Announcements

A Valentine's Day Gift for You!

FREE Continuing Education:
The Future of Nursing: Are The Stars Aligning?
Keynote presentation by Catherine Dower, JD
Earn 1.0 Free Continuing Education Contact Hour!
Available through February 29, 2012

Tobacco Dependence Follow-Up Survey

APNA is seeking your help. Five years ago we made a commitment to mobilize psychiatric mental health nurses in the reduction of tobacco dependence. We are now seeking to get a picture of where we are today and how things have changed (or not).

APNA Elections: Call for Nominations

If you are interested in nominating yourself or someone else for a position, please send your contact information to APNA Executive Director Nicholas Croce, Jr., MS at ncroce@apna.org by Wednesday, March 21st.

1 Week Left to Submit an Application to Review Abstracts

As an abstract reviewer, you will play an important part in the creation of an exceptional and relevant Annual Conference program.

Join the Mental Health Twitter Chat! 2/1/12

On 2/1 2:00 pm EST, Rep. Grace F. Napolitano (@gracenapolitano), SAMHSA (@samhsagov), and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (@800273TALK) will host a mental health chat on Twitter, using the hashtag #mhchat.

January APNA News - Members' Corner

Now out!

Quality Indicators

We are seeking information that will assist APNA in recognizing our members’ participation in QUALITY FORUMS in organizations or facilities at the city, state, or federal level. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey by 1/31/12

APNF Research Grants: Submit by 2/15!

A part of an ongoing commitment to broadening the body of psychiatric nursing research, the Foundation will award up to five individual grants of up to $5,000 to psychiatric nurse applicants who are in the early stages of their research careers.

Workplace Violence

Workplace violence is one of the important issues that confronts every psych nurse in today’s complex mental health environments. To better inform their strategic planning process, the APNA Board of Directors requests your feedback.

Online Poster Gallery!

Browse through the Poster Presentation Abstracts from the APNA 25th Annual Conference in the Online Poster Gallery!

Suicide Prevention

As psychiatric nurses we have all faced the tragedy of suicide. Given our central role in the care of people who are suicidal, the APNA Board of Directors requests your feedback.

2012 Call for Abstracts OPEN!

Submit an abstract proposal to be considered for presentation at the 26th Annual Conference in Pittsburgh, PA ~ November 7-10, 2012. Submission Deadline: March 5, 2012

New Free Session & Holiday Bonus Points in the eLearning Center!

To celebrate the holiday season, APNA members are receiving 10 bonus points that can be used for any session in the APNA eLearning Center! Also FREE to APNA members is a sneak peak of the APNA 25th Annual Conference podcasts.

APNA's Future - We need your input!

If you have not yet completed the 2012 Strategic Planning Survey, we urge you to do so as soon as possible - this is an opportunity for you to tell the Board of Directors how you envision the future of APNA!

Attention all PMHN Researchers!

The American Psychiatric Nursing Foundation (APNF) is pleased to continue its research grants program for the 2012 year. Up to five (5) individual grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded to worthy applicants.

Announcing the APNA 26th Annual Conference Keynotes!

Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, Congressman Patrick Kennedy, and Nursing Leader Linda Burnes Bolton, RN, DrPH, FAAN will each give keynote addresses at the APNA 26th Annual Conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, November 7-10.

New Session on Mindfulness - Online Now!

Mindfulness and Reflection: A Resource for PMH Practice
Barbara Jones Warren, PhD, APRN, BC
Earn .5 contact hours
$5 APNA Members / $8 Non-members

Have you taken the Annual Conference Survey?

If you haven't completed the 2011 Annual Conference Survey, please take a minute to do so!

November APNA Members' Corner

Get the latest updates on APNA activities and policies, issues, and legislative events relevant to PMHN.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We all wear different hats & have different responsibilities. Our common bond is PMHN. Thanksgiving is an appropriate time to say "thank you" for all you do to support those with mental illness & substance use disorders. You are a blessing to many.

Annual Conference Survey

Member input is what makes APNA programs effective! Here is your chance to help shape future annual conferences -- take this year's Annual Conference Survey!

Give the Tobacco Dependence Council your Input!

If you have not yet completed their survey, we urge you to do so as soon as possible—the only way we can truly know if we are making progress in helping to decrease tobacco dependence in the populations we serve is through your survey responses!

ANA Seeking Comment on Reduction of Restraint & Seclusion

We encourage you to submit comments on ANA's position statement, Reduction of Patient Restraint and Seclusion in Health Care Settings. Please also send us a copy of your response by 11/7 to lnguyen@apna.org.

2011 Annual Activity Report

A comprehensive summary of all that we have done throughout the past year is now available online.

September 2011 APNA News

Now out! This month's Members' Corner features an interview with a Peer Bridger, a profile of member Suzane Wilbur, and a message from APNA President Carole Farley-Toombs.

The Tobacco Dependence Council Wants to Hear from You!

The Tobacco Dependence Council would like to capture the current perspectives of psychiatric mental health nurses with regard to tobacco dependence, and who better to ask than you! If you have a few moments, please click on the link below to respond to this anonymous survey – it should only take approximately 10 minutes to complete.

Welcome to the New Members of the 2012 Nominating Committee!

Linda C. Copel, PhD, RN, PMHCNS-BC, CNE, NCC, FAPA
Ramona "Mona" L. Hoehler, MSN, PMHNP-BC
Grace Saidel Wlasowicz, PhD, RN, NPP

Happy National Wellness Week!

In honor of National Wellness Week, the APNA webinar, An American Resurrection: A Journey of Trauma and Triumph, is available for FREE to EVERYONE!

Staffing on Inpatient Psychiatric Units

The Board of Directors has adopted a position statement on staffing inpatient psychiatric units.

Great news about the Annual Conference!

When you attend 6 hours of approved sessions at the APNA 25th Annual Conference, you will be eligible to save on your Risk Management Premium through NSO and HPSO!

Recovery Council Call for Volunteers

The new Recovery Council is underway, but cannot move forward in its work without you! We are looking for volunteers to join the council's Steering Committee and Expert Panel. Participate in the APNA recovery intiative through this council!

2011 Elections Results are In!

With a record number of votes cast, this year's elections saw enthusiastic member participation. Thank you to everyone who voted!

Celebrate National Recovery Month with a Free Webinar from APNA!

Available in the APNA eLearning Center, An American Resurrection: A Journey of Trauma and Triumph is being offered at no cost to APNA members throughout the entire month of September. Earn up to 0.9 Contact Hours of CE!

Annual Conference Early Bird Rate Ends Today

Register by 11:59 PM ET to save $50!

Inpatient Psychiatric Facility Quality Reporting Measures - Update

The Board of Directors, after reviewing all of the responses received, formulated an organizational response to these measures which was submitted to NCQA.

Introducing the APNA Recovery Council!

Please look for a Call for Volunteers after the Labor Day holiday – there will be opportunities for participation on both the Steering Committee and Expert Panel levels for this new Recovery Council.

2011 CPI Online Podcasts Now Available!

Now available in the APNA eLearning Center, these 16 new podcasts each offer the opportunity to earn 1.0 - 3.0 continuing education contact hours.

Championing Recovery: APNA at the 2011 Voice Awards

APNA Partners with SAMHSA to Honor Community Leaders in Recovery at the 2011 Voice Awards

Don't miss the Annual Conference Early Bird!

Register by September 6th and save $50 on the Regular Registration rate of $475.

Inpatient Psychiatric Facility Quality Reporting Measures

Feedback Request: CMS and the NCQU have released for public comment 6 measures that will assess the quality of care provided to Medicare beneficiaries in inpatient psychiatric facilities.

Member Bridge Profiles Get Social!

Use these new features to expand your professional networking opportunities on Member Bridge - integrate social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Facebook into your profile. Click on the link below for more information.

July 2011 APNA News

Click on the link below to explore this month's Members' Corner.

CMS Proposed Rule for CMHCs

Please share your comments on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' proposed rule on Conditions of Participation for Community Mental Health Centers. See the document below for more info:

Voting is now open!

This the time of year when APNA members have the opportunity to exercise the privilege and responsibility of voting for new officers of the association and for selecting next year’s nominating committee. Cast your vote now!

Congrats to the 2011 APNA Janssen Student Scholarship Recipients!

These students display a passion for psychiatric nursing and the potential to have a significant impact on the field. They will receive complimentary registration, travel & lodging to attend the 25th Annual Conference, plus a 1-year membership.

Registration for the APNA Annual Conference is NOW OPEN

Join us in Anaheim, California, October 19 - 22! We've got an amazing program lined up this year: Over 105 premiere educational sessions and interactive panels with the opportunity to earn up to 25.5 continuing education contact hours!

Announcing the 2011 APNF Grant Recipients!

The APNF will give grants to 5 members who submitted research proposals that will enrich the body of pmh nursing knowledge and research: each will receive a $5,000 grant and a complimentary registration to the APNA 25th Annual Conference.

CPI can lead to DISCOUNTS on Liability Insurance

When you earn at least 6 contact hours at CPI, you'll be eligible for a 10% non-cumulative credit to your base professional liability premium. Visit the NSO booth at CPI to learn more.

Congratulations to the 2011 APNA Annual Awards Recipients!

Please join us in congratulating the 2011 APNA Annual Awards recipients! These individuals exemplify a superior dedication to and passion for the psychiatric mental health nursing profession and we are honored to have them as members.

ACOs - Request for Comments on Proposed Regulations

We have recieved information from ANA regarding the Centers for Medicare Services' proposed regulations around Accountable Care Organizations. Visit the link below for more information.

Don't Miss the CPI Early Bird!

Register for the APNA 9th Annual Clinical Psychopharmacology Institute by June 1st to get the early bird member rate of just $375- Save $50!

New Child and Adolescent Resources

In conjunction with National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day, we're launching the new Child & Adolescent section of our Resource Center!

APNA News ~ The Psychiatric Nursing Voice

The April issue is now out!

APRN Council Seeking Member with Knowledge of CPT Coding

We are seeking an APNA member with a working knowledge of CPT coding in psychiatric mental-health nursing to work with our colleagues at the American Nurses Association on the update of CPT codes used in PMHN.

Overcoming Stigma - APNA's work in Recovery to Practice

Check out the cover story of this recent issue of ANA's 'The American Nurse' and read about APNA's involvement in recovery to practice.

Red Cross Disaster Relief Ops Seeking Volunteers

The American Red Cross is in need of licensed mental health professionals to provide support to communities affected by the recent tornado outbreak. If you are interested in offering your expertise and volunteering, you can find more info here:

New Webinar Available in eLearning Center

In response to your request for information on face-to-face assessments, here is a new webinar - offering up to one contact hour of CE: Key Elements for Conducting the One Hour Face-to-Face Assessment for Patients in Restraints or Seclusion

Share Your Thoughts about Member Bridge

We'd like to get your feedback on how you are using this site and how it might be improved so that you can better enjoy the experience. Please take just a few minutes and answer the following questions about Member Bridge. Thanks!

JAPNA Accepted for Inclusion in MEDLINE

Congratulations to Editor Karen Stein and the journal’s Editorial Board!

Announcing the 2011 APNA Janssen Student Scholarship!

This program includes registration, travel and lodging expenses to attend the APNA 25th Annual Conference, October 19-22, 2011, in Anaheim, California. Winners will also receive 1 year complimentary membership in the APNA.

Give your colleagues a chance to shine...

Nominate them for an APNA Award and they could be honored at this year's 25th Anniversary Celebration! But hurry – the deadline is just two weeks away!! All nominations must be submitted by April 18th!

March 2011 Members' Corner

Check out Carole Farley-Toombs' President's Message, Sue Brammer's story of recovery, nurse/writer Laurie Barkin's book and more!

APNA is starting our 2011 Election process!

If you're interested in nominating yourself or someone else for any of the positions noted below, please send your contact information to Nicholas Croce, Jr., APNA Executive Director, at ncroce@apna.org by Monday, May 2nd.

Tips for Effective Nursing Practice

Do you find your current use of treatment contracts to be helpful? rewarding? effective? Come to CPI and hear keynote Dr. Howard Heit discuss this new language and how to apply it in your nursing practice.

Introducing the new APNA eLearning Center

Looking for an online CE learning system that is faster, smarter, and easier to navigate? Look no further! We are pleased to announce the NEW APNA eLearning Center.

APNA Annual Awards Open for Nominations!

We invite you to nominate one or more of your colleagues for a 2011 APNA Annual Award. These awards recognize APNA members who demonstrate excellence in psychiatric mental health nursing practice, education, research, leadership, community efforts, and more.

Endorsement of LACE Implementation Recommendations

APNA Board of Directors Endorses APNA / ISPN Joint Task Force Recommendations on the Implementation of the “Consensus Model for APRN Regulation: Licensure, Accreditation, Certification & Education”

Abstract Proposal Deadline is Tomorrow!

You have until 11:59pm Eastern on Tuesday, March 1st to submit and complete your abstract proposal submission.

7 Days Left to Submit an Abstract Proposal

Each year your abstract submissions help create an engaging and informative conference program - make your mark on this year's 25th Anniversary Conference!

Registration for APNA 9th Annual CPI is Now Open!

June 16-19, 2011 in Reston, Virginia
Earn up to 24.25 continuing education contact hours
Early bird rate: $375 for members (No increase from last year's registration rates!)

APNA 25th Annual Conference Keynotes Announced!

3 highly regarded experts will deliver keynote addresses at the conference: Jean Watson, BSN, MD, PhD; Pamela S. Hyde, JD; Catherine Dower, JD and a special guest will open the conference with an introductory address: Grayce Sills, RN, PhD, FAAN

Check Out the Recently Revamped APNA Resource Center!

Find information on medication updates, grad programs, PTSD and more!

APNA ECT Position Paper

APNA offered comments and recommendations to the FDA regarding the possible reclassification of ECT devices via its recently approved Position Statement on ECT.

An APNA Virtual Scrapbook

At this year's Annual Conference we'll celebrate 25 years of APNA. Help shape the celebration by filling out our conference survey and sharing your APNA photos and memories!

Announcing the APNA 25th Annual Conference Call for Proposals and Reviewers!

Issue 3 of Counseling Points now available!

Announcing the 2011 APNF Research Grants Program

The American Psychiatric Nursing Foundation (APNF) is pleased to continue its research grants program for the 2011 year!

November 2010 Members' Corner

The November 2010 Members' Corner is now out!

Update: Military and PTSD Resources

In response to increasing member interest in this area, our online resource center has been expanded to include a new page dedicated to military and PTSD resources.

Resources include:
* Fact Sheets
* Clinical Practice Guidelines
* Pocket Guides
* Training Materials
* Assessment Tools

Provided by government organizations such as:
* Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury
* Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD
* National Institutes of Mental Health

We hope that you will find this information helpful and timely as we continue to strive to be your resource for psychiatric mental health nursing.

A New Look for Our Communities!

Easier to navigate and easier to get involved: Check out the new set up, explore Member Bridge's communities, and maybe even join an APNA Committee that interests you!
For a detailed powerpoint on navigating Member Bridge, click on the link below.

What CE programs would you like APNA to offer?

The Continuing Education Subcommittee of the Education Council has developed three surveys to determine your continuing education needs:

Staff Nurse/Nurse Manager: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/D9M62YY
Educator: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/JJQ8TM8
APRN: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/D9MYQCF

Please take a few minutes to respond to the survey that reflects the category of your work. If you function in more than one role, please feel free to complete all of the surveys which apply. Results of the surveys will shape future APNA CE offerings and will be posted on Member Bridge.

LACE Implementation: Share your feedback with us!

During this year’s conference, the Joint APNA/ISPN Task Force on Implementation of the Consensus Model for APRN Regulation: Licensure, Accreditation, Certification & Education (LACE) presented DRAFT recommendations that the task force plans to submit to the Boards of Directors of both organizations.
We have posted a copy of the slides presented at this interactive panel by the task force co-chairs. We have also posted questions gathered from those in attendance along with answers from the task force.
Both of the above mentioned documents can be found here:

American Chronicle’s Top 10 Industry Associations in Nursing

APNA made the list!

The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health

The Institute of Medicine of the National Academies has issued a report entitled “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change Advancing Health”. To view the report, please go to the link below. We have posted links to the IOM site with a summary of the report and a link to a webcast of the announcement.

This report speaks to the vital role nursing can play in the transformation of our health care system. There are many people to credit for the positive findings about nursing, but none are more deserving of credit than each and every nurse who has worked hard to build an image of trust and who has worked diligently to provide high level care to the patients under his or her care. Congratulations! It is nice to see you recognized for your efforts.

Tobacco Dependence: Test your knowledge!

APNA is gathering data prior to releasing the second issue of Counseling Points, Delivering Effective Pharmacologic and Nonpharmacologic Interventions for Tobacco Dependence in Persons with Mental Illness, in order to assess its educational impact. This survey consists of three questions and should take less than a minute to complete.

Celebrating the APNA Awards Recipients

Get to know the 2010 APNA Annual Award winners…you can read more about all of them on the APNA website, just click on the link below. Then see them recognized in person at the Annual Conference! Register before September 29th and save $25 off of the on-site rate.

Your Conference Registration Bonus!

More savings for APNA 24th Annual Conference attendees - earn additional CNE contact hours for only $1.56 per hour. The new Premium Key CD will allow you to access presenters' updated pdf session handouts PLUS the presentations you missed in an audio-synced-with-slides format. This will gain you access to up to an additional 32 contact hours for only $50!

Available Now!

2010 CPI Online Sessions

Click on the link below to order. Don't forget to include your member number for the special member pricing!

An Important Message about the Annual Conference

Check out Buford Lafontaine's message about the Early Bird...

New Publications Discount Program

In partnership with several publishers, we’ve established a program wherein APNA members receive significant discounts on select publications. Subscribe to an unsurpassed collection of books, journals, and self-assessment tools; purchase essential resource and reference books; or read about how the nursing profession has evolved throughout the twentieth century; all for way below retail prices!

Introducing the Child & Adolescent Council!

Are you interested in participating? Please fill out the survey below to indicate how you'd like to be involved.

First issue of Counseling Points

The first issue of our Counseling Points series on tobacco dependence is now available online. APNA members can access it for free!

Want to test your knowledge?

APNA is developing a three part series of Counseling Points™ on tobacco dependence . All APNA members will receive a copy of each issue of this free publication. By reading each one and completing its post-test and evaluation, members will be able to earn 1.0 continuing education contact hour per issue.
APNA is gathering pre-assessment data on the topics which it will address. By answering these four questions, you will help us measure the amount of knowledge acquired by participating in this continuing education activity. This survey should take less than a minute to complete.

65+ reasons to...

...register for the Annual Conference! Access up to 26.5 continuing education contact hours in this year’s program! There are over 65 concurrent sessions, interactive panels, and plenary sessions to choose from…take a look here:

Your votes have been tallied!

Congratulations to the newly elected Board of Directors and Nominating Committee:

Congratulations to the 2010 APNA Janssen Scholars!

15 Undergraduate and 15 Graduate students have been selected to be honored with this year's APNA Janssen Student Scholarship. Each of these students has displayed a passion for psychiatric nursing and the potential to have a significant impact on the field.

Only 9 days left...

...to cast your vote in the APNA elections! Polls will close July 16th at 11:59 pm.

APNA Research Council Survey

We want to learn from you! What topic areas in psychiatric nursing research are relevant, cutting edge, and helpful to APNA members? Let us know what research you are conducting, how you are applying research to your practice or education, and what research areas interest you – just take a few minutes to fill out the survey below.

Have you made your choice?

Each year, APNA elects a new president as well as replacements for those board members whose terms are expiring. At the same time, we also elect the members of next year’s Nominating Committee.

Please use the following link to open a survey to select your choices: