We headed west last month for the National Conference for Nurse Practitioners (NCNP)! It was sunny and warm in Ahaheim, where nurse practitioners came together to learn, network, and have some fun! My experience at this NCNP really focused on pharmacology. With new drug approvals, expanded indications, and labeling changes occuring frequently, it is so important for us nurse practitioners to stay informed.

The Keynote Address, by Wendy L. Wright, MS, RN, APRN, FNP, FAANP, FAAN, FNAP, covered important drug updates of 2018, including a review of new insulins and oral antidiabetics, as well as other important changes. Here’s a good pearl to share:
 
Below are some more takeaways to give you a snapshot of what I learned and what inspired me:
 

“The QT interval is best measured in leads II and V5, using mean value from ≥ 3-4 cardiac cycles.”
QT Segment-Prolonging Medications: When to Worry
Margaret A. Fitzgerald, DNP, FNP-BC, NP-C, FAANP, CSP, FAAN, DCC, FNAP
 
“To succeed as an NP, you need passion and time, and to surround yourself with people better than you.”
Urticaria/Hives in All of Its Forms: Diagnosis and Treatment Paradigms for Cure and Control
Victor Czerkasij, MA, MS, FNP-BC
 
“Only 4% of patients with tension headaches present for care; 85% of migraine sufferers don’t experience aura.”
Pharmacotherapeutic Management of Headaches in Primary and Urgent Care
Wendy L. Wright, MS, RN, APRN, FNP, FAANP, FAAN, FNAP
 
“Always fluid resuscitate before starting vasopressors. Patients’ numbers may improve with vasopressors, but lactate will continue to rise.”
Diagnosis and Management of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Sophia Chu Rodgers, ACNP, FNP, FAANP, FCCM
 
“There is no such thing as a ‘peek-a-boo’ exam in dermatology; a full body skin check is a necessity.”
Dermatoses in Women’s Health
Jeremy Honaker, PhD, MSN, FNP-C, CWOCN
 
“For ongoing assessment of pain management, focus on the progress the patient is making, not the amount of pain they are having.”
Safe Opioid Prescribing: How, When, and When Not to Prescribe
Theresa (Tracey) Mallick-Searle, MS, RN-BC, ANP-BC
 
“Increased total bilirubin with normal direct bilirubin is usually the result of hemolytic anemia or transfusion reaction.”
Challenging Cases in Laboratory Diagnosis
Margaret Fitzgerald, DNP, FNP-BC, NP-C, FAANP, CSP, FAAN, DCC, FNAP
 
“When in doubt, immunize. You won’t hurt anyone by over immunizing.”
Drug Adverse Effects: A Focus on Some of the Most Significant Problems
Margaret Fitzgerald, DNP, FNP-BC, NP-C, FAANP, CSP, FAAN, DCC, FNAP

 I also learned about some new resources! Be sure to check out:

• Credible Meds® – lists and charts to educate clinicians about QT prolonging drugs
• The NPWH Well Woman Visit Mobile App – helpful tool, includes special focus on STD screening
• MenoPro Mobile App – developed to help women work with their clinician on managing menopause symptoms