2023 Annual Symposium Schedule

Please note that all times are listed in Central Daylight Time (CDT). The schedule is subject to change, so make sure to check back often for updates!

Although not all sessions will be livestreamed, they will be recorded and available after the conference. Livestreamed sessions are designated below.

Posters are available in person and on the virtual conference platform. Links to the sessions will be received in daily emails from ITNS Education.

Laura Taylor is the owner and CEO of Guide to Degree, LLC and a contractor with Elsevier. Stephen Bond has received honorariums for speaking at events for Chiesi and Sandoz. These relationships have been mitigated. There are no other relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies identified for any individuals with the ability to control content of the activity.

Thursday, October 12

Preconferences: Additional registration fee required. 

• Opportunistic Infection Prophylaxis Post-Transplant
• Sooner or Later: Vaccines and the Transplant Patient
• Semaglutide in Solid Organ Transplant
• Expanding the Donor Pool with Hepatitis C+ Donor Organs

12:00 - 12:15 pm
Lunch on own if you are attending both the pharmacology and leadership preconferences.

12:15 - 2:15 pm
Leadership Preconference: Sometimes You Win, Sometimes You Learn (Available for virtual and in-person attendees) LIVESTREAMED
Laura Taylor, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN and Stacia M. Hayes, DNP, APRN, CNE, CCTC, FAANP
Our popular leadership presenters, Drs Hays & Taylor, return to help you change the way you view setbacks, both personal and professional, so that you can be the leader you want to be. Using the principles of John Maxwell, this workshop will provide the foundation for learning and leading when times are tough. Participants will examine key elements of learners who succeed in the face of problems, failure, and loss. You will learn how to embrace successfully failing and find your path to true success!
• Learn how to turn losses into gains
• Take control of your life by learning how to make informed choices
• Harness skills like maturity, humility and responsibility to reach your full potential

2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Immunology  Preconference: What You Need to Know About Transplant Immunology (Available for virtual and in-person attendees) LIVESTREAMED
Peter Lalli, PhD F(ACHI)
Immunologic rejection is one of the biggest barriers to long term transplant success. This presentation will look at how and why the immune system targets transplanted organs and how the histocompatibility lab can help find the right donors for the right recipient. HLA doesn’t have to be as intimidating as it seems. This session is aimed to make you more comfortable with all things HLA.

5:00 - 5:30 pm 
New Member/First Time Attendee Orientation (Available for in-person attendees only)

5:30 - 7:00 pm 
Opening Reception  (Available for in-person attendees only)

Friday, October 13

7:00 - 8:00 am
Breakfast

8:00 - 8:30 am 
Opening Ceremony LIVESTREAMED

8:30 - 9:30 am 
Case Study: A Case Study of the Ethical and Medical Challenges of Liver Transplantation During Pregnancy  LIVESTREAMED
Jennifer Grindler, AG-ACNP, CCRN, CCTN, Samantha Kush, PharmD, and Jessica Lewis, CCTC,RN
Following this educational activity, the learner will be able to identify the therapeutic modifications and contraindications in the pregnant patient undergoing transplantation, identify ethical complications when dealing with mother's rights during critical illness, and identify the intricacies of balancing infection, rejection, and fetal outcomes in the complex pregnant patient.

9:40 - 10:10 am 
Concurrent Sessions

Nurses' Perceptions of Clinical Competency and Individualized Care in Relation to Solid Organ Transplantation. LIVESTREAMED
Alicia Ramirez, RN, MS, CNS, APRN, CCRN-K    
After leaving this session, learners will be able to describe the weak area in nurses' competency and individualized care provisions supporting nurses' training to perform individualized care for solid organ transplant recipients, living donors, and their families. They will also be able to identify opportunities for developing and improving nursing care using the standards of practice for transplant nurses.

Effects of Baduanjin Exercise on Frailty in Kidney Transplant Recipients: a Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol and Feasibility Study
Hongxia Liu, PhD, RN
Following this educational activity, the learner will be able to describe how to design a RCT and know the implication for clinical practice.

10:10 - 11:00 am
Exhibit Hall and Posters

11:00 - 11:45 am
Concurrent Sessions

'Immuno Bill for All' and Impacts on the 'Iron Triangle'
Maria Reila Molina, DNP (c), CRNP
This educational activity will describe (1) health policy about "Immuno Bill", (2) "iron triangle" impact to transplantation, and (3) transplant nurses as health policy educators.

Heart-Liver Crosstalk: Clinical Implications in Pre- and Post-Heart Transplant Care
Ylenia Quiaoit, DNP, CRNP
Following this education activity, the learner will be able to: (1) Provide the overview of the physiologic mechanisms of how the cardiovascular and hepatic system intertwine specifically in the HF disease state. (2) Review the risk factors for liver dysfunction including co-morbidities and systemic disease affecting the heart and the liver (3) Discuss the clinical implications of degree of liver dysfunction in the assessment/evaluation/management in both pre and post heart transplant phases of care.

Family Planning after Transplantation LIVESTREAMED
Lisa Coscia, CCTC, RN
Following this educational activity, the learner will be able to describe: (1) The best contraception methods to recommend for solid-organ transplant recipients. (2) Pre-pregnancy guidelines for transplant recipients. (3) Immunosuppression and effect on pregnancy after transplantation.  (3) Pregnancy outcomes in female transplant recipients and male recipients who have fathered pregnancies. (4) The issues regarding breastfeeding after transplantation.

11:45- 12:45 pm
Lunch in the Expo Hall

12:45 - 1:55 pm
Ethics Panel: Vaccine Policy/Enforcement LIVESTREAMED
Sabrina Kopf, DNP, CRNP, ACNP-BC (moderator), Nancy Stitt, BSN, RN, NPD-BC, Whitney Holland, DNP, CRNP, ACNP-C, Pamela Holzer, BSN, RN, CCTC, and Michelle Meyer, BSN, RN, CCTC
Vaccinations are essential to preventing diseases in both the immunocompetent and immunocompromised patient populations. During this session, we will explore international and national vaccine guidelines/policies at transplant centers. In addition, we will discuss vaccine hesitancy and what centers are doing to address and educate patients, families, and caregivers. Finally, we will discuss specialized settings such as pediatric population and urgent listing and hear from the panel on how their center addresses these concerns.

2:05 - 2:35 pm
Concurrent Sessions 

SIG Transplants: The experience of a Brazilian Special Interest Group (SIG) in organ and tissue donation and transplantation
Karina Dal Sasso Mendes, RN, M.Sc, PhD
After this educational activity, the learner will have an overview of the experience of a Brazilian Special Interest Group (SIG) in organ and tissue donation and transplantation.

Fungal Left Ventricular Assist Device Infections in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Transplantation and Its Management LIVESTREAMED
Sandhra Thekkumthala, CRNP
Following this educational activity, the learner will be able to state the clinical manifestations of infection associated with LVAD implant, it’s diagnosis and medical management, standard preoperative prophylaxis and post operative management.

A Powerful Collaboration Throughout the Continuum: The benefits of Palliative Service for Liver Patients Throughout All Phases of Transplant
Jeannette Meyer, APRN, CNS, MSN, CCRN-K, CCNS, PCCN-K, ACHPN
At the end of this presentation, the learner will: (1) Understand the role of Palliative Care throughout the continuum for liver transplant patients. (2) Discuss the CNS role and how a Palliative CNS is able to help create a multidisciplinary program for both inpatient and outpatient transplant patients.

2:35 - 3:00 pm
Break 

3:00 - 3:30 pm
Concurrent Sessions 

Seeing the Other Side: Transplant Nurses and Donate Life Ambassadors
Amanda Waters
Being a transplant nurse, you continue to see and participate in the life-changing gift that these recipients receive. Transplant nurses want to be resources for not only their patients, but for the community as well. When you become a Donate Life Ambassador, you become part of a team who is committed to educating the public. You play a vital role in educating on the importance of organ and tissue donation to the public, informing them on how to register to be a donor, and asking them to share their decision with their family.

Let’s Talk About Sex: Exploring Sexuality in Transplant Recipients LIVESTREAMED
Shereena Sylvester, CCTC, RN
Following this educational presentation, nurse transplant coordinators will be able to identify sexual dysfunction in their patients, provide post-surgical education, help recipients plan for pregnancy or prevention, support the vulnerable community of LGBTQ transplant recipients, and increase perceived self-efficacy in providing sexual education to transplant recipients.

Impact of an A2 to B Program on Transplant Rates and Waiting Time for B Blood Type Kidney Transplant Recipients
Tammy Cavin, RN
Following this educational activity, the learner will be able to identify the requirements for initiating an A2 to B transplant program as well as the impact on overall waiting time and outcome measures for recipients.

Saturday, October 14

7:00 - 8:00 am
Breakfast

8:00 - 9:00 am
Keynote: Break Through Your Limitations: Live Today™ (Available for virtual and in-person attendees)
Mark Black LIVESTREAMED
Mark Black is a Heart and Double-Lung Transplant Recipient – turned – 4-Time Marathon Runner. A resilience expert, coach, and author, Mark helps people “Break Through” their limitations and his coaching programs provide clients the tools to transform your adversity into your competitive advantage.Through his powerful personal story, Mark will show how to accept the things you cannot change and focus your most precious resources – time and energy – on the things that matter.

9:10 - 9:40 am
Concurrent Sessions 

Social Determinants of Health in Solid Organ Transplant Listing: Controversies and Conundrums LIVESTREAMED
Joan La Joie, APRN, MSN
Following this presentation, learners will be able to name what social determinants of health and how they can create health inequities. They will also know how these effects the solid organ transplant population in regard to the listing process.

Pregnancy After Heart Transplant
Dorothy Kliniewski, RN
Following this activity the learner will be able to describe pre-pregnancy guidelines for heart transplant recipients and describe the outcomes for this recipient population.

Islet After Kidney Transplantation Restores Insulin Independence In Patients With Type 1 Diabetes
Lindsay Basto, MSN, RN
The learner will be able to articulate what a pancreatic islet transplant is and why those patients who are type 1 diabetic and also have a functioning kidney transplant would benefit so much. The learner will also be able to apply this knowledge to those patients they see who have received an islet transplant.

9:40 - 10:00 am 
Break with Refreshments

10:00 am - 11:00 am 
My Path to Adult Care:  A Collaborative Approach by Pediatric and Adult Providers to Optimize Outcomes for Transitioning Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) LIVESTREAMED
Beverly Kosmach-Park DNP, RN, FAAN 
The goal of healthcare transition is to prepare the youth and caregiver for a successful transfer to adult care through a comprehensive patient-centered and developmentally appropriate transition program and for the adolescent to optimize their independence and master skills to provide self-care to the best of their ability.  A partnership between AYAs and the pediatric and adult transplant teams, coupled with a structured transition program that supports continued transition into adult care, may promote stability and maintain healthy outcomes as executive functioning matures into adulthood. Confidence in the teams, a sense of trust, effective communication, and continued collaboration may help the youth engage with adult care.

11:00 am - 12:00 pm 
Lunch

12:00 - 1:00 pm
Case Study: Living Donor Liver Transplant for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A New and Innovative Approach
Judy Gierlach, RN, CCTC  LIVESTREAMED
In the past metastatic cancer was an absolute contraindication however today patients across the globe are being transplanted for colorectal metastatic liver cancer. The studies done have shown good evidence that the outcomes for many patients far exceed conventional treatments. This innovative approach will inspire nurses and other transplant professionals to broaden their discussions regarding transplant eligibility. Our goal is to provide education about cutting edge medical and surgical approaches to treating metastatic cancer with liver transplantation. We are aiming to broaden perspective regarding inclusion criteria for transplantation utilizing evidence-based research and technology. 

1:10 - 1:40 pm
Concurrent Sessions 

A Review on Investigating the Effect of Consent Systems on Organ Donation Rates LIVESTREAMED
Arzu Kader Harmanci Seren,PhD, RN
Following this educational activity, the learner will be able to describe the consent types, difference between these applications, which countries and cultures prefer which consent type for organ donation and whether there is a difference between the organ donation rates in the countries based on on the adopted consent type.

Decreasing Advanced Practice Provider Turnovers through Recognition Program
Maria Reila Molina,DNP (c), CRNP
Following this educational activity, the learner will be able to (1) describe the existing issues of APP turnovers, (2) discuss the quadruple aim and APP roles, and (3) review effective recognition programs to decrease APP turnovers.

1:50 - 2:20 pm
Concurrent Sessions 

Donor Derived Cell-Free DNA Assay to Identify Acute Rejection in Heart Transplants
Seena Thomas, MSN, RN, CCRN-CSC
Following this educational activity, the learner will be able to (1) Describe the Donor-derived cell-free DNA test and the significance in identifying heart transplant rejection. (2) Compare and contrast Endomyocardial biopsy and Donor-derived cell-free DNA test in heart transplantation. (3)State the recommendations for the collection and transportation of the cfDNA assay sample.

Is the Organ Transplanted the First Affected in Disasters?: Effect of Earthquake in Turkey LIVESTREAMED
Yaprak Sarigöl Ordin, RN, PhD
The audience will be able to understand the effect of earthquake in organ transplantation field (organ tx numbers from living to deceased donors, organ donation ratio, obtaining an organ donation volunteer card, pmp numbers, the follow-up of existing patients) in Turkey. The audience will also be able to understand Ministry of Health and healthcare professionals activities related to transplantation in earthquake zone and Turkey. As transplant nurses, the audience will be able to discuss solutions and strategies to reduce impact in the transplant field during and after a disaster.

Following this educational activity, the learner will be able to describe the steps involved in developing in house procurement and preservation teams.

2:30 - 3:15 pm
Concurrent Sessions 

Examining Equity in the U.S. Organ Transplantation System LIVESTREAMED
Joyce Trompeta, PhD, PNP
Following this educational activity, the learner will be able to describe study findings conducted by NASEM and the recommendations made to provide greater equity in the U.S. organ transplant system.

Building Blocks for a Multi-Modal Mindfulness Stress and Burnout Reducing Toolkit for Inter-professional Healthcare Teams
Laura Taylor, PhD, RN
An MBSR TK designed to address rising burnout rates aligns with the Center for Disease Control and US Surgeon General's Public Advisory approach for a system and culture change to manage HCW stress. MBSR TKs can be successfully implemented in most settings, and these approaches are universally recognized as effective tools for stress reduction. Following participation in this educational activity, the participants will be able to review and critique the data that supports an MBSR TK in reducing self-reported stress and burnout levels of HCWs in their clinic or inpatient setting.

3:30 - 4:30 pm
Chapter Leaders Meeting

Sunday, October 15

7:00 - 8:00 am
Breakfast

8:15 - 9:00 am
Membership Meeting (in person/Livestream but NOT available on demand)

9:10 - 10:10 am
International Panel: Equitable Access to Transplantation  LIVESTREAMED
Joyce Trompeta, PhD, PNP (moderator), Nancy Stitt, BSN, RN, NPD-BC, Arzu Harmanci Seren, PhD, RN, Karina dal Sasso Mendes, RN, M.Sc, PhD, and Vanessa Silva e Silva, PhD

10:20 - 10:50 am
Concurrent Sessions

Transplant in Your Language
Lynn Belice, MSN, CPN
Following this educational activity, the learner will have an appreciation of attention to language preference and resources to bridge the gap.

Improving Patient Safety and Reducing Harm in Transplant Patients Through Implementation of a Management Led Safety Huddle LIVESTREAMED
Samuel Bonvillian, BSN, RN CCRN
Implementation of a safety huddle process led to a decrease in patient harm and improved patient safety on two post-operative transplant units. Harm outcomes exceeded annual unit goals and previously achieved harm reductions. Safety huddles with leadership involvement can be a successful way to improve patient outcomes in transplant patients through shared learning and collaboration.

A global Problem: Gender Disparity in Kidney Transplantation
Yaprak Sarigöl Ordin, PhD
Following this educational activity, the audience will be able to  (1) describe content of sex and gender disparity in kidney transplantation. (2) know sex and gender disparity difference and similarity in kidney transplantation in different religion and country in the World. (3) discuss strategies to solve gender disparity in kidney transplantation.

10:50 - 11:10 am
Break

11:10- 11:40 am
Concurrent Sessions

Understanding Compassion Fatigue, Moral Distress, and Burnout Among Organ Donation Coordinators in Canada: A Mixed-Methods Study LIVESTREAMED
Vanessa Silva E Silva, PhD
Following this presentation, the learner will be able to understand how OTDCs can be affected by their job and describe the issues of burnout and compassion fatigue among OTDCs in Canada.

Liver perfusion technology in deceased donation, it’s not all about the machine: a UK nursing perspective
Stephen Bond, RN
Following this presentation, the learner will be able to understand, the different machine technologies available, who/what is required in order to provide machine perfusion technology at a abdominal transplant centre and will be able to  identify benefits of machine perfusion technologies.

Shared Care: One Transplant Center's Patient Transition Care Model For The Adult Kidney Post Transplant Patient
Danielle Hakala,BSN, RN, CCTN
Following this presentation, the learner will be able to explain the benefits of a Shared Care Model, discuss the steps within the Shared Care process, and distinguish roles between Transplant and other providers.

11:50 am - 12:20 pm
Concurrent Sessions

Transplant Doulas: Building Bridges Along the Transplant Care Continuum LIVESTREAMED
Michelle Montgomery
This session will clarify the role of transplant doulas and highlight how interdisciplinary collaboration can improve the patient's transplant experience.

Purposeful Leadership Rounding: Challenging the Status Quo
Valerie Brown, RN
Following this educational presentation, the learner will be able to identify the benefits of purposeful leadership rounding and will be able to discuss strategies for implementing innovative tools to improve communication with transplant patients.

Creating a multidisciplinary clinic initiative led by Transplant Coordinators for AUD (alcohol use disorder) patients in the post-liver transplant phase.
Katherine Meneses, DNP
After this presentation, the learner will be able to describe the specific care needs of AUD (alcohol use disorder) patients after liver transplant to help prevent recidivism. Also, the learner will be able to better identify the various roles of the multidisciplinary team and what steps each can take to work towards improving recidivism in this patient population. We will provide the steps our center took to create a clinic specific for AUD post-liver transplant patients.