidence-based behavior management strategies for patients with brain injury. In brain injury recovery, agitation, restlessness, and aggression are frequent neurobehavioral sequelae. These behavioral symptoms can be challenging and disrupt patient care for neuroscience nurses, who must be familiar with nonpharmacological and pharmacological treatments for various behavioral symptoms. Evidence-based strategies, evaluating agitation, and using practical approaches can lead to safe and effective patient care.
Journal of Neuroscience Nursing (JNN) Session
2:10 – 2:40 pm CDT (.5 CE contact hour)
Session: (208)
DaiWai Olson, PhD RN CCRN FNCS
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.
Pick up the Beat: A Call to Action for Improving Social Determinants of Health, Racial Inequality, and Healthcare Inequities in Chronic Neurologic Health Management
2:10 – 2:40 pm CDT (.5 CE contact hour)
Session: (209)
Melissa V. Moreda, MSN APRN ACCNS-AG CDCES CNRN SCRN
Pharmacology hours: 0.5
Identify some of the existing challenges and barriers that patients within our health systems and communities at large face and provide opportunities to empower neuroscience nurses to consider removing those barriers or providing assistance for improved outcomes.
Thinking Like a Neuro Nurse: The Development of a Novel and Meaningful Neurological Clinical Decision Aid Tool and High-Fidelity Simulation Program to Recognize Neurological Emergencies
2:10 – 2:40 pm CDT (.5 CE contact hour)
Session: (210)
Eugena Bergvall, DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC, CCNS-BC, ACCNS-AG, CCRN, CNRN
As neurological nursing experts, we often lead neurological assessment curriculum development, but training those less passionate about neurological assessment and patients with varying expertise can be challenging. This presentation highlights the validation of a Neurological Clinical Decision-Aid (NCDA) assessment tool and the development of the Neuro Nurse Education Series (NNES) using creative strategies within a research hospital. Critical thinking and reasoning are shared by fusing theory and science to create meaning derived from an individual’s knowledge and experience. NNES aims to unify clinical language and mental models across specialties, enhancing the impact, value, and experience of neuroscience nursing and the importance of neuro assessment by fostering consistent, high-quality care while increasing nursing confidence to identify neurological emergencies early and simultaneously promoting a neurological brief assessment.
Paperwork vs. Patients: How Coordinator and Navigator Role Delineation Enhances Stroke Outcomes
2:10 – 2:40 pm CDT (.5 CE contact hour)
Session: (211)
Caitlin D. Wilschevick, MSN, CCRN, CNRN, SCRN;
Rachel T. Campbell, BSN, RN, SCRN
Gain practical explanations about the delineation of the roles of the Stroke Coordinator and Stroke Navigator in our successful, established program, showcasing a collaborative model where the Stroke Coordinator manages administrative tasks—such as certification requirements and compliance—while the Stroke Navigator focuses on patient interactions, follow-up care, and interdisciplinary coordination. This division of responsibilities fosters a holistic approach to stroke management, ensuring both the clinical and emotional needs of patients are met, while successfully supporting the overall Stroke program goals. Results include improvement in quality driven metrics, maintaining high-quality care, and improved operation efficiency.
Epilepsy Foundation Session: Epilepsy Disparities
3:10 – 3:40 pm CDT (.5 CE contact hour)
Session: (212)
More Information Coming Soon!
Risk for Hospital Readmission for Neurovascular Patients an Opportunity for APRNs
3:10 – 3:40 pm CDT (.5 CE contact hour)
Session: (213)
Teresa Connolly, PhD, RN, ACNS-BC;
Kim L. Paxton, DNP, APRN, ANP-BC, LHITC, IHMC
This session will highlight hospital readmission risk factors for neurovascular patients that are frequently seen by neuroscience APRNs during patient care interactions. We will explore current research and propose unique ideas for translating this research into practice through collaboration between primary care and neuroscience APRNs.
Addressing the Nursing Shortage: Enhancing Onboarding to Reduce Turnover
3:10 – 3:40 pm CDT (.5 CE contact hour)
Session: (214)
Jillian Cosgrove, MSN, RN, CCRN;
Sonya Lester, BSN, RN, CCRN
See a demonstration of how a standard framework that includes customization to the individual orientee, specifically new graduate nurses, can result in an onboarding experience that positively impacts nursing retention.
Support and Resources for the Neuro Oncology Patient: From Diagnosis to Survivorship
3:10 – 3:40 pm CDT (.5 CE contact hour)
Session: (215)
Jaclyn Garcia, RN, BSN, CNRN, SCRN
Neuro Oncology patients are very complex and up to date education and resources can often be lacking. This session seeks to bring some simple tools and resources to the bedisde and outpatient nurse and NPs to give them an answer when asked for materials from this patient population.
American Board of Neuroscience Nursing (ABNN) Session
3:50 – 4:50 pm CDT (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (216)
More Information Coming Soon!
Unraveling the Mystery of Migraine: How to Assess, Diagnose and Treat
3:50 – 4:50 pm CDT (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (217)
Amy F. Larson, APRN, CNP
Pharmacology hours: 0.5
Expand your knowledge base and skill level regarding assessment, evaluation, diagnosis and management of migraine headaches through an outline of the components of a detailed headache history and clinical exam and a review of the characteristics of a migraine headache to provide for an accurate assessment. Attendees will be walked though the design of a management plan including analyzing the process for selection of evidenced based pharmacologic treatments and non-pharmacologic treatments as well as an examination of key teaching elements. Case studies will be used to illustrate assessment, evaluation, diagnosis and management of migraines.
Paint Your Circle of Willis
3:50 – 4:50 pm CDT (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (218)
Denelle Hebert, BSN, RN, SCRN;
DaiWai M. Olson, PHD, RN
Learn about the complexity of the Circle of Wills in an easy-to-understand format. Attendees will have their own 3D Circle of Willis model, a unique aspect of this presentation as the Circle of Willis is typically taught in print format.
Does Seating Matter? A Trial of Therapeutic Specialty Chairs on the Neurosciences Units
3:50 – 4:50 pm CDT (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (219)
Jennifer R. Johnson, BSN, RN, CNRN;
Melissa Robinette, MSN, BS, RN;
Michelle Donoughe, BSN, RN, CNRN
This session will provide the results of an equipment trial of specialized chairs and an overview of whether or not they provide additional benefits to patients and staff in the following areas: prevention of falls, reduction of skin injuries, improved mobilization practices, better patient satisfaction, and an evaluation of staff perceptions, in terms of compliance and ease of use.
Achieving a Median Door in-Door-out Time of 75 minutes or Less for Endovascular Stroke Therapy Across 21 Facilities is Hard but Doable
5:00 – 5:30 pm CDT (0.5 CE contact hour)
Session: (220)
Patricia Zrelak, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, ASC-BC, CNRN, SCRN, CCRN, FAHA
Join us for a presentation on our systemwide quality improvement activities! Learn how we decreased our median door-in-door-out times for endovascular stroke from 30% within 75 minutes to 50% across 21 hospitals within Northern California.
Fostering Inclusion and Allyship: Reducing Biases in Gender Identity and Sexuality in the Neuroscience Population
5:00 – 5:30 pm CDT (0.5 CE contact hour)
Session: (221)
Holly Wirth, DNP, RN, NE-BC, CNE, SCRN
Neuroscience patients and nurses who identify as gender minorities face biases and discrimination that impact their ability to recover from illness or their ability to deliver optimal care to their patients. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss the importance of creating a culture of allyship to decrease bias and discrimination among neuroscience patients and nurses.
Jazzing up the Awareness of Sensory Impairment and Innovative Ideas to Optimize the Music of Daily Living
5:00 – 5:30 pm CDT (0.5 CE contact hour)
Session: (222)
Melissa V. Moreda, MSN APRN ACCNS-AG CDCES CNRN SCRN
Learn how to assess for possible neuropathies that impact daily functioning and gain simple and multidisciplinary tools that will help you to improve patient, team, and society outcomes.
Tuesday, March 18
Lather Rinse Repeat: The Role of the Glymphatic System in Maintaining a Health, Happy and Homeostatic Brain
8:30 – 9:30 am CDT (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (300)
Samuel Melada, MA, RN, NPD-BC, CNRN, SCRN;
Kyna L. Seale, BSN, RN, CNRN, SCRN
This session will give nurses a succinct but useful overview of the Glymphatic System and its associated structures and functions. In addition to outlining the anatomy and physiology, this presentation will also outline the current evidence that supports a relationship between the functions of the Glymphatic System and a variety of neurological disorders and disease processes including but not limited to acquired brain injury or stroke, dementia, sleep disturbance and circadian rhythms, and mood disorders. Given that the work of nursing often involves shift work and long hours, a discussion of implications for nurses' ability to maintain their own brain health and well-being will also be presented.
To Go or Not to Go? Bypassing the ICU- A Nurses Role in Craniotomy Pathway Implementation
8:30 – 9:30 am CDT (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (301)
Alessandra Derose, RN, BSN;
Jacqueline M. Santana, BSN; Meghan Mulhern, RN, BSN
Gain valuable information on the importance of a neuroscience nurses' role in a craniotomy pathway protocol. Through education on the importance of a nurses role in upholding and practicing this protocol, patient experience will be improved by reducing length of stays, lowering hospital costs, and ensuring safe and quality patient care.
A Patient’s Journey with Rare Peripheral Neuropathy: Learning About Guillain-Barre Syndrome and CIDP from Patients Themselves
8:30 – 9:30 am CDT ( CE contact hour)
Session: (302)
More information coming soon!
The Neuro Response Nurse: An Innovative Approach to Supporting the Rural Level 1 Academic Medical & Comprehensive Stroke Center
9:40 – 10:10 am CDT (0.5 CE contact hour)
Session: (303)
Carmen-Lee Westenfeld, MSN, RN, CCRN;
Elle McGraw, RN, BSN, SCRN;
Shawna-Markie S. Malynowski, RN;
Serphore Thomas-Mathurin, MSN; Bridgette Normandin, BSN, RN
As a designated Comprehensive Stroke Center, we are required to provide access to advanced clinical procedures, clinically competent care, and robust care coordination across the continuum. Stroke patients have a unique set of neurological needs that must be addressed swiftly with adequately trained individuals, because as we know, Time is Brain.
Organizations can improve patient care outcomes, limit expanded times to treatment, reduce Rapid Response calls, and positively impact staff satisfaction and retention rates through the implementation of unique, dynamic, and attractive roles such as the Neuro Response Nurse.
A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing Identifying the Pitfalls to Early Recognition of Posterior Circulation Stroke
9:40 – 10:10 am CDT (0.5 CE contact hour)
Session: (304)
Dawnielle C. Feucht, BSN, RN, SCRN;
Rita Muldoon-Laccone, MSN, RN-BC, SCRN
This initiative aims to offer a dynamic educational experience focused on expanding knowledge of posterior circulation, particularly in relation to identifying posterior stroke signs and symptoms.
Dirty Mouth? Clean it up! Optimizing Oral Care Practice in a Stroke Unit
9:40 am – 10:10 pm CDT (0.5 CE contact hour)
Session: (305)
Ashley Higgins, MSN, APRN, ACCNS-AG, CCRN, CNRN, SCRN;
Christine Bass, MSN, RN, CNL
Learn how a neuro telemetry unit implemented oral care initiatives to increase instances of oral care in stroke patients to prevent complications related to aspiration pneumonia.
I Don't Want to Use Medications! How to Help Patients Manage Migraines Without Medication
9:40 am – 10:10 pm CDT (0.5 CE contact hour)
Session: (306)
Amy F. Larson, APRN, CNP
This presentation will expand the knowledge base regarding non-pharmacologic treatment options for migraine headaches allowing participants to have a greater understanding of treatments they can discuss with patients including vitamins and dietary supplements, behavioral management options, neuromodulator devices, acupuncture, physical therapy and psychological interventions as well as how to incorporate these treatment options into a migraine management plan.
SEEG Surgery Journey as an Epilepsy Nurse and a Caregiver
10:40 am – 11:10 pm CDT (0.5 CE contact hour)
Session: (307)
Amy Matzkanin, RN, BSN, CNRN
Gain a personal perspective on the journey our family went through to get a member of our family to become seizure free.
Matters of the Heart: Recognizing Large-Vessel Occlusion Strokes in Cardiovascular Surgery Patients
10:40 am – 11:10 pm CDT (0.5 CE contact hour)
Session: (308)
Breanna Cabeceiras, MSN, RN, PHN, CNL, PHN, ASC-BC, CNRN, SCRN;
Jessica Newsom-Wilkinson, MSN, PHN;
Dharati R. Trivedi, CCRC, ACRP, B.SC, MD
A gap was identified between best practice recommendations for identification of in-patient stroke and the practice of RNs in the Surgical and Cardiovascular ICU (SI/CVICU) regarding post-operative screening of patients. Expert RNs identified barriers to improving practice, including inappropriate screening methods for the post-cardiovascular surgery patient population. A cooperative nurse-driven performance improvement project between SI/CVICU and the stroke program resulted in a new stroke screening process for this specific population. This presentation details identification of the gap/problem, nursing solutions to the problem, development and training of the new process, and the method of assessing effectiveness of the performance improvement project.
Debunking the Mystique: Breaking Down the Neuro Assessment for Novice Neuro Nurses Utilizing Simulation
10:40 am – 11:10 pm CDT (0.5 CE contact hour)
Session: (309)
Denelle Hebert, BSN, RN, SCRN; Anna Ellis, BSN, RN, CCRN, SCRN
Come one, come all to Neuro Assessment Simulation! This presentation explores how educators can interactively address knowledge, skill and practice gaps in neuro assessment proficiency for novice nurses. Education is becoming more technologically driven through online presentations and modules, but this style excludes tangible learning and human interaction which is key to learning neuro assessments. The presenters will be interactive utilizing brain models, visual aids and videos of the simulation. The audience will leave with a new perspective on teaching novice nurses to build confidence, comfort, and efficiency in neuro assessments. Let's turn off the computer and meet in person!
The Impact of COVID-19 on Esthesioneuroblastoma: Diagnostic Challenges and Innovative Solutions
10:40 am – 11:10 pm CDT (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (310)
Ebonye Green, DNP, ACNPC-AG, CNRN, SCRN, APRN, FNCS
This presentation aims to explore how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the diagnosis and management of esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB), a rare neuroendocrine tumor. It will also highlight innovative diagnostic and treatment approaches developed during this period, providing insights into the pandemic's long-term impact on neuro-oncology.
Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) Session
11:20 am – 12:20 pm CDT (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (311)
More Information Coming Soon!
“Why is My Patient on Two Steroids?” and Other SAH Conundrums
11:20 am – 12:20 pm CDT (1 CE contact hour)
Session: (312)
Ashley Higgins, MSN, APRN, ACCNS-AG, CCRN, CNRN, SCRN
Mavis Robinson, RN, SCRN
Pharmacology hours: 0.5
Review pertinent anatomy and physiology related to aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), discuss complications of SAHs, describe the common but unusual pharmacological interventions used in SAH treatment, and discuss the role of the CNS in aSAH management.