ASPAN Learn

CBD is sold without a prescription and can potentially present with social and or physical health dangers. Increased knowledge in this area will help us better care for patients.

(DC) 1.25 contact hours  

Session Objectives:

• Describe the endocannabinoid system and the effect it has on various receptors in the body
• Review the current research on the use of CBD with anxiety, insomnia, pain, sleep disorders, and seizures
• Discuss the effects CBD may have on the pre- and post-operative patient necessitating changes in policy

Marquetta Flaugher, PhD APRN-BC RN-BC

In light of nursing shortages, how do we best prepare a workforce to deliver outstanding perianesthesia care?  This session will present the use of unlicensed personnel as well as orienting new caregivers from a variety of practice backgrounds. Finally, this session will highlight the importance of healthy teams in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

(IC) 1.25 contact hours

Session Objectives:

• Describe concepts of a healthy team
• Identify members and contributions/roles of a perianesthesia team
• Discuss challenges in orienting and enculturating new team members to the perianesthesia unit
• Identify components of a healthy team that was mobilized during the Covid 19 pandemic

Antoinette Zito, MSN RN CPAN FASPAN

Colleen Cummins, MSN BBA RN CEN

Sharon Knauss, BSN RN CAPA

Cynthia Plato, BSN RN CAPA

This session will present the perfect storm that has led to the current opioid crisis in the United States, the current opioid medications available in the US and their utility in acute and chronic pain, tools for detection of opioid misuse, and end with a segment on proper prescribing habits and changes that are underway to stem the tide of the opioid epidemic.

(DC) 1.25 contact hours

Session Objectives:

• Review the history of the current opioid crisis
• Discuss various opioid medications and their use in acute and chronic pain
• Describe appropriate vs inappropriate opioid use
• Discuss proper prescribing habits for opioids
• Review alternative therapies to opioids

Seth Eisdorfer, MD

Preceptor selection is the key to successful orientation. This session will look at novel ways to determine who can be a preceptor and how to develop preceptors.

(IC) 1.25 contact hours

Session Objectives:

• Describe preceptor selection techniques
• Identify strategies for preceptor development
• Discuss how to implement a preceptor selection process

Brian Harradine, MSN RN CAPA CNOR NPD-BC

This session will present the EBP process and the development of a PICO question that addresses discharge scoring tools.  This session will also include a synopsis of current ASPAN Standards for discharge.  

(IC) 1.25 contact hours

Session Objectives:

• Describe the process and implications of a systematic review

Katherine Simpson, DNP APRN-BC CNRN CVRN-II LNC

Jamie Danks, BSN MSHI RN

This session will present the anatomy and physiology of aging that is intimately related to the perianesthesia nursing care of the older adult. Learn the important holistic approach to caring for this special population in preparing and in discharging the elderly to the home care environment.

(DC) 1.25 contact hours

Session Objectives:

• Review the older adult’s physiologic functional reserve for undergoing anesthesia and surgery
• Describe three elements of ethical holistic care that focuses on the perianesthesia continuum of care
• Review the older adults’ potential risks for discharging ambulatory surgery patients after their surgeries

Myrna Mamaril, DNP RN NEA-BC CPAN CAPA FAAN FASPAN

Sleep Apnea can lead to deadly consequences, thus early recognition and treatment is essential. This session will focus on signs and symptoms and current treatment modalities of sleep apnea.

(DC) 1.25 contact hours

Session Objectives:

• Describe the pathophysiological events of sleep apnea
• Discuss the association between untreated sleep apnea to various health diagnoses and symptoms
• Review the various treatment options used for obstructive sleep apnea

Marquetta Flaugher, PhD APRN-BC RN-BC

The post-operative phone call has long been a part of routine perianesthesia care.  Is there still value in this age-old practice?

(DC) 1.25 contact hours

Session Objectives:

• Discuss the history and current state of post-operative phone call
• Review the current literature that contributes to the practice of the post-operative phone call
• Identify recommendations for the practice of post-operative phone calls

Antoinette Zito, MSN RN CPAN FASPAN

This session will highlight the logistics of implementing a comprehensive surgical prehabilitation program that involves the patient as an active member of the healthcare team.  By augmenting the enhanced recovery protocol with a robust surgical prehabilitation protocol that includes regularly scheduled patient and family education classroom sessions, our organization experienced improved morbidity.

(DC) 1.25 contact hours

 Session Objectives:

• Describe the benefits of developing a prehabilitation program
• List the logistics and tools for a successful prehabilitation program
• Identify the organizational investment necessary to support a comprehensive prehabilitation program

Donna Goyer, BS RN CPAN CAPA

PAT should be able to have a patient optimized for day of surgery. This session will present the clinical improvements made to help achieve that goal.

(IC) 1.25 contact hours

Session Objectives

• Describe PAT inputs
• Identify strategies for PAT prioritization
• Describe how to implement an optimization plan for PAT

Brian Harradine, MSN RN CAPA CNOR NPD-BC

Nurses are distinguished for delivering empathy and compassion to patients yet remain the last to regard the advice of personal well-being and attentiveness to their self-care needs.  This session will explore evidence, strategies and benefits to start practicing your well-being self-care skills and increase your resilience, self-compassion, mindfulness, and happiness.  The time is now, start to value your well-being and promote your own self-care.

(IC) 1.25 contact hours

Session Objectives

• Discuss the benefits and strategies of promoting well-being through self-compassion

Connie Hardy Tabet, MSN RN CPAN CAPA FASPAN

When caring for patients in disaster situations, perianesthesia critical care nursing requires time-sensitive decisions and changes in ASPAN’s standards of practice that is possible to provide these vulnerable patients. This session presents important concepts of standards of care, expanded nursing practice during different types of disasters that challenge PACU nurses providing care in a surge capacity. This session will also include a review of the following: pertinent surge capacity definitions; important state nurse practice acts; and how to operationalize ASPAN standards of care that focus on the most vulnerable time frames when perianesthesia nurses care for patients. The care continuum for special populations for pediatric, geriatric, pregnant patients as well as specialty surgical and invasive procedures will also be examined for potential risk.

(DC) 1.25 contact hours

Session Objectives:

• Discuss the surge capacity expectations of senior leadership for perianesthesia nurses practicing in a high tech, fast paced, and high-risk nursing environment
• Describe the expanded scope of practice when hospitals designate the PACU as a surge capacity
• Review the specialty populations at risk in your perianesthesia practice
• Identify 4 areas of legal vulnerability when hospitals reach surge capacity in admitting patients and discharging patients in the perianesthesia environment of care

Myrna Mamaril, DNP RN NEA-BC CPAN CAPA FAAN FASPAN

This comprehensive session will describe the value of CAPA and CPAN certification for you, your employer, and your patients. Presenters will identify strategies that will help you make the case for certification to your manager and show why your patients will care that you have put the work in to become certified. You will hear personal testimony about how certification develops lifelong learning and keeps you up to date on perianesthesia nursing trends. As you prepare for CPAN and/or CAPA certification exam, this session will also provide information that will help you choose the exam that is right for you. You will learn strategies to enhance your test-taking ability; how to create a Learning Builder account and design a study plan; which study references to use; and how to take advantage of ABPANC’s numerous resources.

This session will be beneficial for those already certified as well, providing tips and strategies for updating your Learning Plan and putting your certification into practice. You will learn ways to share your knowledge and expertise and how to become a leader and mentor to other nurses in your unit. This session will also teach you skills and strategies for lifelong learning and introduce you to ABPANC leadership opportunities.

(IC) 1.5 contact hours

Session Objectives

1.         Discuss the eligibility requirements to sit for the CPAN or CAPA certification exam.

2.         Describe how to study and prepare for the CPAN or CAPA certification exam.

3.         Discuss the value of certification and how to put certification into practice.

Katherine Houle, MSN RN CPAN

Linda Lakdawala, DNP RN CPAN

In this session selected members will present their perianesthesia successful practice, discuss the implementation and share results.

(IC) 1.5 contact hours

Session Objectives

1. Describe successful practices in the perianesthesia setting.

The oral research presentations represent completed perianesthesia nursing studies.  Selected research studies will be presented by the primary investigators.

(IC) 1.5 contact hours

Session Objectives

1. Describe current research in the perianesthesia setting.

Despite advances in the education and training of care providers regarding liability issues that require involvement in risk management, the hurried, unpredictable environment in which they practice today, still leaves them vulnerable to lawsuits.

(IC) 1.25 contact hours

Session Objectives:

• Define perianesthesia standards for ethical practice
• Discuss principles of safe perianesthesia practice that must be followed to ensure safe, quality care delivery while maintaining the well- being of everyone
• Define elements of professional negligence (malpractice) that must be present for cause of action to succeed through use of scenarios
• Describe liability issues that might occur in any perianesthesia practice setting through case studies 

Meg Beturne, MSN RN CPAN CAPA FASPAN

Building a partnership with academic institutions allows nurses to be exposed to perioperative nursing.  Perianesthesia nursing is an integral part of the perioperative experience.  The clinical immersion program was designed to include perianesthesia nursing.

(IC) 1.25 contact hours

Session Objectives:

• Identify methods to collaborate with academic institutions
• List course objectives that align with learning outcomes of the academic programs
• Discuss a variety of teaching techniques used to engage the learner

Antoinette Zito, MSN RN CPAN FASPAN

Controversy exists as to the relationship of anesthesia and surgery to dementia (Alzheimer’s disease). This session will explore the hypotheses and relationships between general anesthesia and Alzheimer’s disease.

(DC) 1.25 contact hours

Session Objectives:

• Describe the effects of anesthesia on the patient with dementia.
• Discuss the findings supporting and refuting an association between surgery/anesthesia and the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
• Discuss how to apply the results of these findings to the perioperative care of the elderly patient undergoing anesthesia.

Brenda Jahnke, MSN RN CNS

It is likely that artificial intelligence (AI) and the use of robots will be implemented in nursing in various forms, both in medical, surgical, and the pre/post anesthesia arenas. It is of great importance to explore and discuss artificial intelligence and robotics in nursing and health care before these tools become commonplace. This session will present AI today and what we may see in the future.  Ethical dimensions of using of AI in our healthcare setting and the challenges and benefits of robotic nursing care will also be presented.

(DC) 1.25 contact hours

 Session Objectives:

• Define technological terms and concepts of artificial intelligence
• Discuss the application of artificial intelligence and robotics in healthcare
• Review the use of AI and robotics in nursing

Katrina Bickerstaff, BSN RN CPAN CAPA

Peripheral Nerve Blocks (PNB) are fast becoming the standard of care for surgical pain management in both ambulatory and inpatient hospital settings.  This session will present the necessary nursing considerations, contraindications, complications, and patient education for upper and lower extremity PNBs as well as chest and abdominal blocks to enhance your patient’s safety and recovery.

(DC) 1.25 contact hours

 Session Objectives:

• Define regional nerve block anesthesia.
• Discuss the role of the Block RN in assisting anesthesia providers with placement of PNB.
• Explain dermatome levels with corresponding cutaneous level and surgical procedure.
• Discuss sensory/motor expectations and nursing considerations of commonly used PNBs.
• Identify complications of PNBs.

Kathryn Scully, MSN RN CCRN CPAN CAPA

This session will present important pediatric risk factors that contribute to airway and respiratory pathophysiologic conditions. In addition, this presentation will focus on specific postanesthesia evidence-based nursing management of pediatric airway and respiratory emergencies that complicate the child emerging from anesthesia.

(DC) 1.25 contact hours

Session Objectives:

• Discuss pediatric risk factors that contribute to airway and respiratory pathophysiologic conditions
• Review evidence-based nursing management of pediatric airway and respiratory emergencies

Myrna Mamaril, DNP RN NEA-BC CPAN CAPA FAAN FASPAN

Super Bugs are a real threat to our patients/caregivers ourselves and our planet. A better understanding of them, combined with a unified effort might offer us the best chance for success in combating them. All perianesthesia nurses must walk the talk of Florence Nightingale and be Infection Control Champions in the 21^st century and beyond.

(DC) 1.25 contact hours

Session Objectives:

• Identify the types, incidence, demographics and risk factors associated with superbugs.
• Discuss signs, symptoms and complications associated with superbug illnesses
• Discuss strategies and research-based interventions for superbugs.
• Discuss the educational, resources and preventative measures needed for superbugs

Meg Beturne, MSN RN CPAN CAPA FASPAN

This session will present the development of an interactive orientation class for novice perianesthesia nurses.  Course content includes methods used to deliver topics such as managing airways, safety considerations, emergency management, and much more.  Presentation techniques used to promote learning will also be shared.

(IC) 1.25 contact hours

Session Objectives:

• Discuss development of course content pertinent to the perianesthesia nursing practice.
• Discuss methodology of presenting course information to promote active learning.
• Discuss delivery of course content related to practice.

Colleen Cummins, MSN BBA RN CEN

Sharon Knauss, BSN RN CAPA

Cynthia Plato, BSN RN CAPA

Antoinette Zito, MSN RN CPAN FASPAN

This session will present the types of cardiomyopathy (dilated, hypertrophic, restrictive and Takotsubo) along with preoperative and postoperative management of patients with cardiomyopathy having non-cardiac surgery.

(DC) 1.25 contact hours

Session Objectives:

• Discuss the types of cardiomyopathy (dilated, hypertrophic, restrictive, Takotsubo)
• Discuss goals and guidelines for preoperative screening and management
• Discuss the perioperative nursing considerations in the care of the patient with various types of cardiomyopathy and complications related to anesthesia

Brenda Jahnke, MSN RN CNS

Vaping and use of e-cigarettes have continued to grow in popularity. The health risks using these relatively new devices are still being evaluated. In 2019 severe lung injuries were reported from vaping and many individuals have died.  This session will present a review of what we do know about the impact of vaping/e-cigarettes, current statistics on chronic and acute health issues, nicotine addiction, medical practice standards, and current litigation.

(DC) 1.25 contact hours

Session Objectives:

• Discuss the demographics of the use of E-Cig/Vaping products.
• Describe the physiological effects of using E-Cig/Vaping products
• Discuss standards of care and the role of the perianesthesia nurse caring for patients who use E-Cig/Vaping products.

Katrina Bickerstaff, BSN RN CPAN CAPA

Capnography (end-tidal carbon dioxide) monitoring is a well-established resource for improving patient outcomes while adverting potential respiratory complications.  Extending capnography into perianesthesia practices is simple and provides immediate feedback for monitoring ventilation status. This session will present a JBI training process that advocates evidence-based practices for improving patient safety and optimize outcomes with the adoption of utilizing pulse oximetry and capnography monitoring in the PACU.

(IC) 1.25 contact hour

Session Objectives:

• Discuss current evidence-based practices for patient care using both pulse oximetry and capnography (end-tidal carbon dioxide) monitoring to avert respiratory complications in the PACU

Connie Hardy Tabet, MSN RN CPAN CAPA FASPAN

Margaret McNeill, PhD RN APRN-CNS CCRN-K CCNS TCRN CPAN NE-BC NHDP-BC FCNS FAAN

Perianesthesia testing is evolving daily. Constant vigilance and implementation of new evidence leads to a safer, more efficient, and effective patient experience. This session will present what works, what is innovative and new, and possible changes for future care that is presented in a fun and interactive method.

(DC) 1.25 contact hour

Session Objectives:

• Discuss current perioperative testing and possible areas for change.
• Review ideas on modifying current PAT practices to achieve patient optimization.
• Identify communication tactics and the role they will play in future PAT testing and medical optimization.

Nancy Pitruzzello, DNP APRN CPAN

Charlotte Bedsole, DNP APRN CNOR

Happy Hour/Networking