Therapeutic humor is an evidence-based tool used as an essential element of caring for self and others. We may feel more connected with others despite potential challenges when we have laughed together. Join this lively interactive session to exercise your funny bones, enjoy an upbeat cardio workout in a chair and enhance whole-person health. You will also gain tools for learning about what types of humor are most helpful, and bringing health-promoting humor into your life and practice setting. | 1.0 credits (0 Pharmacology) | $27.50

This presentation discusses updated diagnostic criteria and psychometric approaches to improve case identification, diagnosis & treatment of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorders. ADHD is redefined in the context of epigenetics and neurobiology, with specific attention to contemporary pharmacological approaches to manage the symptoms. Practical applications for nurse practitioners are presented. | 1.0 credits (0.66 Pharmacology) | $30

Updated diagnostic criteria and disease models for anxiety disorders are reviewed. Neurobiological and epigenetic mechanisms that underlie anxiety symptoms are presented as the basis for therapeutic interventions. Specific attention is given to the formulation of rational, genomically-informed pharmacologic treatment approaches for anxiety disorders. Practical applications for nurse practitioners are presented. | 1.5 credits (1.25 Pharmacology) | $40

Compelling evidence suggests that both medications and therapeutic interventions are effective in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. The current “state of the science” involves multiple modalities to produce better outcomes than those observed with the use of either psychopharmacology or therapy alone. Nurse practitioners in all settings need to understand how various therapeutic interventions can profoundly influence clients’ ability to cope and change. Using the unifying framework developed by Hubble, Duncan and Miller, we examine the four common elements that account for much of the improvement seen in clients, regardless of the approach taken. These constructs are applied to a variety of simple, brief approaches that are easily enacted – and easily adapted – to any patient encounter. | 1.0 credits (0.33 Pharmacology) | $30

This session will provide the nurse practitioner with information regarding common pathogens implicated in AECB and community acquired pneumonia in the patient with underlying co-morbidities such as asthma, COPD and alcohol abuse. Current recommendations regarding antimicrobial treatment options will be reviewed in detail. National recommendations for obtaining chest x-ray and sputum for gram staining will also be discussed. | 1.50 credits (1.50 Pharmacology) | $45

Adolescent substance use has followed familiar trends for several decades with alcohol, nicotine, and cannabis leading other drugs in popularity. After several years of declining nicotine use, primarily via combustible cigarettes, recent data suggests a resurgence of nicotine use, primarily via e-cigarettes as well as a marked increase in cannabis use, likely corresponding with legalization efforts. Additionally, there has been an increase in hallucinogen use and the dangers of opioid use have heightened due to the rise of illicit fentanyl being brought in from outside the United States. This lecture will review the most recent Monitoring the Future study and discuss implications of adolescent substance use trends on healthcare providers. | 1.50 credits (1.50 Pharmacology) | $40