In 2023, the CDC reported that 24.3% of U.S. adults—nearly 1 in 4—experienced chronic pain, with 8.5% suffering from high-impact pain that limits daily life. These numbers have steadily increased since 2019, highlighting a growing public health concern. This trend underscores the urgent need for multimodal, multidisciplinary approaches to pain management. Nurses play a critical role in this effort by accurately assessing pain and providing individualized, evidence-based care. Through interprofessional collaboration and multimodal strategies, nurses are leading the way in improving outcomes for those living with chronic pain.

Thursday, September 18, 2025

 Location: Nicholls State University, Betsy C. Ayo Hall – Nirmala Yalamanchili Donepudi Auditorium

Networking ………………………………………………………………….8:15 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.

Presentation time…………………………………………………………….8:45 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Credit……………………………………………………………………………5 contact hours.

Fee ……………………………………………………………………………………$ 75

Speakers:

Denise LeBlanc, MSN, RN-BC is an Assistant Professor of Nursing at Nicholls State University and Course Coordinator for Adult Health I: Medical-Surgical Nursing. A cardiovascular nurse with over 25 years of experience in critical care and cardiology, she also practices at Ochsner Chabert Medical Center, specializing in invasive cardiac and vascular procedures. She earned ANCC certification in Cardiac Vascular Nursing in 2015.

 Paige Pipsair, MSN, FNP-C is a nursing faculty member at Nicholls and a Family Nurse Practitioner who specializes in interventional pain management. She is certified through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. She works at The Headache and Pain Center in Gray, treating a wide range of conditions, including lumbar pain, cervical pain, complex regional pain syndrome, postherpetic neuralgia, migraines, and trigeminal neuralgia. 

Billy Naquin, MBA, PT is a Physical Therapy Director at Thibodaux Regional Health System and is a leading expert in treating various pain conditions.

Lindsay Lasseigne, MD is a neurosurgeon at Thibodaux Regional Health System. Dr. Lasseigne specializes in surgical treatment and management of disorders of the nervous system, including degenerative disc disease, chronic neck and back pain, radiculopathy and myelopathy, traumatic injuries and spine fractures, carpal tunnel syndrome, traumatic brain injury, and brain and spinal tumors. She has special training in minimally invasive spine surgery and managing critically ill neurological patients.

Activity Learning Outcomes:

• Recognize the nurses’ ethical responsibility to assess and relieve pain.
• Identify the various pathologies of pain.
• Describe the treatment options for various neuromusculoskeletal pain conditions.
• Recognize the 2022 CDC clinical practice guidelines for prescribing opioids for pain.
• Identify current neurosurgical options and advancements for pain management of neurological and spinal conditions.

The target audience is registered nurses.

This pediatric-focused professional development series equips nurses with essential knowledge and skills to address critical issues affecting children and adolescents. Topics include sickle cell disease, with a focus on clinical progression, pain management challenges, and culturally responsive strategies to improve quality of life. Nurses will also build confidence in pediatric seizure management, including seizure identification, emergency interventions, and caregiver education. The session on vaping and youth health highlights how to recognize signs of vaping-related illness and provides tools for prevention and family-centered education. Finally, the series covers identifying and reporting pediatric abuse, helping nurses recognize signs of neglect, physical, emotional, and sexual abuse while applying trauma-informed, legally sound documentation and reporting practices.

 Tuesday, October 14, 2025

 Location: Nicholls State University, Betsy C. Ayo Hall – Nirmala Yalamanchili Donepudi Auditorium

Networking ………………………………………………………………….8:15 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.

Presentation time…………………………………………………………….8:45 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Credit……………………………………………………………………………5 contact hours.

Fee ……………………………………………………………………………………$ 75

 Speakers:

Christen McDaniel, M.D. is a board-certified pediatrician at Thibodaux Regional Health System, specializing in comprehensive care for children and adolescents. She earned her undergraduate degree from Florida State University, medical degree from Ross University, and completed her pediatric residency at WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital.

Ugo Ezema, M.D. is a Critical Care Pulmonologist at Terrebonne General Health System in Houma, Louisiana. Dr. Ugo Ezema earned his medical degree from St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center and fellowship training in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at Tulane University. Board-certified in both pulmonary disease and Critical Care Medicine, Dr. Ezema is a member of the American College of Chest Physicians and the American Thoracic Society.

Dianne “Deedy” Richoux MSN, RN, CPN is a pediatric nurse and educator with over 30 years of experience in pediatric hematology and oncology. She has served at MD Anderson, St. Jude, and Manning Family Children’s Hospital, providing care for children with complex conditions. A trainer for the Oncology Nursing Society and member of the Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses, she now teaches at Nicholls State University, integrating her clinical expertise into nursing education and professional development.

 Anne Troy, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC is an Associate Professor of Nursing and teaches forensics and mental health to nursing students at the University of Holy Cross in New Orleans. As a forensic pediatric nurse practitioner at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans for the past 13 years, Troy assesses, treats, and testifies for pediatric survivors of child sexual abuse, seeing more than five hundred children a year. Her research interests include evaluating the vicarious trauma of jurors as a result of serving at criminal trials, evaluating and remediating ACEs in nurses, and primary prevention of abuse.

Activity Learning Outcomes:

• Identify the clinical features and pain management challenges associated with pediatric sickle cell disease.
• Recognize seizure types in pediatric patients and apply appropriate emergency response and caregiver education.
• Identify signs and symptoms of vaping-related illness in youth and implement prevention-focused interventions.
• Detect indicators of pediatric abuse and neglect and demonstrate appropriate trauma-informed reporting practices.

The target audience is registered nurses.

Join us for an engaging CNE event and improve your nursing practice with essential knowledge that goes beyond daily routines. In today’s complex healthcare environment, several critical topics may not always be in the spotlight, but they have significant impacts on patient outcomes, workforce well-being, and overall care quality. This professional development activity features content experts who will share timely, evidence-based insights on the following key areas:

Topics Include:

• Nurses on Boards and in Leadership Roles
• Nurses as Advocates
• Health Policy and Legislative Engagement
• Telehealth in Nursing
• Workplace Violence in Healthcare
• Burnout and Moral Injury
• Incivility and Psychological Safety

 Thursday, November 13, 2025

Location …………………….…………………………………………. Virtual Event via Zoom

Networking ………………………………………………………………….8:15 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.

Presentation time…………………………………………………………….8:45 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Credit……………………………………………………………………………5 contact hours.

Fee ……………………………………………………………………………………$ 75

Speakers:

Lisa Colletti, MN, RN has over 40 years of nursing experience, with a background in medical-surgical care, performance improvement, project management, and nursing education. She spent the last 20 years in leadership roles, including Chief Nursing Officer at Ochsner Health System. A past president and board member of the Louisiana Organization of Nurse Executives, she now serves as chair of the Louisiana State Nurses Association Nurses on Boards Committee.

 Dr. Demetrius J. Porche, DNS, PhD, APRN, PCC, FACHE, ANEF, FAANP, FAAN is the Dean of the School of Nursing, and Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs at LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans, with joint appointments in Public Health and Graduate Studies. Certified as a Clinical Specialist in Community Health Nursing and Family Nurse Practitioner, he holds advanced degrees in nursing and organizational leadership. He is the author of Health Policy: Applications for Nurses and Other Healthcare Professionals and Chief Editor of the American Journal of Men’s Health. A Fellow of multiple national organizations, he also chairs the Louisiana Health Works Commission and is a recognized Health Care Expert by the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Lesley Tilley, DNP, RN, NE-BC is a board-certified nurse executive with over 30 years of leadership experience in Baton Rouge–area healthcare systems. She currently serves as Chief Operating Officer at Woman’s Hospital and formerly led operations across five campuses as Regional Vice President at Our Lady of the Lake Health. She earned her DNP in Executive Leadership from Southeastern Louisiana University in 2024 and is a published author on workplace violence in healthcare. Dr. Tilley is an active member of LONL, ANA, and the Baton Rouge District Nurses Association.

 Ecoee (Joan) Rooney, DNP, RN is Chief Nursing Officer at Indicator Sciences, where she advances data-driven strategies to empower nurses and improve patient care. With over 20 years in Nursing Professional Development and leadership, she is a national speaker on topics including leadership, workplace civility, and burnout, and is a strong advocate for evidence-based practice and healthy work environments.

Kelli Garber, DNP, APRN, PPCNP-BC is an Associate Professor and Director of the DNP Advanced Practice Program at Old Dominion University. A Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with over 25 years of experience, she is internationally recognized for her work in telehealth practice, policy, and education. She played a key role in developing South Carolina’s statewide school-based telehealth program and co-authored Put PEP into Telehealth: An Etiquette Framework for Successful Encounters. Dr. Garber is a Fellow of both the AANP and the American Academy of Nursing.

Activity Learning Outcomes:

• Describe how nurses in leadership and board roles influence healthcare and policy.
• Identify effective advocacy strategies, including legislative engagement and policy change.
• Explore ways nurses can engage in policy and legislative advocacy to enhance care and standards.
• Discuss telehealth’s role in nursing, focusing on access, communication, and outcomes.
• Recognize workplace violence and strategies to improve safety and reporting.
• Define burnout and moral injury; apply strategies to support resilience and well-being.
• Examine the effects of incivility and use communication and leadership skills to promote a respectful workplace.

The target audience is registered nurses

This event is designed to enhance professional and clinical knowledge in key specialty areas, including gastrointestinal (GI) conditions, Long COVID, sepsis, and Parkinson’s disease. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial for nurses and healthcare professionals to stay informed about current evidence-based practices, emerging trends, and evolving standards of care.

Through expert-led sessions, this event will offer detailed insights into each specialty, emphasizing recent advancements, clinical challenges, and updated treatment protocols. Participants will develop a broader understanding of complex disease processes, interdisciplinary management strategies, and practical tools that support patient-centered care.

Thursday, January 29, 2026

Location: Nicholls State University, Betsy C. Ayo Hall – Nirmala Yalamanchili Donepudi Auditorium

Networking ………………………………………………………………….8:15 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.

Presentation time…………………………………………………………….8:45 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Credit……………………………………………………………………………5 contact hours.

Fee ……………………………………………………………………………………$ 75

 Speakers:

Donald P. Schwab, Jr., M.D., F.A.C.S. earned his undergraduate degree in Pre-Med Biology from Nicholls State University and his medical degree from LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans. He completed surgical training at LSU and Greenville Memorial Hospital. A board-certified General and Thoracic Surgeon, he specializes in advanced laparoscopic and bariatric procedures and is a member of the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and the American Society for Bariatric Surgery.

Michelle Longo, M.D. is a board-certified clinical neurologist and Assistant Professor of Neurology at Tulane University School of Medicine. A New Orleans native, she earned her undergraduate, medical, and MPH degrees at Tulane, where she also completed her residency. She specializes in adult general neurology and leads Tulane’s Post-COVID Care Clinic, focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of Long COVID symptoms.

Chris Thomas, MD, FCCP is the lead author of “Impact of a Sepsis Quality Improvement Initiative on Clinical and Operational Outcomes.” He serves as Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at LSU Health Sciences Center in Baton Rouge and Medical Director for System Quality and Patient Safety at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System. Board-certified in Pulmonary and Critical Care, Dr. Thomas has led numerous initiatives to improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce mortality in sepsis care. His work focuses on translating evidence-based research into practice, aligning quality metrics with patient-centered outcomes, and integrating health equity into clinical reporting. Dr. Thomas has authored over 30 peer-reviewed publications and actively participates in NIH- and industry-funded clinical trials.

Bryce Casteigne, MD is a fellowship-trained vascular neurologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease. A Thibodaux native, he earned his medical degree from LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport, completed residency at the University of Cincinnati, and a fellowship at Mayo Clinic Florida. Dr. Casteigne brings advanced, patient-centered neurological care to his hometown community at Thibodaux Regional.

Activity Learning Outcomes:

The target audience is registered nurses.

• Describe current evidence-based practices in the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal (GI) conditions, including updated treatment protocols and patient care strategies.
• Identify key clinical features and complications associated with Long COVID and outline appropriate nursing interventions to support patient recovery and long-term care.
• Recognize the early signs and symptoms of sepsis, and explain the role of nurses in timely intervention, sepsis bundle implementation, and multidisciplinary coordination.
• Explain the pathophysiology and progression of Parkinson’s Disease, and discuss patient-centered approaches for symptom management, medication adherence, and caregiver support.
• Integrate knowledge from specialty areas into practice to improve clinical decision-making, patient safety, and health outcomes across diverse patient populations.

The target audience is registered nurses

This CNE activity is designed for APRNs managing medication therapy across the lifespan in primary care. It offers practical, evidence-based guidance on first-line treatments for common conditions such as UTIs, sinusitis, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, with attention to allergies, safety, and lab monitoring. Topics also include contraceptive pharmacology and patient-specific birth control selection, as well as medication management for men’s health concerns like BPH, erectile dysfunction, and testosterone deficiency. Emphasis will be placed on current prescribing practices to support safe, effective outcomes.

 Friday, March 6, 2026

 Location Nicholls State University, Betsy C. Ayo Hall – Nirmala Yalamanchili Donepudi Auditorium

Networking ………………………………………………………………….8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

Presentation time…………………………………………………………….8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Credit……………………………………………….………………6 pharmacology contact hours.

Fee ……………………………………………………………………………………$ 100

 Speakers:

Angelique B. Allemand, DNP, RN, ACNP-BC, FNP-C, CNS graduated with her BSN in 1995. She obtained her ACNP in 2009 and her DNP in 2010. She obtained a post-graduate certificate as an FNP in 2013. She has been teaching at Nicholls State University since 2006. She is dual certified as both a Family Nurse Practitioner and an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. She has been teaching in the Family Nurse Practitioner program since 2014. Dr. Allemand currently works part-time as a nurse practitioner in the field of nephrology. 

Craig Wade, M.D. is a licensed Internal Medicine physician with over 27 years in the medical field and more than a decade in clinical practice. As Chief Medical Officer, he specializes in men’s health, including hormone replacement therapy, peptide therapy, hyperbaric treatment, and aesthetic procedures such as Botox and filler injections. Dr. Wade is passionate about helping patients optimize their health, performance, and quality of life through innovative, personalized care.

Dr. Celina Hargenrader, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, IBCLC is a faculty member at Nicholls State University and a dual board-certified nurse practitioner in Family and Psychiatric-Mental Health. With over two decades of nursing experience, she specializes in women’s health, providing evidence-based care across the lifespan. Her clinical expertise includes reproductive health, hormonal management, and lactation support. As an educator and mentor in both BSN and MSN programs, Dr. Hargenrader is dedicated to preparing future nurses through compassionate, patient-centered, and culturally responsive teaching.

 Dylan Williams, APRN is a board-certified family nurse practitioner at the Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) in Thibodaux. He earned his Master of Science in Nursing from Nicholls State University and is licensed in Louisiana as both a nurse practitioner and registered nurse. Williams has been part of the CIS team since 2018, initially serving as a registered nurse before advancing to his current role. He is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and brings a strong clinical background to cardiovascular patient care.

Activity Learning Outcomes

• Identify first-line medications for UTIs and sinusitis and select safe alternatives for patients with allergies.
• Evaluate safety profiles and choose appropriate alternatives (e.g., fluoroquinolone risks).
• Compare contraceptive options and select based on patient-specific factors.
• Review antihypertensive and lipid-lowering agents and their clinical applications.
• Describe pharmacologic treatments for BPH, ED, and testosterone deficiency.

The target audience is registered nurse practitioners.

This NCPD activity aims to enhance nurses’ ability to provide compassionate, trauma-informed, and equitable care to vulnerable populations. Topics include identifying and supporting victims of human trafficking and elder abuse, addressing ethical and legal responsibilities, and recognizing signs of exploitation. The session also explores the complex health needs of individuals experiencing homelessness and those affected by poverty or disability. Additionally, participants will learn strategies for delivering inclusive, affirming care to transgender and gender-diverse individuals. Emphasis is placed on advocacy, cultural competence, and reducing barriers to care.

Thursday, April 23, 2026

 Location …………………….…………………………………………… Virtual Event via Zoom

Networking ………………………………………………………………….8:15 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.

Presentation time…………………………………………………………….8:45 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Credit……………………………………………………………………………5 contact hours.

Fee ……………………………………………………………………………………$ 75

 Speakers:

Colette Robichaux, MSN, RN, CNE is the BSN Program Coordinator and a nursing faculty member at Nicholls State University, where she has taught Community Health Nursing since 2015. With a decade of experience in nursing education, she brings a strong foundation in both clinical practice and academic leadership. Prior to her academic role, she worked extensively in community health, serving in roles such as home health field RN, home care clinical manager, OASIS/Coding Specialist, and Director of Clinical Services in the home care setting.

 Deborah St. Germain, DNP, RN, AFN-C, SANE-A, SANE-P, IVSE-C is a nationally recognized forensic nurse and educator with over 38 years of clinical experience and 33 years in nursing education. A certified Advanced Forensic Nurse and SANE-A, she specializes in caring for victims of violence, including human trafficking. She conducts post-mortem exams for the Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office and serves as a regional, national, and international consultant on trafficking, advancing best practices and advocacy for vulnerable populations.

Sarah Marrs, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Gerontology and Director of Research at the Virginia Center on Aging. She teaches statistics and research methodology and leads CIRCAA, a professional development program in interprofessional geriatrics. Her research focuses on ageism in healthcare, elder mistreatment, and the development of the geriatric workforce. She is the Principal Investigator of the Virginia HEAR project and Co-Principal Investigator of the Greater Richmond Elder Justice Shelter Initiative, both of which are federally funded by the Administration for Community Living (ACL).

Todd Tartavoulle, DNS, APRN, CNS-BC is an Associate Professor of Clinical Nursing and Assistant Dean for Student Services at LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing, where he has served since 2007. With 17 years of academic experience, he has taught across undergraduate and graduate programs, including courses in critical care, health assessment, research, and evidence-based practice. A recognized leader and educator, Dr. Tartavoulle is the recipient of multiple honors

Paula Kensler, PhD, DNP, MBA, RN is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Nursing at the LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing with over 40 years of nursing experience, including more than 20 years in leadership and 10 in academia. She spent 33 years at East Jefferson General Hospital, leading departments such as Critical Care, Emergency Services, and Behavioral Health, and contributed to three Magnet designations. She earned her DNP in 2014 and PhD in 2024, joining LSU SON in 2015, where she directs the Executive Nurse Leader DNP program. Her teaching and research focus on leadership, student success, diversity, and team dynamics.

Activity Learning Outcomes:

• Recognize signs of human trafficking, elder abuse, and other forms of exploitation and know how to respond appropriately.
• Understand the nurse’s role and responsibilities when caring for people facing homelessness, poverty, disability, or abuse.
• Describe respectful and supportive approaches when caring for transgender and gender-diverse individuals.
• Identify ways nurses can speak up for and support vulnerable groups to improve access to fair and equal care.

The target audience is registered nurses.