Nurse Webinars

Are you a nurse or health professional working with people with Parkinson's disease (PD) Our Nurse Webinar Series and Nurse Webinar Library designed for and by The Edmond J. Safra Visiting Nurse Faculty Program scholars at the Parkinson's Foundation explores the latest PD care innovations. Nurse scholars represent an innovative nurse educator network working with the Foundation to advance research, care and nursing education. The series supports their ongoing instruction and collaboration. Other professionals who share these goals are invited to join the series.

Participants may view webinars live or view recordings afterward. Continuing education units (CEUs) are available to nurses who participate live or within 30 days of each webinar through the Parkinson's Foundation's sponsorship of the American Society on Aging.

2018 Upcoming Webinars

Nursing Solutions: The Parkinson Community and Spirituality

Tuesday, October 9, 2018 at 1PM EST

Register Here

Overview: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that can cause a multitude of physical discomforts and psychosocial stressors. In some cases, people with Parkinson’s disease suffer from anxiety, depression A mood disorder whose symptoms can include a persistent sad or empty mood, feelings of hopelessness or pessimism, irritability and loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyable activities. and even hopelessness despite best medical management. Spiritual practices may help mitigate stress and provide a source of inner strength for those with chronic diseases, yet health care workers may lack an understanding of how spirituality impacts holistic care or how to help patients in their spiritual journey.  This webinar will discuss the gap that exists between PD, spiritual coping research and theories of uncertainty in illness as related to Parkinson’s disease. The program will explore the use of spirituality in managing PD care and provide examples of work done by nurses in this area.

OBJECTIVES:  At the conclusion of this webinar, the participant will be able to:

1.  Discuss the existing literature on spirituality
2.  Contemplate how uncertainty in illness theory relates to Parkinson’s disease and spirituality
3.  Understand the role of nursing in spiritual assessment and reference tools available

Led by:

Diane Reynolds, EdD, RN, OCN, CNE
Former Associate Professor of Nursing
Long Island University
New York, NY

Dr. Reynolds received her Doctoral degree in Nursing Education at Teacher’s College, Columbia University and is a 2016 participant in the Edmond J. Safra Visiting Nurse Faculty Program at the Parkinson’s Foundation. 

Dr. Reynolds was a tenured Associate Professor of Nursing at Long Island University (LIU), Brooklyn Campus, before retiring from full-time nursing in 2015.  She continues her work at LIU as a Community member of the Internal Review Board (IRB). Dr. Reynolds is currently employed as a part-time educator conducting live reviews for nursing students preparing for their state licensing exam (NCLEX) for Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI ).

Interest in women’s health, oncology and spirituality have directed her writing and she has several publications in highly regarded peer-reviewed journals. Her most recent publication “Spirituality as a coping mechanism for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease” appeared in the Journal of Christian Nursing in 2017.

Amy Rex Smith, PhD, RN, ACNS, BC
Professor of Nursing
Belhaven University
Jackson, MS

Amy Rex Smith PhD RN is Professor of Nursing and Director of the RN to BSN Online Program at Belhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi.  Dr. Rex Smith is published in the areas of spirituality and nursing care, and her program of research is in spirituality and health.  Currently she is co-principle investigator on “Churches’ Perceptions of Mental Health Needs and Resources in Jackson, Mississippi: A Qualitative Study”. She is a contributing editor for the Journal of Christian Nursing.  She is a board member and holds the office of secretary for Nurses' Christian Fellowship International (NCFI), an organization of national nurses’ Christian fellowships worldwide.  She is the course leader for NCFI course “The Art and Science of Spiritual Care” and has taught the program in the USA, Philippines Fiji, Chile, and Nigeria.  She practices as a Faith Community Nurse and leads the Health Ministry Team at her local church, Common Ground Evangelical Covenant Church, an interracial congregation in West Jackson, MS.  Amy is a 2016 scholar of the Edmond J. Safra Visiting Nurse Faculty Program at the Parkinson’s Foundation. 

Lourdes Mary Santoni, PhD, ACNP-BC
Healthcare Member International Medical Committee of Lourdes, France
Advanced Practice Neuroscience Nurse
Actify Neurotherapeutics

Dr. Santoni began her nursing career as a High School student in New York, being called to care for people afflicted by illness as part of a Healing Arts program. Since that time she has experienced forty years of changing issues within Neuroscience, Pain Management and Healthcare Education. Her own academic background includes many achievements and she is a board certified adult nurse practitioner. One of her many interests, Spirituality remains an often overlooked area within healthcare and its role in the reparative process a mystery. She has traveled to several international sites of healing and engaged to assist pilgrims discover peace through Faith.  Dr. Santoni participated in the Edmond J. Safra Visiting Nurse Faculty Program in 2016.

Moderated by:

Gwyn M. Vernon, MSN, CRNP, RN
Co-Founder and National Director of The Edmond J. Safra Visiting Nurse Faculty Program at Parkinson's Foundation

CEUs

Are you a healthcare professional seeking continuing education units? The Foundation's sponsorship of the American Society on Aging provides CEUs. Please be sure to indicate your CEUs interest when registering. Health professionals have 30 days in which to view the live or recorded seminar and apply for CEUs. It may take 30 more days to process CEUs.

Nurse Webinar Library

The Parkinson's Foundation offers recordings of all Nurse Webinars. Note: CEUs are only available to those who view the live or recorded online seminar within 30 days of the presentation.

Past Nurse Webinars

Nursing Solutions: Non-Pharmacologic, Complementary and Alternative Practices in PD:  Quality of Life Impact and Patient Practices

May 15, 2018

Register Here

Download Slides

Overview: Many people with Parkinson’s disease will have a disease span over decades of life. It is not surprising, then, that patients and families often seek complementary and alternative approaches to supplement traditional medical and surgical interventions. This webinar will present a review of the research on quality of life as it relates to the use of non-pharmacological approaches in Parkinson’s disease.  Additionally, it will discuss research on what actual patient practices are being utilized and review factors which may influence the use of complementary and alternative treatment approaches.  

OBJECTIVES: At the conclusion of this webinar, the participants will be able to:

1. Understand the meaning of non-pharmacologic, complementary, and alternative practices.
2. Become familiar with current research on these practices and findings on their impact on one’s quality of life in Parkinson’s disease.
3. Discuss what patients are using in the way of complementary and alternative practices and some of the factors which may influence patients’ choices.

Led by:

Fang Yu, PhD, RN
Associate Professor
Nursing University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN

Dr. Fang Yu received her baccalaureate degree in nursing from Peking University Health Science Center, her Master’s degree as a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (GNP) and her doctoral degree from the University of PA.   She completed a John A. Hartford Clair M. Fagin Building Academic Geriatric Nursing Capacity Post-doctoral Fellowship from 2004 to 2006.  

Inspired by her clinical practice in China and the United States, Dr. Fang Yu has focused her research, teaching, and service on improving the health of and health care delivery to older adults with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related dementias such as Parkinson’s disease. She has published more than 40 peer-reviewed papers and 6 book chapters, and presented at international, national, regional, and local conferences. Dr. Yu participated in the Edmond J. Safra Visiting Nurse Faculty Program at the Parkinson’s Foundation in 2016, and together with fellow scholars Timothy Bredow and Corjena Cheung undertook an extensive research study of the impact of non-pharmacological measures on quality of life in Parkinson’s disease. 

Ju Young Shin, PhD, RN, ANP-C
Associate Professor of Nursing
University of Delaware
Newark, DE

Dr. Shin is an associate professor, University of DE School of Nursing.  She obtained her doctoral degree from the University of Iowa in Adult and Gerontological Nursing, and a post masters’ certificate from the Duke University Adult Nurse Practitioner Program.  She attended the Edmond J Safra Visiting Nurse Faculty Program at the Parkinson’s Foundation in 2013 and has focused her work on symptom management in Parkinson’s disease, including medication adherence and chronic disease management in later life.  She has received both extramural, internal, and NIH funding for her research. Dr. Shin has multiple publications on her work in Parkinson’s disease and has presented her work at regional, national and international conferences.  In 2016, Dr. Shin received the Excellence in Research Award from the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association National Foundation. Dr. Shin practices as a certified adult nurse practitioner at the University of Delaware Nurse Managed Primary Care Center and Parkinson’s Disease Telehealth Center.

Moderated by:

Gwyn M. Vernon, MSN, CRNP, RN
Co-Founder and National Director of The Edmond J. Safra Visiting Nurse Faculty Program at Parkinson's Foundation

Nursing Solutions: Improving Caregiver Strain through Science and Model Interventions

Overview: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic, progressive neurologic disorder, with a disease trajectory of decades in many cases.  Research over the last 15-20 years, shows that the gradual loss of patient autonomy has a negative impact on the life of the caregiver resulting in decreased mental and physical health and a decline in quality of life.   Utilizing existing research, this online seminar will provide a framework for assessing caregiver strain and identifying potential interventions.  One model intervention will be described, i.e. the use of PHOTOVOICE to assist caregivers in talking about difficult issues they face.

OBJECTIVES: At the conclusion of this webinar, the participant will be able to:

1. Discuss research related to caregivers of those with PD.
2. Recognize factors or variables which may influence caregiver strain.
3. Contemplate interventions which may assist caregivers in coping with their role.
4. Become familiar with the use of PHOTOVOICE, an intervention to assist caregivers in discussing difficult topics.

Led by:

Julie Carter, MS, RN, ANP
Professor of Neurology
Oregon Health Sciences University
Portland, OR

Ms. Carter is a nurse practitioner and Professor of Neurology at Oregon Health and Science University.  She joined the department of neurology in 1979 and was one of the original founders of the Parkinson Center of Oregon (PCO).  Ms. Carter has dedicated her career to improving the lives of people with Parkinson’s disease and their families. She approaches Parkinson’s disease as a family-centered disease and brings a family-centered emphasis to her practice. She has been an investigator in multiple clinical trials and is an original member of the Parkinson Study Group. 

Throughout her career, she has valued the importance of a team-based approach in the care of people with Parkinson’s disease and their families.  Since 2002 she has been part of the Parkinson’s Foundation Allied Team Training Program (ATTP) faculty which provides national training to health care professional teams on best practices. 

In 2016 Ms. Carter received the distinguished contribution to the PD community award given by the World Parkinson Disease Coalition (WPC).  

Joyce Bredesen, DNP, PHN, RN
Associate Professor
Metropolitan State University
St. Paul, MN

Dr. Joyce Bredesen is a tenured Associate Professor of Nursing at Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, Minnesota.  She teaches undergraduate and graduate public health nursing theory and clinicals in the pre-licensure and degree completion programs.  Her research interest includes PhotoVoice, working with vulnerable populations, and research on women’s health care access in underserved communities.  Joyce has done presentations internationally on her work with Photovoice. Her most recent work with PhotoVoice has been with Parkinson’s disease; working with both care partners and support groups. Dr. Bredesen presented her research at the World Parkinson’s Congress in 2013 in Montreal and 2016 in Portland. 

Moderated by:

Gwyn M. Vernon, MSN, CRNP, RN
Co-Founder and National Director of The Edmond J. Safra Visiting Nurse Faculty Program at Parkinson's Foundation

Register

Download Slides

Nursing Solutions: Understanding Fatigue and Apathy in Parkinson's Disease

December 5, 2017

Overview:  Fatigue and apathy are common non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's Disease (PD).  These distressing symptoms impact one's quality of life and increase caregivers' burden.  This webinar will discuss these symptoms and their presentation, highlight recent research findings and studies, and prompt discussions on how we can help our patients with these problems. 

OBJECTIVES:  Upon completion of this webinar, the participant will be able to:

1. Recognize the frequency and significance of fatigue and apathy in PD.
2. Discuss the impact of these common non-motor symptoms on patients and caregivers.
3. Review recent research in these common problems.
4. Discuss how nurses can recognize and intervene with patients suffering fatigue and apathy.

Led by:

Amy Bruno, PhD, RN, ANP-BC
Assistant Professor and Co-Coordinator Adult-Gero Nurse Practitioner Track
MGH Institute of Health Professions, School of Nursing
Boston, MA

Amy Bruno, PHD, RN, ANP-BC has devoted her recent research to the study of fatigue in Parkinson's disease.  Using a qualitative descriptive approach, she looked at how individuals describe their fatigue, how it affects their quality of life, self-management strategies and their interactions with their healthcare providers on this symptom and its management.  Dr. Bruno presented her work at the New England Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurse Association and the Eastern Research Society Symposium in 2017.  She is a 2015 alumni of the Edmond J. Safra Visiting Nurse Faculty Program at the Parkinson's Foundation. 

Nabila Dahodwala, MD
Associate Professor of Neurology
University of PA
Philadelphia, PA

Dr. Dahodwala trained at Columbia University and the University of PA where she currently practices in the Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center. In addition to her medical training, she holds a masters in health policy research from the University of PA.  She has researched and published on health disparities, literacy, mood and sleep in Parkinson's disease.  Dr. Dahodwala has been funded by The Parkinson Council to refine a smartphone application on a behavioral intervention to treat apathy in Parkinson's disease.

Moderated by:

Gwyn M. Vernon, M.S.N., R.N., C.R.N.P.
Co-Founder and National Director of The Edmond J. Safra Visiting Nurse Faculty Program at Parkinson's Foundation

Nursing Solutions: Interdisciplinary Education on Parkinson's Disease 

Tuesday, October 17, 1:00 p.m. ET - 2:00 p.m. ET

Download Slides

Moderated by:

Gwyn M. Vernon, M.S.N., R.N., C.R.N.P.
Co-Founder and National Director of The Edmond J. Safra Visiting Nurse Faculty Program at the Parkinson's Foundation

Led by:

Jennifer Bailey DeJong, Ph.D., R.N., F.N.P.-B.C., C.N.E.
Associate Professor
Concordia College (Scholar, 2014)

Ruth Hagestuen, M.A., R.N.
Director
Allied Team Training for Parkinson's, a Parkinson's Foundation program

Given the Parkinson's complex and progressive nature of Parkinson's, it is well-recognized most people living with the disease will need care from a multidisciplinary healthcare team. For healthcare professionals working in Parkinson's, gaining interdisciplinary skills is critical and should begin early in pre-professional training.  This program investigates educational models used in undergraduate education and in continuing professional education to improve team collaborative care for people living with Parkinson's.

Learning Objectives:

• Distinguish between cross-disciplinary, multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary education.
• Develop an understanding of the relevance and connections of multiple disciplines to the complex care of the Parkinson's patient.
• Contemplate how interdisciplinary education can foster improved care of people with Parkinson's disease at the student and professional level.  

View Now

Nursing Solutions: Recognizing the Impact of Genitourinary Symptoms in PD

Originally presented May 23, 2017

Urinary tract symptoms are common in Parkinson's disease. These symptoms may include incontinenceInvoluntary urination or defecation., urgency, frequency, nocturia, post voiding dribbling, a weakened urinary stream and a sense of incomplete emptying of the bladder. Symptoms may cause a host of cognitive, affective and behavioral changes. This webinar will discuss genitourinary PD symptoms and their impact on quality of life. It will also present ways in which nurses — via patient education, care and referral — can help people with Parkinson's who are experiencing such symptoms.

Moderated by:

Gwyn M. Vernon, M.S.N., R.N., C.R.N.P.
Co-Founder and National Director of The Edmond J. Safra Visiting Nurse Faculty (EJS-VNF) Program at the Parkinson's Foundation

Led by:

Helene Moriarty, Ph.D., R.N., F.A.A.N.
Professor
Villanova University College of Nursing

Joanne Robinson, Ph.D., R.N., F.A.A.N.
Dean and Professor
Rutgers Univesity, The State University of New Jersey

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize common genitourinary symptoms experienced by people with PD.
• Discuss the impact of these symptoms on quality of life. 
• Understand ways nurses can help people with PD who are experiencing genitourinary symptoms, including via in-depth interviews, patient and family education and referral.  

View Now

Nursing Solutions: PD Medication Adherence Challenges

Originally presented March 28, 2017

Moderated by:

Gwyn M. Vernon, M.S.N., R.N., C.R.N.P.
Co-Founder and National Director of The Edmond J. Safra Visiting Nurse Faculty Program at Parkinson's Foundation

Led by:

Ju Young Shin, Ph.D., A.P.R.N., A.N.P.-C.
Assistant Professor of Nursing
University of Delaware

Edie Simpson, R.N., C.N.R.N.
EJS-VNF Host Coordinator
Muhammad Ali Parkinson's Center

Joan Gardner, R.N., B.S.N.
Clinical Supervisor
Struthers Parkinson's Center, Park Nicollet Health Services

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss the medication adherence challenges faced by people with PD in the community.
• Acknowledge the medication adherence challenges for a person with PD who is hospitalized.
• Discuss examples of successful programs set up to assist and alleviate medication adherence issues.

View Now

Nursing Solutions: Innovations in PD Nurse Education

Originally presented October 25, 2016

Moderated by:

Gwyn M. Vernon, M.S.N., R.N., C.R.N.P.
Co-Founder and National Director of The Edmond J. Safra Visiting Nurse Faculty Program at the Parkinson's Foundation

Led by:

Margaret McCormick, M.S., R.N., C.N.E.
Clinical Associate Professor
Towson University, Maryland (Topic: Teaching Strategies for PD Care: Embracing Technology)

Hannah Murphy Buc, M.S.N., R.N.
Assistant Professor
Notre Dame of Maryland University (Topic: Think Like a Nurse: Learning Parkinson's through Reverse Case Study)

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss two methods of student engagement in learning about Parkinson's (simulation and reverse case study).
• Examine how faculty can facilitate learning by using best practices and diverse learning styles in education.
• Discuss the outcomes of an educational research study about PD comparing teaching strategies.
• Share successes and challenges in teaching student nurses about Parkinson's.

View Now

Nursing Solutions: Improving Parkinson's Care Everywhere

Originally presented July 12, 2016

Moderated by:

Gwyn M. Vernon, M.S.N., R.N., C.R.N.P.
Co-Founder and National Director of The Edmond J. Safra Visiting Nurse Faculty Program at the Parkinson's Foundation

Led by:

Part I: Nurse Managed Specialty Center for People with Limited Access to Expert PD Care:
Ingrid Pretzer-Aboff, Ph.D., R.N.
University of Delaware

Part II: Getting PD Education into the Quality and Safety Standards for Nurses
Gerry Altmiller, Ed.D., A.P.R.N., A.C.N.S.-B.C.
The College of New Jersey

Student-Scholar Notes: A Perspective on Challenges to PD Nursing Care
Joshua Limon, B.S.N.
The College of New Jersey

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the benefits of a nurse managed Parkinson's specialty center.
• Discuss lessons learned in establishing a telehealth center for PD.
• Describe several health disparities among people with PD.
• Identify strategies nurses can use to address health disparities in PD.
• Recognize the availability of the PD module on the Quality and Safety in Nursing Education (QSEN) website as a tool for nurse faculty and students.

View Now

This series supports the Parkinson's Foundation's mission to make life better for people with Parkinson's disease by improving care and advancing research towards a cure. Support from the Edmond J. Safra Foundation and Lundbeck LLC makes it possible.