Emerging Trends in Critical Care Nursing

Emerging Trends in Critical Care Nursing

Join us for an enlightening and transformative experience at this year's spring symposium, where we bring together a distinguished group of experts in the field to explore the latest advancements, trends, and practical knowledge in critical care nursing. This is an excellent opportunity for professionals in the critical care environment to deepen their expertise, stay informed on cutting-edge research, and gain practical strategies for improving patient care.

Date: March 20th, 2025
Location: Marriott St. Louis West

Keynote Speaker:

• Tom Ahrens, RN, PhD, FAAN
  Sepsis: Understanding, Early Detection, and Interventions
  Dr. Ahrens, a leading voice in critical care nursing, will present an in-depth look at sepsis, the most common cause of death in hospitalized patients. He will cover the latest strategies for early detection, advanced interventions, and the evolving best practices that are improving patient outcomes in the ICU.

Other Featured Speakers:

• • Lew Griffith, BSN, MS, Ex Ed, AC-NP
    Updates and Trends in Neuro Monitoring
    Lew Griffith will discuss the newest developments in neuro monitoring technologies, focusing on how these advancements are improving decision-making and patient care in neurocritical care settings.

  • Nicole Cassell, MSN, RN, ACNP-BC
    Self-Love: Forging a Deeper Connection with Yourself
    In this session, Nicole Cassell explores the critical importance of self-care in the high-stress environment of critical care nursing. Discover tools and techniques for building emotional resilience and connecting more deeply with yourself to combat burnout and improve patient care.

  • Rami Al-Aref, MD
    ECMO: Life-Saving Technology and Challenges
    Rami Al-Aref will take you through the role of ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) in critical care. He will highlight its life-saving potential, the current challenges in its use, and the emerging technologies that are reshaping this advanced therapy.

  • Ann Cage, MSN, RN, AGACNP-BC
    Neurocritical Care: Innovations and Management
    Ann Cage will provide insights into the evolving world of neurocritical care, covering new management strategies, diagnostic tools, and patient outcomes for those suffering from severe neurological conditions in the ICU.

  • Jennifer Dunn, MSW, LCSW
    Palliative Care and Hospice in the Critically Ill Patient
    This session will focus on integrating palliative care and hospice principles into the management of critically ill patients. Jennifer Dunn will explore the intersection of life-sustaining interventions and compassionate end-of-life care in the ICU.

  • Stacey Lindley MSN, RN, CCRN | Clinical Education Specialist 
    Navigating the Orientation of Acute, Critical, and Progressive Care Nurses
    This session will offer essential guidance for those involved in the orientation and ongoing support of nurses in acute, critical, and progressive care settings. Learn effective strategies for nurturing the growth of new nurses in high-pressure environments.

  • Michael Schmidt, PharmD
    From Special-K to Secret Weapon: The Many Faces of Ketamine
    Michael Schmidt will discuss the evolving uses of ketamine in critical care, including its roles in sedation, pain management, and as a treatment for delirium, providing insight into its growing importance in ICU practice.

  • Tele-ICU Panel
    Effective Communication Between Tele-ICU and Bedside Nursing
    This session will explore the vital role of Tele-ICU in modern critical care. Learn how remote ICU specialists can collaborate with bedside nurses to improve patient outcomes through effective communication, real-time monitoring, and decision-making support.

  • Ari Barnes, DNP, APRN-BC, ACCNS-AG, CCRN, PHN
    Impulse Control: Pacemaker Types and Concepts
    Ari Barnes will present on pacemaker technologies, exploring the different types of pacemakers available, their applications in critical care, and how these devices help manage patients with arrhythmias and other cardiac conditions in the ICU.

  • Michelle Bloom, MSN, RN, ACNP-BC
    Alcohol Withdrawal: Background, Diagnosis, and Management
    Michelle Bloom will address the complexities of alcohol withdrawal syndrome, a common challenge in critically ill patients. Learn the signs, symptoms, diagnostic criteria, and evidence-based management strategies to ensure the best care for patients in withdrawal.

  • Gabrielle Gibson, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP
    The Poisoned Patient: Management of Overdoses from (Un)Expected Sources
    Gabrielle Gibson will cover the essential protocols for treating poisoned patients, discussing how to approach overdoses from common and unexpected substances. This session will provide critical tools for managing toxicology cases in the ICU.

  • Trish Wilkinson MSN, RN, ACNP-BC
    Traumatic Brain Injuries
    

Why Attend?
The Emerging Trends in Critical Care Nursing Symposium offers a unique opportunity to connect with thought leaders, gain practical knowledge, and enhance your skills in critical care nursing. Whether you're interested in the latest research, emerging technologies, or improving your nursing practice, this event is designed to help you elevate your career and improve patient care.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn from the best in the field!

Register Today!

This activity has been submitted
to the American Association of
Critical-Care Nurses for
approval to award contact
hours. The American
Association of Critical-Care
Nurses is accredited as an
approver of nursing continuing
professional development by the
American Nurses Credentialing
Center’s Commission on
Accreditation