Facing the Hard Moments: Tools for Navigating Conflict and Complexity in Serious Illness

Monday, May 19, 2026
8:00 AM – 4 PM
Registration begins at 7:30 AM

Taylor Conference Center
Westchester Medical Center: Valhalla Campus

Join the WMCHealth Palliative Medicine Section and the Department of Nursing Education for an interdisciplinary, skills-focused day of learning.

Caring for patients with serious illness often means stepping into moments of uncertainty, conflict and emotional intensity. This symposium brings together leading clinicians and educators to equip you with practical tools, evidence-based strategies, and deeper insights to better face these hard moments.

• De-escalating conflict with angry and upset patients
• Mindfulness-based strategies to reduce burnout
• Navigating complexities of the Family Health Care Decisions Act (FHCDA)
• Managing patients with complex needs (examples: undocumented, OPWDD, or incarcerated)
• Addressing behavioral disturbances in dementia
• Caring for patients with personality disorders and serious illness
• Talking to young children of seriously ill patients
• Communication strategies for introducing hospice care
• Balancing spiritual beliefs with medical facts

All disciplines are welcome to attend, including physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, social workers and other clinical providers.

6.5 CEUs will be available.

Register through SymplrLearning

Access your SymplrLearning account and search for “Facing the Hard Moments: Tools for Navigating Conflict and Complexity in Serious Illness” to register.