ARN partners with MedBridge to present webinars on mental health during COVID-19

ARN is committed to providing rehabilitation professionals the resources they need to safely practice through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Next month, in partnership with MedBridge, ARN will present two free webinars focused the mental health and psychosocial challenges of patients, family, and caregivers who are dealing with COVID-19 related illness.

Mental health & COVID-19

As a result of COVID-19, many post-acute rehab facilities have seen an increase in post-traumatic stress symptoms among staff members, patients, families, and caregivers, reinforcing the need for rehab facilities to ensure they are equipped to support the mental health and well-being of these populations.

Part 1 to focus on patients, caregivers ​

On December 9, 11 am-noon CT, Laurie Ferguson, PhD, an expert in social services and patient mental health, will lead part one of this two-part precorded webinar series. Dr. Ferguson will be joined by panel members Steven Powell, MSN, RN-BC, CRRN, and Michelle Camicia, PhD, RN, PHN, CRRN, CCM, NEA-BC, FAHA, to discuss how to assess, manage, and address the mental and psychosocial wellbeing of patients, families, and caregivers.

During the free, one-hour session, the panel will

• Identify COVID-19 related mental health issues in patients, families, and caregivers to minimize distress in these populations.
• Analyze common symptoms of mental health distress due to COVID-19 to increase efficacy of care.
• Summarize responses to mental health issues related to COVID-19 to inform best practices moving forward.

Part 2 offers guidance on supporting the well-being of staff 

On December 16, 2-3 pm CT, a discussion will be led again by Laurie J. Ferguson, PhD, an expert in social services and patient mental health, along with Steven Powell, MSN, RN-BC, CRRN, and Tonisha J. Melvin, DNP, APRN, CRRN, ANP-C. Our expert panel will discuss how different rehab organizations and states have been supporting the mental health and well-being of their staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as best practices moving forward.

During the free, one-hour session, the panel will

• Discuss common sources of COVID-19 related mental health stress on staff
• Explore the positive effects of personal support and organizational interventions
• Identify the employee populations most affected by COVID-19 related mental health distress

ARN COVID-19 resources​

Additional key resources and tools to assist ARN members and the entire rehabilitation nursing community in navigating and responding to COVID-19 are available at rehabnurse.org/covid.