This keynote discussion surfaces issues related integrated mental health and primary care. Two career nurse practitioners discuss key concepts of integrated healthcare, including tips and practice pearls for nurse practitioners who are striving to address the mental health concerns of patients in the primary care context. | 1.50 credits (0.50 Pharmacology) | $40

Over 80% of veterans receive care in non-VA facilities by providers with no specialized training. Cultural intelligence is foundational in developing the skills and confidence necessary to effectively interact in multicultural environments. It is the conduit to understanding culture, gaining knowledge regarding cultural similarities and differences, and developing strategies and action plans for engaging in cross-cultural settings. There are many cultures and subcultures among Veterans and CQ will provide tools that can assist providers in advancing health equity and health equality, and consequently impact positive health outcomes. During this 1.0 hour education session, learners will be engaged through expert and dynamic presentation with Dr. Angela Richard-Eaglin, DNP, MSN, FNP-BC, CNE, FAANP, CDE. Cultural intelligence is foundational in developing the skills and confidence necessary to effectively interact in multicultural environments and the conduit to understanding culture, gaining knowledge regarding cultural similarities and differences, and developing strategies and action plans for engaging in cross-cultural settings. During this education learners will be presented with veteran culture and subcultures, begin to critically appraise the unique needs of veterans and apply cultural intelligence strategies to advance health equity and health outcomes among Veterans. Further, learners will gain tools to advance health equity and health equality, and impact positive health outcomes for this unique population. | 1.0 credits (0 Pharmacology) | $27.50

Motivational Interviewing emphasizes a communicative, collaborative approach focusing on fostering internal motivation to change a current behavior while promoting self-efficacy and growth. It is also evidenced-based, with many studies measuring the effectiveness of this approach in areas from addiction to postpartum depression. The beauty of Motivational Interviewing is that, though proficiency is complex and takes time, novice users can implement strategies and create noticeable impact. This upbeat, interactive, even humorous training equips attendees with essential knowledge and skills to start using Motivational Interviewing immediately. Attendees will have immediate new tools in their toolbox to help clients identify and move towards their goals. Attendees will practice with actual scripts demonstrating how to respond to patient ambivalence, resistance, or fear. The presentation will help increase attendees’ knowledge and comfort with helping individuals who are stuck and struggling and improve understanding of how to help clients live healthier lives. | 1.0 credits (0 Pharmacology) | $27.50

In this foundational course, Dr. Josh Hamilton reviews what epigentics is, why it matters in the development disease, and in what pathways. Learners are encouraged to brush up on cell biology a bit with this presentation and are introduced to topics like: Posttranslational gene modification, acetylation, methylation, ubiquination, and more. Learn about neurohormonal stress, the importance of brain development, pleiotropy and more! This course is critical for all NPs to understand how disease develops and can be passed on to offspring. | 1.00 credits (0.50 Pharmacology) | $30

This one hour lively, interactive presentation focuses on basic therapeutic principles and strategies to build better communication with patients and have more effective visits. Approaches are those that can be integrated into health visits in varied settings and apply to varied populations. We will review effective uses of therapeutic communication including strategies to engage clients in their care, address potential racial and cultural differences, and build trust and connection. We will discuss common therapeutic strategies, mostly based in cognitive behavioral therapy, for talking with patients about management of common concerns like reducing anxiety and improving mood. | 1.0 credits (0 Pharmacology) | $27.50

Mental health disorders are prevalent in the primary care setting, are associated with morbidity, and contribute to a loss of productivity. Evaluation and management of patients presenting with mental health disorders can be delayed due to a lack of availability and accessibility of resources. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) can present with somatic symptoms and is often overlooked. Depression and anxiety impact the mental and physical health of patients. Screening, management, and appropriate referral of patients presenting with anxiety and depressive disorders is critical. Differential diagnosis will be reviewed. Effective, affordable treatment strategies for patients presenting with anxiety and depression are needed. This presentation will focus on the screening and management of patients presenting with anxiety and depression. | 1.50 credits (1.50 Pharmacology) | $40

Healthcare providers in the United States are well positioned to recognize substance use in their patients. Providers are also key in taking steps to address issues of substance use before it escalates to abuse. Unfortunately, substance use and abuse in adolescents remains undertreated in the United States. Early intervention in adolescents with substance use/abuse disorders is crucial in averting economic cost in this population group. This presentation will review treatment options for adolescents who present with various types of substance use disorders. Motivators for seeking treatment as well as gender and ethnicity will also be addressed. Barriers to treatment will also be discussed. | 1.50 credits (1.50 Pharmacology) | $40

Updated diagnostic criteria and disease models for trauma and stressor-related disorders are reviewed. Neurobiological and epigenetic mechanisms that underlie stressor-related symptoms are presented as the basis for therapeutic interventions. Specific attention is given to the formulation of rational, genomically-informed pharmacologic treatment approaches for trauma and stressor-related disorders. Practical applications for nurse practitioners are presented. | 1.0 credits (1.0 Pharmacology) | $35

This engaging educational session will equip the nurse practitioner with essential skills and strategies to handle critical situations effectively. This presentation covers the fundamentals of crisis management, including early warning signs, de-escalation techniques, and intervention strategies. Participants will learn to identify potential crises, apply preventive measures, and utilize proven methods to manage high-stress situations calmly and efficiently. Gain practical insights into maintaining safety, communicating clearly under pressure, and fostering a supportive environment. This session is ideal for nurse practitioners who are interested in enhancing their ability to prevent and manage crises in various settings. Attendees will learn actionable skills and build confidence to address crises with a proactive and informed approach. | 1.0 credits (0.50 Pharmacology) | $30