Summary of the 2016 Annual GAPNA Conference by Izabela Kazana

Summary of the 2016 Annual GAPNA Conference

by Izabela Kazana, CGAPN Member

It has already been over a month since some of us met at the 35th Annual GAPNA Conference in Phoenix, AZ. Those who were there would agree that it was another outstanding event. 

What makes GAPNA conferences so special is, without a question, the members who attend it but also a team of dedicated people who choose the venue, select topics of high interest and bring top experts to enrich knowledge and skills of those who attend. The 27 conference sessions remain available for attendees, but they are also available for purchase on the GAPNA Library website for those who could not attend the conference.

I have chosen to discuss briefly three sessions from different fields.

Many sessions, of course, covered topics related to clinical gerontological advanced practice nursing. The knowledge and skills presented by speakers in those sessions might be very useful in everyday practice. For example, Nicole Brandt and Elizabeth Galik conducted a workshop on pharmacology and geropsychiatric disorders. They discussed in depth five principles in prescribing safely for patients with depression, bipolar and psychotic disorder, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. It is very likely that you prescribe medications to treat those conditions. If not, you provide services for individuals affected by those illnesses. At the time when the number of older adults is rising and the number of those affected by psychiatric disorders is also increasing, that session may be helpful in refreshing knowledge to support safe practice and high quality care. 

In recent years, we hear and talk more about APRNs as leaders, partners, and decision-makers in healthcare. While only some of us hold official management positions, all of us are leaders. An excellent presentation by Mark McCloskey was directed to those who want to make a difference and have their voice heard. According to him, two aspects of leadership must be understood and applied into practice to effectively navigate in 21st century leadership. One of those aspects is appreciation of a complex and dynamic current leadership context. The other one is the ethical quality of leaders with seven shifts in leadership performance based on seven virtues. The main message was that we could increase our effectiveness in making a difference by talking about the future practice, working together, and continuously learning from one another while solving problems and creating culture that supports solving those problems. Although it might sound very familiar, McCloskey’s perspective may contribute to effectiveness in leadership skills.

Some of the main forums where we could make a difference are advocacy for the profession and patients as well as health policy. Another conference speaker Evelyn Duffy reminded key elements of the 2015-2016 GAPNA Health Affairs agenda and achievements in the past year. She also described the strategic parts of the 2016-2017 GAPNA Health Affairs agenda. Her presentation made clear how we all could contribute to national achievements while working on the local level. Some of you have already developed a relationship with legislators in our state and have been involved in pursuing the full practice authority in Illinois. According to 2016-2017 GAPNA Health Affairs agenda, you could become familiar with key state and federal legislative issues especially those that impact the APRNs scope of practice and quality of health care for older adults. Your actions and words are important. You can make a difference. Legislators listen to their constituencies. According to Duffy, it helps if you prepare and practice a short elevator speech (like 4 sentences); who you are, what you do, and how removing certain barriers would improve your practice, access to care, and care quality.

Those are just brief examples of topics presented and discussed at the conference. The annual GAPNA conference is also a venue for short vacation, relaxation, sightseeing, and first of all professional networking. Many members attend the annual conference to meet their “GAPNA friends” from different states. Among members, there are APN students, APN practitioners from clinics, hospitals, and nursing homes as well as experienced researchers and experts that enhance and promote excellence in wellbeing of geriatric population. Therefore, the annual GAPNA conference is also a venue to disseminate research and quality projects from all related healthcare settings.

This year, among APRNs we know, Pat McCann and Amy Lewitz presented during a pre-conference workshop Special Topics in Geropsychiatric Nursing and discussed antipsychotic medications use in Illinois SNFs. A new graduate of Rush University Carolyn Le had a podium presentation of her clinical project; Rush University faculty members, Marcia Murphy, Mary Zonsius, and Joanne Miller presented two education posters; and a Rush DNP student Izabela Kazana presented her clinical project poster.  Valerie Gruss from University of Illinois at Chicago received the GAPNA Excellence in Research Award. Congratulations Valerie!

Great news from the conference was that GAPNA is growing both in the number of chapters and its members. While Chicagoland is one of the first GAPNA’s chapters since 1998, the 21st chapter Seattle, WA, was established just this year. You can contribute to GAPNA’s success. Spread the word and invite other Advanced Practice Nurses to our local meetings.

Again, the conference was outstanding. Let's meet in October 4-7, 2017, in Nashville, TN, at the 36th Annual GAPNA Conference in Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center.