Preconference Sessions
Saturday, March 20
(001) Neuroanatomy and the Cerebrovascular Patient (3.5 CE)
8 am–noon
Linda Littlejohns, MSN RN CCRN CNRN
Ischemia in the brain can have devastating consequences. This anatomy session will discuss the normal structures and assessment of vasculature deficits throughout the cortex, diencephalon, brainstem, and cerebellum.
(002) Oh Baby! The Challenges, Heartaches, and Rewards of Caring for the Pregnant Neuroscience Patient (3.5 CE)
8 am-noon
Christine Cascone, RN CCRN; Patricia Constanty, RN MSN CRNP; Carey Heck, RN MSN ACNP CCRN CNRN; Marie Wilson, RN BSN CCRN CNRN
Through case presentations, this session will outline management priorities, focusing on the physiologic differences of the pregnant patient and their effect on care. Legal, ethical, and moral dilemmas will also be reviewed.
(003) Epilepsy SFG: Clinical Pearls and Practical Discussions in Epilepsy (3.5 CE)
8 am-noon
Cindi Bordson, RN AD CNRN; Janice M. Buelow, PhD RN; Karen Gilbert, MS APRN CNRN; Amanda Krause, RN MSN CRNP; Mary Jean Mueckenheim, RN CNRN; Madona Pleuger, RN MSN CNRN
Recent hot topics include patient safety, falls, environmental safety in the epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU), ictal and post-ictal assessment skills, and pathophysiology of epilepsy. There is a need for universal standards of care and guidelines for patient care. This workshop will identify the issues pertinent to nurses in EMUs using an evidence-based approach.
(004) APN: Lumbar Puncture Competency: The How-Tos and How-Not-Tos (2.0 CE)
1–3 pm
Mary Szatkowski, MSN NNP-BC CPNP RNFA
Intended for nurse practitioners (NPs) required to prove competency in lumbar puncture, this session will include a lecture—on indications for performing lumbar puncture, landmarks, and proper patient preparation and positioning—and return demonstration.
(005) Geriatric SFG: Mild TBI Across the Lifespan-More Than Just a Bump on the Head (3.5 CE)
1–5 pm
Lorraine Fields, MSN CCNS CCRN CNRN; Kathy Helmick, MS CNRN CRNP; Cindy Blank-Reid, MSN RN CRN; Therese A. West, MSN APN-C CPN
This program will highlight issues related to mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) across the lifespan. This program will address mild TBI epidemiology, prevention, and rehabilitation challenges, and includes appropriate medical and nursing strategies to treat mild TBI.
(006) APN: Evidence-Based Practice for Shunt Tapping and EVD Management: A Skill Review and Competency (2.0 CE)
3:30–5:30 pm
Donna Wallace, MS CPNP
Review evidence-based practice for tapping shunts and management of extraventricular drains (EVDs), including a hands-on skill station with return demonstration. Any advanced practice provider is invited.