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Continuing Education, Inc.
University at Sea^™
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St Petersburg, Florida 33703

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Current Topics in Obstetric and Perinatal Nursing

7-Night CocoCay & Bahamas Cruise
Round-trip Cape Liberty, NJ (New York, NY)
September 20 - 27, 2026

Royal Caribbean's <em>Oasis of the Seas</em> — Royal Caribbean's *Oasis of the Seas*

COURSE CREDITS & HOURS

16.0 Contact Hours

COURSE FEES

$595 for Nurses
$795 for Nurse Practitioners

TARGET AUDIENCE

Nurses, Nurse Practitioners

PROGRAM PURPOSE

Human Trafficking
- Discuss current trends in human trafficking.
- Demonstrate how to screen for human trafficking.
- Develop knowledge of resources for women during perinatal care.
Supporting Individuals Identifying as LGTBQIA+/Gestational Carriers Define transgender perinatal care.
- Describe LGTBQIA+ perinatal care.
- Support gestational carriers within the LGTBQIA+ population.
- Discuss legal aspects of transgender/ LGTBQIA+ perinatal care.
Obstetric Hemorrhage
- Develop knowledge of, screening for, diagnosis, early recognition, and prevention for obstetric hemorrhage.
- Discuss evidence-based pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.
Severe Hypertension in Pregnancy
- Acquire skills to identify and prevent preeclampsia without severe features, preeclampsia with severe features, and eclampsia.
- Recommend medications and treatments for hypertension in Pregnancy.
Safe Reduction of Primary Cesarean Birth
- Implement standardized admission criteria, triage management, education, and support for women presenting in spontaneous labor.
- Describe standardized techniques of pain management and comfort measures that stimulate labor progress.
- Recognize and treat dysfunctional labor patterns.
Cardiac Conditions in Obstetrical Care
- Develop knowledge of, screening for, diagnosis, early recognition and prevention, evidence-based pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.
- Assess for cardiac history during pregnancy.
- Describe escalating warning signs for an imminent cardiac event.
- Utilize standardized AIM cardiac risk assessment tools to identify cardiac risks.
Substance Exposure
- Describe screening assessment and care determination.
- Determine treatment based on substance use and neonatal abstinence syndrome.
- Marijuana and oxycodone use during pregnancy.
- Implement transitional care.
- Provide education for patients and staff.
Perinatal Mental Health Conditions
- Assess and treat for anxiety and depression in the perinatal population.
- Initiate evidence-based non-pharmacological interventions and medication management.
- Develop individualized treatment plan based on symptoms and assessment.
- Analyze insulin resistance and its effect on mental health.
- Build resiliency in the family unit.
Sepsis in Obstetrical Care
- Describe evidence-based measures to prevent infection.
- Explain sepsis complications, early warning signs, and prevention strategies within the perinatal population.
High Morbidity and Mortality Rates in Women of Color
- Describe the morbidity and mortality rates of perinatal women of color.
- Identify risk factors for women of color.
- Synthesize strategies to reduce health disparities and morbidity and mortality rates of perinatal women of color.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

PLEASE NOTE: To attend the conference, participants must book their cruise accommodations through Continuing Education, Inc. This ensures we can provide full conference services and complimentary social amenities to meeting participants and guests. Participants' family and friends are welcome to book within our group allotment to take advantage of our typically excellent rates. Thanks for your cooperation. We look forward to welcoming you aboard!

BIAS FREE CME - No Commercial Support was provided for this CME activity.

Faculty

Lisa Brown DNP, MSN, APRN, CNM

Full Scope Midwife Practice, Mankato Clinic, Mankato, Minnesota, USA
Fertility Specialist, Reply Fertility, Cary, North Carolina, USA

Lisa Brown DNP, APRN, CNM is a full scope certified nurse-midwife for Mankato Clinic with a perinatal mood disorders specialization and trained by the FEMM Research Institute for Restorative Reproductive Medicine. She works with women of all ages and stages of life via telehealth and face to face visits. Dr. Brown has over 25 years of nursing experience, mostly in obstetrics, and graduated with a master's degree in midwifery in 2018 and a doctorate degree in 2022.

Dr. Brown has spent many years as a registered nurse and midwife working with fertility awareness methods, infertility issues, recurrent loss, and restoring reproductive wellness. She is a trained FEMM medical consultant and has working knowledge of the Creighton, SymtoThermal, and Marquette methods of fertility awareness. Dr. Brown has helped many women avoid and achieve pregnancy and addresses fertility issues like PCOS, anovulatory cycles, irregular cycles, recurrent loss, and hormonal imbalance from adolescence through menopause.

In recent years, Dr. Brown has developed a special interest in perinatal mood disorders after seeing this issue daily with limited resources to address it. She recently graduated with a doctorate in nursing practice (DNP) from Bethel University in St. Paul MN. Her focus was on perinatal mood disorders, symptom management, and non-pharmacological interventions to improve mental health in the perinatal population. Dr. Brown sees patients at her practice at Mankato Clinic, Mankato and via telehealth through the Reply Fertility in Cary, North Carolina.

Stacey Van Gelderen DNP, MS, RNC-MNN, PHN

Full Professor, Minnesota State University, Mankato School of Nursing, Mankato, MN

Dr. Van Gelderen is a full professor at Minnesota State University, Mankato, MN, USA who has focused her career on supporting perinatal women, and neonates, and building family-focused caring practices. For over 24 years, she has supported clients in obstetrics, neonates, women's health, and those with family care needs.

Dr. Van Gelderen offers workshops and consultations for maternal-newborn care, nursing education, family practice, and simulation. In recent years, Dr. Van Gelderen has had special interest areas of supporting high-risk, low-occurrence obstetrical emergencies such as hypertension in pregnancy, post-partum hemorrhage, cardiac conditions during pregnancy, and infertility.

Dr. Van Gelderen is the primary author of the Van Gelderen Family Care Rubric (VGFCR) (2019, 2016) which is an evidence-based validated tool that helps healthcare professionals develop family assessment and communication skills. This tool is recognized by the renowned International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning and awarded the 2018-2019 articles of influence by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare. This instrument is being utilized by healthcare staff and educators in twelve countries across the globe.

Accreditation

Joint Accreditation

In support of improving patient care, Continuing Education, Inc./University at Sea® is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

ANCC

Credit Designation for Nurses: Continuiung Education, Inc. designates this continuing nursing education activity for 16 contact hours.
Accredited status does not imply endorsement by Continuing Education, Inc./University at Sea® or ANCC of any commercial products displayed or used with an activity.

Nurse Practitioners: Can claim either ANCC Contact Hours or AMA PRA Category 1 Credits ^TM as needed. Pharmacology credits are identified on individual activities.

ITINERARY

DATE	PORT OF CALL	ARRIVE	DEPART
Sun Sep 20	Cape Liberty, NJ (New York, NY)	-	3:00 pm
Mon Sep 21	At Sea - Cruising	-	-
Tue Sep 22	Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida	12:30 pm	8:30 pm
Wed Sep 23	Coco Cay, Bahamas	8:30 am	5:00 pm
Thu Sep 24	Nassau, Bahamas	8:00 am	5:00 pm
Fri Sep 25	At Sea - Cruising	-	-
Sat Sep 26	At Sea - Cruising	-	-
Sun Sep 27	Cape Liberty, NJ (New York, NY)	6:00 am	-

PORTS OF CALL

Cape Liberty, NJ (New York, NY)

Your cruise documents will say Cape Liberty, New Jersey, but let's be perfectly honest: the true destination here is New York City. Sailing from this port without dedicating a few days to the city that never sleeps is like visiting a grand library and only reading the table of contents. As your travel advisors, we consider a pre- or post-cruise stay in Manhattan not just an option, but an essential part of the experience. It transforms your vacation from a wonderful sea voyage into an unforgettable land-and-sea journey.

Think of your cruise as the main event and a New York stay as the perfect overture or grand finale. The key is planning, and that begins with the simple logistics of getting from your ship in New Jersey into the heart of Manhattan. A ride-share or pre-booked car service is the most direct route, typically a 30-45 minute journey outside of peak traffic, offering your first thrilling glimpses of the skyline. For those flying in, the port’s proximity to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is a significant convenience, making the transition from air to land seamless.

**Crafting Your New York Itinerary: A Two- or Three-Day Primer**

With a city this vast, the goal isn't to see everything, but to experience the best of it at a pace that energizes rather than exhausts. We recommend focusing on one or two neighborhoods per day.

**Day 1: The Iconic Core & Theatrical Heights**

Start in Midtown, the city’s vibrant, beating heart. This is where you’ll find the landmarks of your imagination. Begin at Rockefeller Center; we prefer the Top of the Rock observation deck over the Empire State Building for its staggered viewing platforms and unparalleled views *of* the Empire State Building itself. From there, it’s a short walk to the magnificent St. Patrick's Cathedral and the architectural splendor of Grand Central Terminal—be sure to look up at the celestial ceiling.

Yes, you must see Times Square, but our advice is to treat it like a force of nature: witness its dazzling, chaotic energy for fifteen minutes, then strategically retreat. As evening approaches, the Theater District comes alive. A pre-theater dinner in Hell’s Kitchen offers a world of culinary options, from authentic Thai to rustic Italian, just steps from Broadway. Securing tickets to a show in advance is always wise, but for the spontaneous, the TKTS booth in Times Square offers same-day discounts. Seeing a Broadway production is a quintessential New York experience that never fails to deliver.

**Day 2: History, Remembrance, and Neighborhood Charm**

Head downtown to immerse yourself in the city’s history. The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is a profoundly moving and essential experience. We strongly advise booking timed-entry tickets online well in advance. The quiet reverence of the memorial pools, set in the footprints of the Twin Towers, is a powerful moment of reflection. Nearby, One World Observatory provides a breathtaking, panoramic perspective of the city and its waterways.

From there, explore the Financial District’s narrow streets, walking past the New York Stock Exchange and Trinity Church. Then, shift gears by wandering into the West Village. This is a different New York entirely—a charming labyrinth of brownstones, leafy streets, and unique boutiques. Sit by the fountain in Washington Square Park, watch the chess players, and soak in the neighborhood’s bohemian spirit. For dinner, the Village offers an abundance of intimate, high-quality restaurants perfect for recounting the day's discoveries.

**Day 3: Art, Nature, and a Bridge with a View**

Dedicate your final day to the intersection of culture and nature. Head to the Upper East Side’s Museum Mile. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a world unto itself; our strategy is to pick two or three exhibits that genuinely interest you—perhaps the Egyptian Temple of Dendur or the European Paintings—and explore them deeply rather than attempting a marathon. For modern art lovers, the Guggenheim’s iconic spiral building is as much a masterpiece as the collection within.

In the afternoon, escape into the curated wilderness of Central Park. Rent a rowboat on The Lake, stroll through the literary walk at The Mall, or find a quiet bench in the Shakespeare Garden. The park is the city’s collective backyard, a perfect place to decompress. For a truly memorable final act, take the subway to Brooklyn. Walk back towards Manhattan across the Brooklyn Bridge as the sun begins to set. The view of the skyline lighting up is, without exaggeration, one of the greatest cityscapes in the world and the perfect image to carry with you as you begin or end your cruise.

By investing a few days, you’re not just adding a city to your trip; you’re giving yourself the gift of context, culture, and energy that will enrich your entire vacation. It’s the savvy way to travel, and it ensures you get the absolute most out of your well-deserved time away.

At Sea - Cruising

Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida

Let's be direct: Port Canaveral itself is a working port, not a destination you explore on foot. Its true value is as a gateway to some of Central Florida’s most iconic, and distinctly different, attractions. The decision you make here will define your day.

The most compelling and convenient choice is the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, located just minutes away. This is not a simple museum; it's a world-class tribute to human ingenuity. Standing beneath the colossal Saturn V rocket, the most powerful ever built, is a genuinely humbling experience. The Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit is equally profound, offering an up-close look at the legendary orbiter. For anyone with even a passing interest in science or history, this is an essential, full-day experience that is unique to this specific port.

Of course, Orlando's theme parks loom large, about a 45- to 60-minute drive inland. A day trip is certainly feasible, but it requires precise planning. You’ll need to choose one park—be it a dive into the magic of Disney or the thrills of Universal—and accept that you'll be on a tight schedule. It’s a fantastic option if a specific park is a must-do, but be prepared for a long, high-energy day with significant travel time.

For a more relaxed alternative, embrace the local 'Space Coast' culture. Nearby Cocoa Beach offers a classic Florida beach town vibe, complete with the iconic Ron Jon Surf Shop. For nature lovers, a guided kayak tour through the Banana River or Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge can reveal manatees and diverse birdlife, offering a peaceful counterpoint to the region's high-tech attractions.

Coco Cay, Bahamas

Let's be clear: Coco Cay is not a port for cultural immersion; it's a private island meticulously engineered for a perfect day of sun and fun. Think of it as a high-end water park and beach club rolled into one, accessible right off the ship. The island is divided into distinct zones, from the high-energy Thrill Waterpark with its impressive slides to the sprawling Oasis Lagoon, one of the largest freshwater pools in the Caribbean.

For those seeking relaxation, several white-sand beaches offer a classic tropical escape. If you're looking for a more exclusive, serene experience, the Coco Beach Club provides a quieter atmosphere with an infinity pool and overwater cabanas, available for an additional fee. While you won't find local markets or historical sites here, Coco Cay delivers exactly what it promises: a seamless, high-quality day of resort-style leisure and aquatic adventure.

Nassau, Bahamas

Nassau is a bustling hub, and your best day here requires a plan to navigate beyond the immediate, often-crowded port area. While it has its share of tourist traps, genuine Bahamian character is well within reach for those who know where to look.

For a dose of history, a short walk leads to the Queen's Staircase, a remarkable 66-step passage carved from solid limestone by enslaved people in the 18th century. It ascends to Fort Fincastle, which offers commanding views of the island. For a more refined local taste, the John Watling's Distillery on the historic Buena Vista Estate offers tours and tastings in a setting far removed from the downtown hustle.

If a classic beach day is your priority, we advise looking beyond the nearest options. A taxi to the quieter sands of Cable Beach or, for a more curated experience, a day pass to one of the major resorts on Paradise Island will provide the tranquil, turquoise-water escape you envision. These passes grant access to pristine private beaches and high-quality amenities, turning a potentially hectic port day into a truly relaxing one.

For the most authentic local flavor, take a taxi to Arawak Cay (known as 'The Fish Fry'). This is where Bahamians go for fresh conch salad, fried snapper, and a vibrant, casual atmosphere. It’s a world away from the port-side buffets and offers a true taste of the islands.

Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas

COMPETITIVE PRICING PROMISE: We Will Beat or Match the Cruise Line’s Fares and Promotional Offers. *

Prices below are for the full cruise including meals and evening entertainment

Balcony

Oceanview with Large Balcony (2C)
Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, sitting area with sofa, full bathroom and private balcony. Stateroom: 182 sq. ft. Balcony: 80 sq. ft.

1,507.41
per person

Price above includes Taxes.

Call: 800-422-0711
and we'll find the best value for you.

Boardwalk View with Balcony (2I)
Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, boardwalk view balcony, sitting area, and a private bathroom. Stateroom: 182 sq. ft. Balcony: 52 sq. ft.

1,133.41
per person

Price above includes Taxes.

Call: 800-422-0711
and we'll find the best value for you.

Central Park View with Balcony (2J)
Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, boardwalk view balcony, sitting area, and a private bathroom. Stateroom: 182 sq. ft. Balcony: 52 sq. ft.

1,233.41
per person

Price above includes Taxes.

Call: 800-422-0711
and we'll find the best value for you.

Balcony Ultra Spacious Oceanview with Large Balcony (1A)
Two twin beds that convert to Royal King. Sofa converts to double, two Pullman beds, private bathroom and sitting area. Stateroom: 271 sq. ft. Balcony: 82 sq. ft.

Call
800-422-0711
for Pricing

Balcony Oceanview with Large Balcony (1C)
Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, sitting area with sofa, full bathroom and private balcony. Stateroom: 182 sq. ft. Balcony: 80 sq. ft.

Call
800-422-0711
for Pricing

Balcony Oceanview with Balcony (1D)
Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, sitting area with sofa, full bathroom and private balcony. Stateroom: 182 sq. ft. Balcony: 50 sq. ft.

Call
800-422-0711
for Pricing

Balcony Boardwalk View with Balcony (1I)
Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, boardwalk view balcony, sitting area, and a private bathroom. Stateroom: 182 sq. ft. Balcony: 52 sq. ft.

Call
800-422-0711
for Pricing

Balcony Central Park View with Balcony (1J)
Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, boardwalk view balcony, sitting area, and a private bathroom. Stateroom: 182 sq. ft. Balcony: 52 sq. ft.

Call
800-422-0711
for Pricing

Balcony Oceanview with Balcony (2D)
Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, sitting area with sofa, full bathroom and private balcony. Stateroom: 182 sq. ft. Balcony: 50 sq. ft.

Call
800-422-0711
for Pricing

Balcony Oceanview with Balcony (3D)
Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, sitting area with sofa, full bathroom and private balcony.
Stateroom: 182 sq. ft. Balcony: 50 sq. ft.

Call
800-422-0711
for Pricing

Balcony Oceanview with Balcony (4D)
Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, sitting area with sofa, full bathroom and private balcony. Stateroom: 182 sq. ft. Balcony: 50 sq. ft.

Call
800-422-0711
for Pricing

Balcony Boardwalk View with Balcony (4I)
Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, boardwalk view balcony, sitting area, and a private bathroom. Stateroom: 182 sq. ft. Balcony: 52 sq. ft.

Call
800-422-0711
for Pricing

Balcony Oceanview with Balcony (5D)
Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, sitting area with sofa, full bathroom and private balcony. Stateroom: 182 sq. ft. Balcony: 50 sq. ft.

Call
800-422-0711
for Pricing

Balcony Oceanview with Balcony (6D)
Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, sitting area with sofa, full bathroom and private balcony. Stateroom: 182 sq. ft. Balcony: 50 sq. ft.

Call
800-422-0711
for Pricing

Balcony Oceanview with Balcony (7D)
Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, sitting area with sofa, full bathroom and private balcony. Stateroom: 182 sq. ft. Balcony: 50 sq. ft.

Call
800-422-0711
for Pricing

Balcony Oceanview with Balcony (8D)
Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, sitting area with sofa, full bathroom and private balcony.
Stateroom: 182 sq. ft. Balcony: 50 sq. ft.

Call
800-422-0711
for Pricing

Outside

Oceanview Stateroom (2N)
Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, private bathroom and sitting area. Stateroom: 179 sq. ft.

1,173.41
per person

Price above includes Taxes.

Call: 800-422-0711
and we'll find the best value for you.

Outside Ultra Spacious Oceanview (1K)
The Ultra Spacious Oceanview is a high-deck large Ocean View room which is great for families. Curtained nook with bunk bed, sitting area with sofa bed, walk-in closet, and bathroom. 271 sq. ft.

Most Category 1K Staterooms have two porthole windows, but some are front-facing and have an angled window instead (not pictured).

Call
800-422-0711
for Pricing

Outside Oceanview Stateroom (1N)
Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, private bathroom and sitting area. Stateroom: 179 sq. ft.

Call
800-422-0711
for Pricing

Outside Oceanview Stateroom (4N)
Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, private bathroom and sitting area.
Stateroom: 179 sq. ft.

NOTE: Most 4N Staterooms are front-facing and have an angled window (not pictured), though some do have the porthole window pictured.

Call
800-422-0711
for Pricing

Outside Oceanview Stateroom (6N)
Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, private bathroom and sitting area. Stateroom: 179 sq. ft.

Call
800-422-0711
for Pricing

Inside Spacious Interior (1R)
Two twin beds that convert to Royal King. Sofa converts to double, two Pullman beds, private bathroom and sitting area. Stateroom: 260 sq. ft.