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District of Columbia Board of Nursing

Harm Reduction in Substance Abuse Treatment is an approach that prioritizes the health and well-being of individuals who use substances by focusing on reducing the negative consequences associated with drug use rather than solely aiming for abstinence. This course is essential as it equips participants with a comprehensive understanding of Harm Reduction principles, strategies, ethical considerations, and controversial arguments for and against, enabling them to address substance abuse in a compassionate and pragmatic manner. Throughout the course, we will explore various Harm Reduction interventions, such as safe consumption spaces, needle exchange programs, and medication-assisted treatments, and learn how to implement these practices effectively within communities.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Implicit bias refers to the subconscious attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions, often without our conscious awareness. These biases can influence behavior and judgments in ways that may not align with our explicit beliefs or intentions.

This course will explore implicit bias, its origins, and its pervasive impact on various aspects of society, including the the counseling office and healthcare. Through a combination of self-assessment tools, interactive case studies, and practical strategies, learners will explore the subconscious biases that influence their decisions and behaviors. The course aims to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and mitigate these biases, fostering more inclusive and equitable environments in both personal and professional settings.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This course is designed to equip substance abuse professionals with the essential knowledge and skills required to effectively diagnose and treat a wide range of substance abuse and addiction conditions. This course covers fundamental concepts of substance abuse, including the importance of mental well-being and the impact of stigma and misconceptions on individuals seeking help.

In addition to diagnosis, the course delves into various treatment modalities, such as psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, emerging therapies, and integrative approaches, providing a holistic view of substance abuse care. The course further addresses crisis intervention strategies and ethical and legal considerations, ensuring that participants are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of addiction treatment.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This course is designed to equip mental health professionals with the essential knowledge and skills required to effectively diagnose and treat a wide range of mental health conditions. This course covers fundamental concepts of mental health, including the importance of mental well-being and the impact of stigma and misconceptions on individuals seeking help.

In addition to diagnosis, the course delves into various treatment modalities, such as psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, emerging therapies, and integrative approaches, providing a holistic view of mental health care. Special populations and considerations, including child and adolescent mental health, geriatric mental health, cultural competency, and gender and sexuality, are also thoroughly examined. The course further addresses crisis intervention strategies and ethical and legal considerations, ensuring that participants are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of mental health practice.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Ethical guidelines help safeguard confidentiality, foster trust, and promote the responsible handling of sensitive information. This course is designed to equip mental health professionals with a deep understanding of the ethical principles and standards that guide their practice. Participants will explore critical topics such as confidentiality, informed consent, dual relationships, and professional boundaries.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Ethics are crucial in any profession, particularly in mental health. They establish a framework of principles that guide professionals in making informed, responsible, and morally sound decisions. Adhering to ethical standards ensures the protection of the client’s rights and well-being, fosters trust in the therapeutic relationship and upholds the profession’s integrity. By prioritizing ethics, mental health professionals can navigate complex situations with clarity, mitigate potential harm, and contribute to mental health services’ overall credibility and reliability.

This course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the ethical principles and standards essential in clinical practice. It covers crucial topics such as ethical decision-making frameworks, maintaining professional boundaries, and the appropriate use of physical touch in therapy. The course delves into the complexities of dual relationships, offering guidelines to navigate these situations ethically. Additionally, it addresses the legal and ethical responsibilities regarding the reporting of abuse and other critical issues faced by mental health professionals.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) is a condition that affects individuals who have recently stopped using addictive substances after a prolonged period of dependence. Unlike acute withdrawal symptoms, which occur immediately after cessation and last for a short duration, PAWS can persist for weeks, months, or even years.

This course will explore the common substances PAWS is associated with, the symptoms, both emotional and psychological, the phases of PAWS and the management of this syndrome.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Ethics are crucial in any profession, particularly in mental health. They establish a framework of principles that guide professionals in making informed, responsible, and morally sound decisions. Adhering to ethical standards ensures the protection of the client’s rights and well-being, fosters trust in the therapeutic relationship and upholds the profession’s integrity. By prioritizing ethics, mental health professionals can navigate complex situations with clarity, mitigate potential harm, and contribute to mental health services’ overall credibility and reliability.

This course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the ethical principles and standards essential in clinical practice. It covers crucial topics such as ethical decision-making frameworks, maintaining professional boundaries, and the appropriate use of physical touch in therapy. The course delves into the complexities of dual relationships, offering guidelines to navigate these situations ethically. Additionally, it addresses the legal and ethical responsibilities regarding the reporting of abuse and other critical issues faced by mental health professionals.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This course on Clinical Evaluation and Mental Status Examination is designed to equip healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to perform comprehensive mental health assessments. Participants will learn to conduct detailed clinical evaluations, including patient history taking, symptom assessment, and risk factor identification. The course will also cover the Mental Status Examination (MSE), providing techniques for systematically assessing cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Ethics are crucial in any profession, particularly in mental health. They establish a framework of principles that guide professionals in making informed, responsible, and morally sound decisions. Adhering to ethical standards ensures the protection of the client’s rights and well-being, fosters trust in the therapeutic relationship and upholds the profession’s integrity. By prioritizing ethics, mental health professionals can navigate complex situations with clarity, mitigate potential harm, and contribute to mental health services’ overall credibility and reliability.

This course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the ethical principles and standards essential in clinical practice. It covers crucial topics such as ethical decision-making frameworks, maintaining professional boundaries, and the appropriate use of physical touch in therapy. The course delves into the complexities of dual relationships, offering guidelines to navigate these situations ethically. Additionally, it addresses the legal and ethical responsibilities regarding the reporting of abuse and other critical issues faced by mental health professionals.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This comprehensive course is designed to equip mental health professionals, healthcare providers, and community workers with the essential knowledge and skills needed to effectively assess, intervene, and prevent suicide. Through a structured and detailed curriculum, participants will explore the multifaceted nature of suicide, from understanding its impact to recognizing risk factors and implementing effective intervention strategies.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Pain screening is an essential practice for professionals in general medicine, mental health, and substance abuse. It aims to identify and manage pain early and comprehensively. This process involves understanding various types of pain and their physical, psychological, and behavioral impacts and utilizing appropriate assessment tools.

This course will explore various pain scales, such as the Wong-Baker FACES and Visual Analog Scale (VAS), among others, while being mindful of the potential for substance abuse. Regular reassessment, cultural sensitivity, and education for professionals and patients are critical components, ensuring tailored and effective pain management plans that improve overall patient well-being.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms can vary widely depending on the substance used, the duration of use, and the individual’s health. Common signs and symptoms include anxiety, irritability, and agitation, which often appear within hours of the last dose. Physical symptoms such as sweating, shaking, nausea, vomiting, and increased heart rate are also prevalent. Severe cases may involve hallucinations, seizures, and confusion. Psychological symptoms, including intense cravings, depression, and difficulty sleeping, are also common. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for providing appropriate care and seeking medical help when necessary, as withdrawal can be life-threatening if not managed properly.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Creating a strong safety culture within an organization is vital for ensuring the well-being of employees and minimizing risks. A key component of this safety culture is the implementation of a Good Catch Program. This training aims to educate employees about the importance of culture of safety and how to effectively participate in a Good Catch Program.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Understanding and Preventing Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) in Recovery Facilities a comprehensive course designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to address one of the most critical public health challenges within recovery settings. This course will provide in-depth information on common STDs, effective prevention strategies, and specific measures to prevent the spread of these infections in recovery facilities.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Effective handoff communication must include up-to-date information regarding patient care, treatment plans, current condition, and any recent or anticipated changes. This communication should be interactive, allowing for discussion between those providing and receiving the patient information. Additionally, the process should incorporate methods for verifying the received information, such as read-back or other appropriate techniques, to ensure accuracy and understanding.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

It is crucial for mental health and substance abuse professionals to be well-trained in contraband awareness and search procedures to ensure the safety of the patients and staff and the integrity of the program.  This course will enhance professionals in understanding and the management of contraband within their facilities. The program covers a comprehensive range of topics, including identifying various types of contraband, effective and ethical search techniques, and strategies for preventing contraband introduction.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Street drugs are dangerous and plentiful. There is no way to know how strong they are or what else might be in them, but their use remains popular despite the risks.

Given the recent proliferation of new street drugs, it is imperative to remain vigilant and informed about the hazards of substance abuse.

This course will explore Krokodil, Flakka, Bath Salts, Xylazine, Slavia, Spice and others.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of Hepatitis, a group of viral infections that affect the liver. It covers the types of Hepatitis (A, B, C, D, and E), modes of transmission, prevention strategies, treatment options, and the impact of the disease on global health. The course is designed for healthcare professionals, students, and anyone interested in learning about Hepatitis.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Hoarding also called compulsive hoarding, and compulsive hoarding syndrome can be a symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Still, many hoarders don’t have other OCD-related symptoms, and researchers are working better to understand hoarding as a distinct mental health problem.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This course will provide a deeper understanding of alcoholism and addiction, particularly through the lens of the disease model and its alternative perspectives. By exploring the origins, development, and criticisms of the disease concept, as well as the influence of genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors, students will gain a balanced view of addiction. The course will cover key historical developments, including Jellinek’s research, critiques of the disease model, and emerging behavioral approaches that focus on habit and choice. Through this comprehensive approach, students will learn how both disease and behavioral models can be applied to support recovery, assess individual needs accurately, and avoid common misapplications that may hinder effective treatment.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Understanding the impact of family alcoholism on children is essential for breaking cycles of trauma and fostering healthier futures. This course will explore how alcoholism in the family affects children emotionally, socially, and behaviorally, both in their formative years and into adulthood. We will cover the unique challenges these children face, including codependency, low self-esteem, and difficulties forming trusting relationships, along with the long-term effects.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Bioterrorism involves the deliberate release or dissemination of biological agents—such as bacteria, viruses, or toxins—with the intent to cause harm, fear, or disruption to a population. These agents can be aerosolized or spread through food and water supplies, posing significant threats to public health. As professionals, particularly in healthcare, mental health, and substance abuse fields, understanding bioterrorism is crucial for several reasons. It equips us to recognize and respond to potential attacks swiftly, implement effective preventive measures, and protect both patients and staff. Awareness and preparedness enable us to manage crises more effectively, mitigate the impact of such events, and maintain operational continuity in the face of potential bioterrorist threats.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

The use of electronic media and information technologies in behavioral health treatment, recovery support, and prevention programs is rapidly gaining acceptance.  There are many benefits and concerns about using internet based assessments, programs and platforms. This course will explore the potential uses of technology, the applications, the benefits and concerns associated with technology assisted mental health care.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

It is essential for mental health professionals to understand ADHD because it is one of the most prevalent and complex mental health conditions affecting children and adults today. Recognizing ADHD’s diverse symptoms—ranging from inattention and impulsivity to emotional dysregulation—enables clinicians to provide more accurate diagnoses and individualized treatment plans. Knowledge of ADHD’s underlying causes, including genetic, environmental, and neurological factors, allows professionals to differentiate it from other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, which may present with overlapping symptoms.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This course explores animal-assisted psychotherapy (AAP) theory and practice, focusing primarily on therapy dogs due to their prevalent role in volunteer and professional settings. The historical, theoretical, and practical dimensions of AAP are described so learners gain a foundational understanding of attachment theory, biophilia theory, and human-animal relational theory as they pertain to AAP. The course critically examines the efficacy of AAP through research, outlines challenges, and presents clinical applications across various psychological approaches. It also covers the selection and characteristics of successful therapy dogs, therapy dog registration, and the importance of pursuing advanced training for practitioners interested in integrating AAP into their practice.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Effective hand washing is more than just a routine; it’s a critical skill that can safeguard against spreading infections, prevent cross-contamination, and promote overall health and well-being in professional settings and daily life. In this course, we will delve into the intricacies of hand hygiene, exploring the science behind proper hand-washing techniques, understanding when and why hand washing is necessary, and addressing common misconceptions that may hinder optimal hygiene practices.

This course will give you practical insights and actionable strategies to elevate your hand hygiene practices to the highest standards. From mastering the proper hand-washing technique to implementing hand hygiene protocols in your workplace, our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and skills to protect yourself, your colleagues, and those under your care from spreading infectious diseases.

This course is for staff development and not for continuing education credit.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This course examines end-of-life care in a hospital and home setting, how these services are offered, specialized programs, and issues surrounding end-of-life care.

The course also describes the effect a palliative care consultation service has on the terminally ill and their families.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This course aims to provide information on the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.  This course will overview HIPAA and privacy regulations, define and describe how to handle confidential information, and review the penalties and enforcement specific to the Workers’ Compensation industry.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Healthcare providers use laboratory test results to diagnose disease, determine prognosis, and monitor a patient’s treatment or health status. Current practice shows an increased trend for medical decisions based on simple tests performed at the point of care.

This course will explore the key aspects of CLIA-testing, the oversight, safety, confidentiality, and testing environment.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

When someone is scammed or “catfished,” they are often embarrassed and feel vulnerable and may not reach out to others for support when needed. This course will explore the psychology behind those most vulnerable, those who prey on others, and working with clients who were taken advantage of.

Anyone can be a victim of being scammed regardless of age, education, or socioeconomic position

 

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Understanding the significance of relapse prevention, identifying common risk factors, and implementing effective strategies are essential steps in helping a client achieve long-term recovery.

This course will explore what addiction and relapse are, the stages of each, how to develop a relapse prevention plan and how to identify triggers.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

The importance of cybersecurity in the modern world cannot be understated. Confidentiality of records has always been critical to the population we serve.

This course will explore the necessity of digital security in mental health and substance abuse services and how you can support safer systems.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This course embarks on a thorough exploration of informed consent within the realms of mental health and substance abuse treatment. It delves deeply into the intricacies of this procedure, considering the ethical foundations, legal requirements, obstacles, and practical consequences that influence the practice of informed consent. By incorporating historical perspectives, ethical frameworks, and practical case studies, this training aims to shed light on the multifaceted aspect of informed consent in mental health and substance abuse treatment. This approach fosters a nuanced comprehension of its essential role in maintaining ethical standards and enhancing patient care.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Formerly known as dual diagnosis or dual disorder, co-occurring disorders describe the presence of both mental health and substance use disorders.  This course will explore the definition of terms used, most common substances, mental disorders that co-exist, symptoms, causes, and treatments for co-occurring disorders.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This course will explore the Baker Act for involuntary mental illness assessment and treatment.

The term ‘Baker Act’ is formally known as the Mental Health Act of 1971 and is a Florida Statute, but it became the default name for any involuntary hold laws in the United States.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Children are suffering from an epidemic of child abuse and neglect. The issue is larger than ever in the wake of the quarantines from the COVID-19 pandemic. This course will explore statistics of child abuse in Florida. We will explore the types of abuse and the signs and symptoms associated with each. The course will review the requirements, timeline, and procedures for reporting child abuse. Prevention strategies will be presented.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Nurses play a primary role in the administration of medications across settings. They can also be involved in dispensing and preparing medications, such as crushing pills and drawing up a measured amount for injections.  This course explores factors that contribute to safe medication administration.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This course will review the statistics and prevalence of domestic violence in our society. We will define domestic violence and its various types of abuse.

The course will review the dynamics of violent relationships. Violent relationships follow a predictable cycle of violence. This course will discuss this cycle and review its patterns and screening methods through multiple case studies. The course will delve into special populations and associated risk factors. Upon completing the course, the professional will understand the specific resources available for those in need.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

An assessment is a basis for understanding the client’s presentation and is the beginning of conceptualizing their functioning into a diagnosis. This continuing education course will explore mental status exams, mental health assessments, alcohol and drug assessments, and the DSM V. We will also introduce the learner to a few popular assessment tools.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was founded in 1935 to help alcoholics abstain from the consumption of alcohol and to “stay sober” through the sharing of their experiences with others who have had similar experiences in a protected environment.

The 12 Step, the cornerstone of the program, was developed later to help govern the fellowship and to establish a consistent approach to spiritual and character-building endeavors. 

This course will explore the history and efficacy of the 12-step approach.

This course will award 1 continuing education hour.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Every day counselors, nurses, psychiatric technicians, and others are called upon to intervene in crisis situations that may become dangerous if not handled properly.

This course will explore the prevention of aggressive behavior and crisis intervention techniques, which can include verbal de-escalation and physical interventions. We will identify the definition of aggression, warning signs of aggressive behavior, strategies to diffuse aggressive situations, crisis intervention techniques, and staff responsibilities after an event.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Severe anxiety can arise after trauma or injury, under persistent stress, or extreme change. This course will explore distinguishing between everyday worry and an anxiety disorder, the top five anxiety disorders, signs, symptoms, and risk factors.  We will also discuss treatment approaches.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Anger is a powerful, natural feeling. Everyone feels it at some time, and we have the right to feel that way. It’s what someone does with anger that makes the difference.

As clinicians, we aim to help clients learn effective ways to manage their anger. In this course, we will explore anger and its causes, common approaches to anger, the problems with anger, the positive aspects of anger, and anger management.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

The 42 CFR Part 2 regulations serve to protect patient records created by federally assisted programs for the treatment of substance use disorders. Part 2 has been revised to further facilitate better coordination of care in response to the opioid epidemic while maintaining its confidentiality protections against unauthorized disclosure and use. This course will explore these regulations.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

The purpose of the course is to enhance the reader’s understanding of denial and to relate stages of denial to the corresponding stages of the disease of addiction. Denial and addiction must be treated concurrently if successful treatment is to be achieved. The course will define specific exercises that can be utilized with clients.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

The goal of this program is to explore approaches to prevent medical errors that are both system-based and human performance-based and The Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goals as they pertain to medical errors in hospitals.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Human trafficking is the trade of humans, most commonly for the purpose of forced labor, sexual slavery, or commercial sexual exploitation for the trafficker or others.

This course will explore what human trafficking is, how it occurs and who is most vulnerable, how to recognize risk factors, The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 and the Justice for Victims Act of 2015, as well as how drug use is linked to trafficking, treatment options and procedures to helping fight this crisis.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.