Day Two of Addictions Nursing Conference

Well, I tried. I had planned to post on Facebook the title of the next session I was attending. Then I had lunch. The afternoon was steady with just enough time for getting from room to room, picking up a coffee and visiting the 'necessary room'. Each speaker was as interesting as the last. (And most have a whole lot of letters trailing behind their names!)

The morning was full. The session at 0940 outlined the importance of nutrition and phytonutrients in recovery. In speaking to the presenter following, I expressed my great thanks as I have believed for a very long time in the need for a rebalanced nutrition in this condition. Nutrition in hospitals in general has not been treated as an important part of any form of recovery. Presenter Stephanie Ross, MHD, HT, CNC of Drexel University was an excellent, clear and passionate speaker.

So here's what I did following:

1105: 

Neural Recovery Model: The Science of Sustainable Addiction Recovery
Judith Miller, Ph.D., CACIII, Presented by Daphne Waldo, RN, MSN, CNL

Not one of my favourite presentations - interesting information however the presenter was quite quiet, despite the microphone.  Although I am certain she is an expert on her topic, she didn't present in an interesting manner.

12:10pm:  

Luncheon and Keynote Address:  Luncheon and Keynote Address:  Mindfulness and Yoga in Recovery: Evidenced-based Neuroscience.
Lisa Marzilli, PharmD, CDOE, Rhode Island Primary Care Physician Corporation

An energetic presenter, Ms Marzilli, had to contend with a room full of hungry conference goers, however that did not seem to deter her in the least. She outlined not only the benefits of yoga and meditation, but some research including research from happiness studies.

1:30pm-2:00pm:  Opioid Overdose Prevention and Rescue Project
Sharon Morello, RN, BSN; The Providence Center

The opiate scourge is at least as bad on the east coast as the west coast.  Sharon Morello and her team have established programs for the use of naloxone kits in the community, including in one treatment center.  Upon discharge, each client is provided with a naloxone kit to prevent unnecessary deaths in opiate overdoses. This is, not unsurprisingly, rather controversial, however meeting their goals.

2:00pm-2:30pm: 

The Walley Wallop: The use of naloxone to prevent overdose.
Brianne Fitzgerald, PNP-C, PMHNP-BC

This was an extension of the previous presentation - a tag teaming of the same issue. The sample naloxone 'kits' were either a nasal spray or an injectable. Of the two injectable samples, one operates much like a epipen used for anyphylatic shock, with the added feature of talking to you, giving directions of what to do! Freaked me out when I opened it and didn't expect a voice from the little thing!

2:35pm-3:50pm

Lazarus Project: Community Based prevention, Intervention and treatment to reduce Overdose
Fred Wells Brason II; Project Lazarus

Further to the previous naloxone presentations, Fred Wells took naloxone programs into the community, recognizing that prescription opiates are throughout communities creating potential for opiate overdoses from misuse of prescriptions outside of any substance abuse or addiction - sharing prescriptions, children/adolescents trying medications from cabinets within reach, take higher than prescribed dosages.

Phew! One more before supper:

4:15pm to 5:15pm:

Compassion, Stress and Fatigue:  Why Caring for Others has A Personal Toll on the Care Provider
Donna McCarten-White, RN, PhD, CNS, CARN

A lovely presentation. We work hard and see many traumatic and sad things. Donna stressed that we need to follow airplane guidelines:  take care of ourselves first!

Supper time. Time to wash my face and change!

"You cannot serve from an empty vessel."

 ~ Eleanor Brownn