Nursing Care for At-Risk and Underserved Populations

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.

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.

The target audience is registered nurses

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