NURS-6003 Module 6: Discussion EXAMINING NURSING SPECIALTIES
BY DAY 3 OF WEEK 10
Post an explanation of your choice of a nursing specialty within the program. Describe any difficulties you had (or are having) in making your choice, and the factors that drove/are driving your decision. Identify at least one professional organization affiliated with your chosen specialty and provide details on becoming a member.
BY DAY 6 OF WEEK 10
Respond to at least two of your colleagues’ posts by sharing your thoughts on their specialty, supporting their choice or offering suggestions if they have yet to choose. NURS-6003 Module 6: Discussion EXAMINING NURSING SPECIALTIES
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Discussion Post Module 6
The program for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNP) is a special area of nursing. It’s all about caring for people with mental health problems (Abram et al., 2020). This program helps nurses learn a lot about mental health care. It’s really important because mental health issues are very common in the United States (Chapman et al., 2019). So, PMHNP nurses can give really good care to their patients. Plus, the program is approved by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). This means graduates are qualified to work as nurses in the United States.
Choosing which nursing area to focus on was hard for me. There are so many choices! I looked at different programs and decided the PMHNP program was the best fit. Finding someone to guide me through this decision was tough. But, what made me choose PMHNP was thinking about my grandma. She’s a psychiatric nurse, and I want to care for people just like she did for me.
The American Nurses Association (ANA) is linked with the PMHNP program. If I join ANA, I can get access to lots of helpful stuff like resources and chances to meet other nurses (Wesemann & Handrup, 2022). It also helps me stay updated on nursing rules and what’s new in the field. Another group, the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA), is also connected to PMHNP. Being part of APNA would teach me more about psychiatric nursing and give me resources to help with my job. This means I can take better care of my patients.
References
Abram, M. D., White, J. H., & Jacobowitz, W. (2020). Developing an Innovative Psychiatric-mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program to meet Current mental Health Needs. Journal of the New York State Nurses Association, 47(2), 18-25.
Chapman, S. A., Toretsky, C., & Phoenix, B. J. (2019). Enhancing psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner practice: impact of state scope of practice regulations. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 10(1), 35-43.
Wesemann, D. E., & Handrup, C. (2022). Where is the psychotherapy content in PMHNP programs?. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care, 58(3), 1077-1081.
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Collapse SubdiscussionPamela Jean May Hi there, Amy! It’s great to connect with someone sharing the same nursing path. Making decisions in this field can be tough, right? Jacobsen (n.d.) mentioned six main types of nurse practitioner specialties, and PMHNP is one of them. The opportunities for nurses aiming to advance their practice are huge. I think a big part of this is thanks to the Affordable Care Act. Since then, the demand for mid-level providers has really shot up.
As I was looking into professional organizations to join as a student in a PMHNP certificate program and future PMHNP, I came across one that might interest you too. It’s called the International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses (ISPN). ISPN (n.d.) has a global mission to support advanced practice nurses in mental health nursing. They seem to offer lots of educational chances and a way to connect with others sharing the same goals.
Wishing you all the best on your journey! I’m sure your grandma is super proud of you. Having her as a mentor is truly wonderful!
References
International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses. (n.d.). About ISPN. Retrieved from https://ispn.memberclicks.net/about-ispn
Jacobsen, L. (n.d.). 14 popular types of nurse practitioner specialties and sub-specialties. Retrieved from https://www.nursingprocess.org/types-of-nurse-practitioner-specialties.html
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Collapse SubdiscussionJeffy Jess Joseph Hi Amy, I really enjoyed reading your message.
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is a highly skilled nurse who’s trained to provide a wide range of mental health services to patients and their families in various settings. These nurses diagnose mental health conditions, provide therapy, and prescribe medications for patients dealing with psychiatric disorders, brain disorders, or substance abuse (Abram & Forbes, 2019). They’re authorized to offer emergency psychiatric care, conduct detailed assessments of patients’ mental and physical health, create and manage treatment plans, and provide ongoing patient care (Abram & Forbes, 2019). Additionally, they may act as consultants or educators for both families and healthcare staff.
Being a member of the American Nurses Association (ANA) offers numerous benefits. It provides access to exceptional professional development opportunities, the latest nursing updates, and support from nurses nationwide (Powers et al., 2020). The ANA advocates for nursing interests at both state and federal levels by providing free resources for development, webinars, discounts on continuing education, certification, publications, and more. Plus, it facilitates networking with Registered Nurses (RN) for guidance and support.
References
Abram, M. D., & Forbes, M. O. (2019). High-Fidelity Simulation: An application to psychopharmacological training for the psychiatric nurse practitioner student. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 40(3), 260–267. https://doi.org/10.1080/01612840.2018.1519621
Powers, M. A., Bardsley, J. K., Cypress, M., Funnell, M. M., Harms, D., Hess-Fischl, A., Hooks, B., Isaacs, D., Mandel, E. D., Maryniuk, M. D., Norton, A., Rinker, J., Siminerio, L. M., & Uelmen, S. (2020). Diabetes self-management education and support in adults with type 2 diabetes: A consensus report of the American Diabetes Association, the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of PAS, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and the American Pharmacists Association. Diabetes Care, 43(7), 1636–1649. https://doi.org/10.2337/dci20-0023
Collapse SubdiscussionJessica Naber Amy, thank you so much for sharing! I agree with you entirely that it is a difficult decision to figure out specialty because there are so many options. Nursing is so diverse! I think your motivation for choosing PMHNP (your grandmother) is an excellent rationale, and I think that motivator will help you to be successful!
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Collapse SubdiscussionZheman Guly Module 6 Discussion Response
I see that you’re aiming to specialize as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). As you pursue this path, you might need to undergo the ANCC board certification, which is essential for practicing psychiatric nursing. It’s a bold choice considering the challenges involved in the scope of practice. Your grandmother likely excelled in her role as a psychiatric nurse, and I hope you find success too. Working with mental health patients requires specific skills and collaboration is key. However, the scope of practice can vary depending on the institution or state. PMHNPs typically handle various responsibilities, including diagnosis, therapy, and medication prescription for patients with psychiatric or brain disorders, or substance abuse issues. They’re also authorized to provide emergency psychiatric care, conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, and offer ongoing patient care. As you aim to continue your grandmother’s legacy, I wish you all the best and encourage you to join professional organizations. They can help you contribute positively to the field while benefiting from valuable membership resources (Echevarria, 2018).
References
Echevarria, I. (2018, Dec). Make connections by joining a professional nursing organization. Nursing, 48(12), 35-38. Retrieved from https://journals.lww.com/nursing/Fulltext/2018/12000/Make_connections_by_joining_a_professional_nursing.12.aspxLinks to an external site.
Program: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Walden University – Acalog ACMSTM. (n.d.). Catalog.waldenu.edu. Retrieved January 31, 2023, from https://catalog.waldenu.edu/preview_program.php?
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Collapse SubdiscussionYanet Medina Hello Amy, great post !
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this week’s discussion about nursing specialties. Psychiatry and mental health indeed stand out as fascinating and often overlooked areas in both nursing and medicine. Psychiatry education provides learners with valuable insights into emotional, behavioral, and mental disorders and their impact on patients’ lives (Du et al., 2020).
There are numerous professional organizations offering various opportunities for psychiatric nurses to engage with. In addition to the insights you provided, The Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses is a noteworthy option. Headquartered in Washington, this association consists of members dedicated to enhancing their psychiatric practice, connecting with fellow psychiatric nurses worldwide, and advancing psychiatry as a nursing specialty overall (Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses, 2020).
For MSN students specializing in Psychiatry and Mental Health, joining as student members could be highly beneficial for professional development, career advancement, and networking opportunities. Your contributions to the discussion were excellent, and I appreciate your insights.
References
Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses [Internet]. Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses. 2020. Available from: https://www.aappn.org/
Du, M. L., Deng, W. X., Sun, W., Chien, C. W., Tung, T. H., & Zou, X. C. (2020). Assessment of mental health among nursing staff at different levels. Medicine, 99(6). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7015557/
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Collapse SubdiscussionJoshua Allen Stephens Hi Amy,
I am also Pursuing a degree in the PMHNP program. I also struggled, like I’m sure many others, in deciding on which program to go into. I feel like mental health in this country is a huge issue; it is often not given the priority it should until something tragic happens. I think it Is great that you’re following in your grandmother’s footsteps by working in mental health. Good luck with your schooling.
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Collapse SubdiscussionClaire Nancie Lubin Amy, thank you for sharing your aspirations. I think it’s admirable that you’re motivated to carry on your grandmother’s legacy. Nursing offers a vast array of specialties, and in my view, pursuing the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) path is incredibly rewarding. PMHNPs have the flexibility to practice in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, outpatient facilities, clinics, schools, and even criminal justice facilities.
One of the reasons I chose this specialty is the shortage of mental health care providers in my community. Many patients turn to their primary care providers for mental health services, but often, these providers may not have the specialized training needed to address complex behavioral health needs. As Birch et al. (2021) noted, around 70% of primary care visits involve psychosocial concerns, highlighting the importance of having mental health specialists available to provide more efficient care.
Additionally, I see the growing need for mental health care providers as another compelling reason to pursue this specialty. Delany & Vanderhoef (2019) pointed out the predicted shortage of psychiatrists, making the presence of PMHNPs even more crucial. With their specialized training, PMHNPs are well-equipped to provide mental health services to individuals with a wide range of mental illnesses, helping to bridge the gap in mental health care provision.
References
Birch, K., Ling, A., & Phoenix, B. (2021). Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners as Leaders in Behavioral Health Integration. Journal of Nurse Practice 17(1), 112-115. doi: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2020.09.001. Epub 2020 Sep 30. PMID: 33013243; PMCID: PMC7525267.
Delaney, K. R., & Vanderhoef, D. (2019). The Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Workforce: Charting the Future. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association 25(1):11-18. doi:10.1177/1078390318806571Links to an external site.
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Collapse SubdiscussionMeagan Jones Claire, I really enjoyed reading your post, and I find many similarities with my own journey, especially as a Nurse Practitioner in a different specialty who’s returning for additional certification. Currently, I practice as an Adult Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP), but I’ve decided to go back after three years to pursue a post-certificate in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).
PMHNPs who hold additional certification in another NP population, like family, adult-gerontology, pediatric, or women’s health, have a significant advantage. They possess a deep understanding of treating individuals with complex physical and mental conditions (Mangano et al., 2020). In my daily practice, I’ve observed the challenge of providing patients, especially in low socioeconomic areas, with the resources they need to address their mental health issues, despite addressing their overall health picture comprehensively.
As NPs, we often refer patients to psychiatry for assistance, only to find that they struggle to access the help they require. One thing I’ve learned is that as an NP, I have the opportunity to spend more time with my patients, allowing for a more personal approach as I address all aspects of their care. Psychotherapy appears to be a crucial aspect of mental health interventions that is often lacking, possibly due to the stigma surrounding mental health or the limited availability of therapists and counselors in certain areas.
Individuals with mental illnesses often have concurrent medical conditions, and the causes can be intertwined, making it challenging to find solutions solely through medication. Psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are skilled in providing both psychotropic medications and psychotherapy. We are fully capable of performing psychotherapy (Wesemann, 2019), allowing us to step in and fill the gap in mental health care provision.
References
Mangano, E., Gonzalez, Y., & Kverno, K. S. (2020). Challenges Faced by New Psychiatric–Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Prescribers. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing & Mental Health Services, 58(10), 7-11. https://doi.org/10.3928/02793695-20200915-01Links to an external site.
Wesemann, D. (2019). Maximizing the use of psychotherapy with PMHNP: Nurse Leader, 17(6), 537–541. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mnl.2019.09.013
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Collapse SubdiscussionShantae Smith Hello Amy,
Thank you for your insightful contribution. I fully agree with you that mental health issues have become increasingly prevalent, especially with the impact of the recent COVID-19 pandemic. As highlighted by Wu et al. (2021), the pandemic has significantly contributed to a rise in mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorders, among others.
Despite the growing need for mental health services, there remains a shortage of mental health providers across the country. Mongeli et al. (2020) support this notion, particularly emphasizing the challenges faced by certain populations, such as Americans in rural areas and other disenfranchised communities, in accessing mental health care.
Given these circumstances, specializing in mental health care is indeed a wise decision. It presents an opportunity to contribute to addressing the pressing need for mental health services in communities where there is a genuine demand. Additionally, I agree with your observation about the scarcity of mentors in the field of mental health care. Unlike other specialties, finding a mentor or preceptor in mental health care can be quite challenging due to the shortage of practitioners in this area. This highlights the importance of establishing support systems and networks within the mental health community to facilitate learning and professional development.
References
Mongelli, F., Georgakopoulos, P., & Pato, M. T. (2020). Challenges and opportunities to meet the mental health needs of underserved and disenfranchised populations in the United States. Focus, 18(1), 16-24.
Wu, T., Jia, X., Shi, H., Niu, J., Yin, X., Xie, J., & Wang, X. (2021). Prevalence of mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of affective disorders, 281, 91-98.
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Collapse SubdiscussionYanet Medina Choice of Nursing Specialty
The nursing profession offers a wide array of programs for individuals to specialize in and become nurse practitioners. Selecting a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) specialty was definitely a challenging process for me, requiring careful consideration of each option. Ultimately, I found that the MSN Psychiatry and Mental Illnesses program was the perfect fit for several reasons.
Psychiatry is undeniably fascinating as it provides learners with in-depth knowledge of emotional, behavioral, and mental disorders, shedding light on how these conditions impact patients’ lives (Du et al., 2020). Moreover, the program equips students with essential skills in assessing, diagnosing, and treating various mental illnesses, aiming to restore patients’ mental well-being.
Additionally, there exists a significant global lack of awareness in the field of psychiatry (Mongelli et al., 2020). By pursuing this specialty, I believe I can play a role in raising awareness and advocating for individuals to seek mental health services. As highlighted by Saha et al. (2019), raising awareness is crucial, especially considering the substantial increase in the burden of mental illness over the past decade.
Difficulties I had Chosen the Specialty and what Drove Me to My Choice
Walden University offers several prestigious MSN programs that allow its students to choose their desired specialty. These numerous worthy options made it substantially hard to choose one. I also became interested in other specialties, particularly adult gerontology acute care and public health. All these options are equally interesting and substantially pose a challenge when choosing the specialty. Eventually, I chose psychiatry and mental health since I liked the field and there are numerous new things to explore. Additionally, it will be my opportunity to impact society.
Professional Affiliate Chosen
The Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses is a Washington-based professional body for psychiatric nurses. It comprises members who desire primarily to improve their practice, connect with other psychiatric nurses and advocate for psychiatry and mental illnesses as a specialty. It serves the members and professional community through connection, education, career cultivation, and advocacy (Home-Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses, 2020). As an MSN Psychiatry ad mental illnesses student, student membership will be the best option to guarantee my knowledge, skills, and connection with other psychiatric nurses.
References
Du, M. L., Deng, W. X., Sun, W., Chien, C. W., Tung, T. H., & Zou, X. C. (2020). Assessment of mental health among nursing staff at different levels. Medicine, 99(6). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7015557/
Home – Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses. (2020, April). Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses. https://www.aappn.org/
Mongelli, F., Georgakopoulos, P., & Pato, M. T. (2020). Challenges and opportunities to meet the mental health needs of underserved and disenfranchised populations in the United States. Focus, 18(1), 16-24. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7011222/
Saha, K., Torous, J., Ernala, S. K., Rizuto, C., Stafford, A., & De Choudhury, M. (2019). A computational study of mental health awareness campaigns on social media. Translational Behavioral Medicine, 9(6), 1197-1207. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6875652/
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Collapse SubdiscussionPamela Jean May Hello Yanet, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this week’s topic, particularly regarding your decision to pursue the specialty of psychiatric-mental health in advanced practice nursing. I also resonate with your choice, as it’s the specialty I’ve chosen as well. Indeed, there are numerous areas within nursing to consider, and like you, I was drawn to this field for various reasons.
The desire to raise awareness, as you mentioned, is certainly one of my driving forces too. Radfar et al. (2021) have highlighted how the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in mental health-related issues, compounding the challenges already faced by our struggling mental health system. In my own nursing practice, both during and after the pandemic, I’ve observed a surge in mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. These issues existed before the pandemic, and the specialized care needed to address them was already insufficient for various reasons. However, I believe that the pandemic has exacerbated these issues exponentially.
I share your hope that more nurses will feel drawn to the field of mental health as they advance their careers. According to the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) (2019), a significant percentage of individuals in need of mental health and substance abuse treatment do not receive it. This highlights the urgent need for more mental health providers to help address this disparity.
Best wishes to you as well! It’s encouraging to know that there are others who share our commitment to improving mental health care.
References
American Psychiatric Nurse’s Association. (2019). Expanding mental health care services in America: The pivotal role of psychiatric-mental health nurses. Retrieved from https://www.apna.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Expanding_Mental_Health_Care_Services_in_America-The_Pivotal_Role_of_Psychiatric-Mental_Health_Nurses_04_19.pdf
Radfar, A., Caceres, M., Sosa, J., & Filip, I. (2021). Overcoming the challenges of the mental health care system in United States in the aftermath of COVID-19. CNS Spectrums, 26(2), 176. https:// doi:10.1017/S1092852920002886
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Collapse SubdiscussionJessica Naber Hi Yanet, and thank you for sharing. I think your point that psychiatry is interesting is a good one, and also the point that there is a lack of awareness of mental health globally. What an opportunity for effecting change and making a difference! It sounds like you understand the burden and want to help with that, and that is truly admirable.
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Collapse SubdiscussionAmy Sprayberry Hello Yanet, I enjoyed reading your post this week. Obtaining a master’s degree in psychiatric mental health nursing will equip my colleague with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide mental health services, especially amidst the increasing prevalence of mental disorders among the population. According to Muench and Fraze (2022), there is a significant burden of mental illness in the United States, with one in five adults living with a mental disorder. With the aging population, more individuals will require care for both age-related comorbidities and their mental health needs.
Advanced education and training in psychiatric mental health nursing will also enable my colleague to collaborate effectively with other members of the healthcare team to deliver holistic care. As noted by Soltis-Jarrett (2020), it is crucial for PMHNPs to work closely with primary care providers, particularly given the significant shortage of psychiatrists over the past two decades and the projected deficits. This collaboration is vital because primary care providers may be hesitant to inquire about substance use or psychiatric symptoms due to the additional time and expertise required for assessment, treatment, and referral. Referrals to specialty care often entail long wait times for patients, posing risks such as worsening symptoms or behaviors and even mortality.
Access to comprehensive healthcare (combining behavioral and physical health) is currently hindered by various factors, including the rapid decline in the number of psychiatrists, especially in rural areas, the marginalization of substance use and mental health disorders in mainstream healthcare, and the lack of education and training in the healthcare workforce regarding these issues.
Professional nursing organizations offer members numerous opportunities, including continuing education, educational resources, and networking activities. Many nurses join these organizations primarily for continuing education and to contribute to the advancement of the profession. Membership fees primarily support the management and operation of professional associations to carry out their daily functions (Cumley et al., 2020).
References
Crumley, C. (2020) The Benefits of Active Engagement in Nursing Professional Organizations: A View From Here. Journal of Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing, 4(6), 547. doi: 10.1097/WON.0000000000000700.
Muench, U., & Fraze, T. K. (2022). The Future of Behavioral Health—Harnessing the Potential of Psychiatric. JAMA Network Open, 5(7), e2224365. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.24365
Soltis- Jarrett, V. (2020). Integrating behavioral health and substance use models for advanced PMHN practice in primary care: Progress made in the 21st century. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 34(5), 363-369. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apnu.2020.07.026Links to an external site.
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Collapse SubdiscussionZulay Lantigua Ruano Hi Yanet,
I want to commend you for your thoughtful and well-informed approach to choosing your nursing specialty. Opting for an MSN in Psychiatry and Mental Health demonstrates your genuine interest and dedication to this field, especially considering the increasing significance of mental health awareness and care. Your decision to specialize in this area is truly admirable, given the rising prevalence of mental illness issues, highlighting the need for specialized care, particularly from nurses who play a vital role in patient care (Hartley et al., 2020).
I also appreciate how you considered other specialties like adult gerontology acute care and public health in your decision-making process, showcasing your versatility and openness to exploring different facets of nursing.
Joining the Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses (AAPPN) is a fantastic step forward, providing you with a platform to connect with fellow professionals, enhance your knowledge, and advocate for the field of psychiatry and mental health (Beck et al., 2020). It’s impressive that you’re prioritizing professional growth by joining this association.
Choosing a nursing specialty can indeed be challenging due to the plethora of options available. Feeling overwhelmed is natural, but it’s wonderful that you’ve found a field that resonates with your passion and beliefs.
I wish you all the best in your MSN program and future career as a psychiatric nurse. With your dedication and hard work, I’m confident that you’ll excel in this field and make a positive impact on society.
References
Beck, A. J., Page, C., Buche, J., & Gaiser, M. (2020). The distribution of advanced practice nurses within the psychiatric workforce. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 26(1), 92–96. https://doi.org/10.1177/1078390319886366Links to an external site.
Hartley, S., Raphael, J., Lovell, K., & Berry, K. (2020). Effective nurse-patient relationships in mental health care: A systematic review of interventions to improve the therapeutic alliance. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 102(103490), 103490. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2019.103490Links to an external site.
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Collapse SubdiscussionJeffy Jess Joseph Hello Yanet, thank you for this post.
PMHNPs provide advanced care in a wide range of settings where mental health needs are treated. PMHNPs have significant impacts on patients facing long-standing disparities in mental health care (Foster et al., 2019). Psychiatric nurse education expands beyond clinical experiences to the policy and social trends affecting communities (Chapman et al., 2019). I chose PMHNP so that I can help create awareness about mental health. I chose this specialty because it will help raise awareness of mental health overall, including mental health disorders, and eliminate the stigma that stubbornly adheres to the notion of seeking mental help. This increase is helping people become more aware of their struggles while encouraging them to seek help (Chapman et al., 2019). The American Psychiatric Nurses Association is the largest national professional society representing psychiatric nurses. APNA is the unifying voice of psychiatric-mental health nursing (Foster et al., 2019). This professional organization is committed to the specialty practice of psychiatric-mental health nursing, health, and wellness promotion through the identification of mental health issues, prevention of mental health problems, and the care and treatment of persons with psychiatric disorders.
References
Chapman, S. A., Toretsky, C., & Phoenix, B. J. (2019). Enhancing psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner practice: Impact of state scope of practice regulations. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 10(1), 35–43. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(19)30081-x
Foster, K., Roche, M., Giandinoto, J. A., & Furness, T. (2019). Workplace stressors, psychological well‐being, resilience, and caring behaviors of Mental Health Nurses: A descriptive correlational study. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 29(1), 56–68. https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.12610
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Collapse SubdiscussionCindy Larsen Hi Yanet,
I agree with you that there is a global lack of awareness within mental health. There is a lot of stigma around mental health as well. Stigma results when individuals associate differences within one another with negative stereotypes and by labeling and separating from those with such differences (Herrera et al, 2023). Discrimination due to this stigma is another issue to deal with. There are now aims to reduce stigma such as stigma programs that use social marketing, public service announcements, and through education (Roe, Lysaker, & Yanos, 2014). There are so many things that can effect your mental health. Understanding that mental illness is just like getting sick but in the mind is important and we all deal with it at some point in our lives and it too is a part of the human condition (Morehead, 2021).
Herrera, S. N., Larsen, E. M., Deluca, J. S., Crump, F. M., Grivel, M., Blasco, D., Bryant, C., Shapiro, D. I., Downing, D., Girgis, R. R., Brucato, G., Huang, D., Kufert, Y., Verdi, M., West, M. L., Seidman, L. J., Link, B. G., McFarlane, W. R., Woodberry, K. A., … Corcoran, C. M. (2023). The association between mental health stigma and face emotion recognition in individuals at risk for psychosis. Stigma and Health, 8(1), 31–39. https://doi.org/10.1037/sah0000379Links to an external site.
Morehead, D. B. (2021). Science Over Stigma : Education and Advocacy for Mental Health. American Psychiatric Association Publishing.
Roe, D., Lysaker, P. H., & Yanos, P. T. (2014). Overcoming stigma. In The stigma of disease and disability: Understanding causes and overcoming injustices. (pp. 269–282). American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/14297-014
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Collapse SubdiscussionShantae Smith Hello Yanet,
Thank you for your insightful discussion. Indeed, a professional portfolio is essential in highlighting the skills and expertise that one has gathered throughout the years. One of the benefits of a portfolio is that it tracks one’s proficiencies (Madden et al., 2019). When a student develops a portfolio, they can determine their strengths. A student can also determine areas of deficiencies or where to improve upon. This can guide the steps that a student takes to improve one’s portfolio. Regarding specific steps that a student that can take to improve their portfolio I would like to add the importance of volunteering to provide healthcare services to diverse populations. For instance, a nursing student can volunteer in the community clinics. This offers the student an opportunity to gain skills and experience in healthcare delivery to diverse populations (Carey & Kies, 2022). Students can also improve their portfolio through undertaking certification programs to garner various skills in healthcare delivery.
References
Carey, S. K., & Kies, J. M. (2022). Unexpected Learning Opportunities for Nursing Students. AJN The American Journal of Nursing, 122(1), 44-47.
Madden, K., Collins, E., & Lander, P. (2019). Nursing Students’ Perspectives on ePortfolios: Themes and Preferences Compared with Paper-Based Experiences. International Journal of ePortfolio, 9(2), 87-96.
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Collapse SubdiscussionClaire Nancie Lubin Hello Yanet,
Thank you for your insightful post. I’m delighted to see that, like me, you’ve chosen the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specialty. I completely agree with your observation about the lack of awareness in the psychiatric field.
The stigma surrounding mental health disorders is indeed a significant barrier to raising awareness and providing adequate care. As highlighted by Coombs et al. (2021), mental healthcare faces unique challenges due to persistent social stigmas and the scarcity of services. Unfortunately, individuals battling mental illness often face judgment and discrimination, which discourages them from seeking help and leaves them untreated. The fear of being treated differently or discriminated against further deters individuals from accessing treatment.
The consequences of untreated mental illness can be severe, potentially leading to disability. Mental health disorders are among the leading causes of disability worldwide, contributing to a significant treatment gap. According to Mongelli et al. (2020), the treatment gap represents the disparity between the number of individuals with mental illness and those who receive care. Shockingly, this gap exceeds 50% in various countries and reaches 90% in low-income countries.
The prevalence of mental health issues in low-income populations was also a driving force behind my decision to specialize in this field. Addressing the treatment gap and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health are crucial steps toward ensuring equitable access to care for all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
Thank you for sharing your perspective, and I look forward to making a positive impact in the field of psychiatric mental health nursing alongside you.
References
Coombs, N. C., Meriwether, W. E., Caringi, J., & Newcomer, S. R. (2021). Barriers to healthcare access among U.S. adults with mental health challenges: A population-based study. SSM – Population Health, 15, 100847. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmph.2021.10084Links to an external site.
Mongelli, F., Georgakopoulos, P., & Pato, M. T. (2020). Challenges and opportunities to meet the mental health needs of underserved and disenfranchised populations in the United States. FOCUS, 18(1), 16- 24. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.focus.20190028Links to an external site.
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Collapse SubdiscussionJeandy Diaz Diaz Gomez Hello Yanet,
I’m glad you enjoyed my post, and thank you for your encouraging words. It’s reassuring to know that there’s a growing demand for nurse practitioners specializing in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing (PMHN), as highlighted by Butryn, Bryant, Marchionni, and Sholevar (2017). This increased demand reflects the growing recognition of the importance of this profession within the US healthcare system.
The normalization of mental health issues in mainstream media, along with the Affordable Care Act’s expanded provisions for treating mental health, has contributed to a greater need for mental health professionals. Conditions such as depression, PTSD, and substance abuse are now more openly discussed, leading to an increased demand for specialized care in these areas.
It’s heartening to see organizations like Walden University supporting the development of future Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. I appreciate your confidence in my abilities, and I’m excited to embark on this journey with their support.
Indeed, the mission of the Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses is commendable. Their dedication to advancing the science and education of psychiatric-mental health nursing, promoting health, wellness, and recovery, underscores the importance of this specialty in providing comprehensive care to individuals with psychiatric disorders (Home-Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses, 2020).
Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. I’m confident that with the support of institutions like Walden University and organizations like Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses, I’ll be able to make a meaningful contribution to the field of psychiatric mental health nursing.
References
Butryn, T., Bryant, L., Marchionni, C., & Sholevar, F. (2017). The shortage of psychiatrists and
other mental health providers: Causes, current state, and potential solutions. International Journal of Academic Medicine, 1.Home – Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses. (2020, April). Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses. https://www.aappn.org/
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Collapse SubdiscussionPamela Jean May Nursing Specialties
Nursing offers a diverse array of opportunities, allowing nurses to specialize in areas that resonate with them personally. This flexibility is actively encouraged within the profession, with various specialties having their own professional organizations that foster growth, development, and networking opportunities. Jacobsen (n.d.) outlines six general nurse practitioner specialties: Adult-gerontology Nurse Practitioner (A-GNP), Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP), Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP). Choosing a specialty can indeed be a challenging decision.
In my own nursing journey, I initially felt drawn to critical care and emergency nursing. However, recent experiences with family, friends, and their families have led me to a newfound passion for mental health nursing. This often-overlooked area of need has become a calling for me. When I decided to pursue advanced practice nursing, the choice to enroll in a PMHNP certificate program was clear. Additionally, I plan to become an FNP, believing that the combination of these two specialties will enhance my clinical skills and enable me to provide comprehensive care.
I am fortunate to have two outstanding mentors who are PMHNPs in their own practices and are also pursuing FNP certificates. Their guidance has been invaluable in my journey.
There are numerous professional organizations for PMHNPs, offering opportunities for networking, continuing education, and advocacy. Of particular interest to me are the Middle Tennessee Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (MTAPRN), affiliated with the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), and the International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses (ISPN). MTAPRN provides local and statewide support for advanced practice nurses, including opportunities for legislative involvement, while ISPN offers global support and resources for mental health nursing professionals, including mentoring programs, webinars, and annual conferences.
Both organizations offer benefits that can greatly enhance the practice of advanced practice nurses interested in psychiatric mental health.
References
International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses. (n.d.). About ISPN. Retrieved from https://ispn.memberclicks.net/about-ispn
Jacobsen, L. (n.d.). 14 popular types of nurse practitioner specialties and sub-specialties. Retrieved from https://www.nursingprocess.org/types-of-nurse-practitioner-specialties.html
Middle Tennessee Advanced Practice Registered Nurses. (n.d.). About us. Retrieved from https://mtaprn.enpnetwork.com/page/37991-about-us
Wiesen, (n.d.). 8 Professional Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Organizations & Associations. Retrieved from https://www.nursingprocess.org/psychiatric-nurse-practitioner-organizations.html
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Collapse SubdiscussionJessica Naber Hi Pamela! Do you feel like those mentors have had a huge impact on your decision and your education? I really like hearing stories of those nurses who inspire others to truly make themselves the best they can be!
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Collapse SubdiscussionPamela Jean May Hi, Dr. Naber. Yes, they most definitely have had a huge impact on my decision!
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Collapse SubdiscussionJessica Naber I have had many who have done the same for me, and I hope we can continue to pay it forward!
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Collapse SubdiscussionYanet Medina Response 2
Hello Pamela, great post,
Thanks for sharing your insights on the discussion examining nursing specialties. The nursing career has several specialties that a student can choose to venture into depending on their interests. Among these options, MSN psychiatry mental health is one of the most exciting specialties that one can venture into. Psychiatry and mental health equip the learner with vital skills, competence, and knowledge about mental health and behavioral disorders and how to manage them accordingly (Mongeli et al., 2020). Numerous affiliate bodies for psychiatric patients are available, giving its members numerous opportunities to develop career-wise. In addition to your input, the Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses is a reliable option. It serves the members and professional community through connection, education, career cultivation, and advocacy (Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses, 2020). Student membership for your case would be pertinent to enhancing your professional connections, career growth, and competence. Your discussion was well done.
References
Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses [Internet]. Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses. 2020. Available from: https://www.aappn.org/
Mongelli, F., Georgakopoulos, P., & Pato, M. T. (2020). Challenges and opportunities to meet the mental health needs of underserved and disenfranchised populations in the United States. Focus, 18(1), 16-24. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7011222/
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Collapse SubdiscussionAnna Sheba Thomas Response 2
Hello Pamela, Since I could so strongly identify to what you wrote, I really loved reading your piece. A critical care nurse wouldn’t even consider a specialty that was outside of our field. However, the tales and experiences we encounter lead us in a route we had never considered before. I truly appreciated the way you included every specialty one may think about pursuing to enhance practice. As you correctly said, FNP and PMHNP work in tandem and complement one another. I’d also think about pursuing FNP certification after obtaining my PMHNP. It may be a fantastic opportunity for us to fill the gap given the dearth of this specialty service. PMHNPs are in the best possible position to satisfy the demand and meet the requirement. Due to the deficit, mental health services are frequently delayed and insufficiently accessible to disadvantaged areas. Access to care may be improved with PMHNPs. The National Academy of Medicine and the ANCC agree that PMHNPs should use their entire scope of practice in order to increase access to mental health treatments.
Reference:
Coombs, L. A. (2015). The Growing Nurse Practitioner Workforce in Specialty Care. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 11(9), 907–909. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nurpra.2015.06.014
Wiesen DNP, APRN, FNP-C. 8 Professional Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Organizations. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.nursingprocess.org/psychiatric-nurse-practitioner-organizations.html.
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Collapse SubdiscussionNathan Moise Hello Pamela,
In your post, you have mentioned mentors and I would like to jump on this as well. I have personally interacted with several mentors across my journey in my career. One of the main differences that mentors have made in my life is helping me look at the dilemmas I am facing from different perspectives . For instance, when it comes to a nursing specialty, my mentors pushed me to think beyond what it is I want to do, and instead, to think about the areas that I would make a greater difference in and areas of need. These mentors are important as they have more years of experience in the field and thus, would be better placed to offer practical advice and coaching that will positively impact our decision making (Moss & Jackson, 2019; Venkatesa Perumal & Singh, 2022).
References
Moss, C., & Jackson, J. (2019). Mentoring New Graduate Nurse Practitioners. Neonatal network : NN, 38(3), 151–159. https://doi.org/10.1891/0730-0832.38.3.151
Venkatesa Perumal, R., & Singh, M. D. (2022). Mentorship in nursing in Canada – A scoping review. Nurse education in practice, 65, 103461. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2022.103461
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Collapse SubdiscussionJeandy Diaz Diaz Gomez Hi Pamela,
I enjoyed reading your post and I too can relate with your career choices. I’m a FNP-BC and currently working on obtaining a PMHNP certification . Just like you , I believe these two career paths complement each each other very well due to the many psycho-somatic and vice versa nature of so many illnesses and ailments. Emotional characteristics and processes predict major health outcomes, as do aspects of personal relationships. Article Summaries for Psychosomatic Medicine.(n.d.). provide an overview of theory, methods, and research findings. In this articles, developmental aspects and the importance of early life events are described as related to the interplay between emotional and social determinants of health and disease. There is a review that concludes with a discussion of common biological foundations of affective and relationship processes, cultural factors in affective and relationship interactions, and implications for intervention research. You mentioned in your post the International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses (ISPN) and after some research I also would like to join that society, it sounds very interesting to me the collaboration between mental health professionals from different cultures and ways of living.
References
Article Summaries for Psychosomatic Medicine.(n.d.). Volume 81, Issue 8. Psychosomatic Medicine 81(8):p 675, October 2019. | DOI: 10.1097/PSY.0000000000000748
International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses. (n.d.). About ISPN. Retrieved from https://ispn.memberclicks.net/about-ispn
Collapse SubdiscussionCindy Larsen Throughout the last couple of years I experienced burnout as a nurse. It started about 5 years ago when I was in the Emergency Room. It was difficult for me to understand what was happening to me and I had a hard time admitting it. I learned that it wasn’t the nursing profession that burned me out however, it was humanity. It took me a lot of time and soul searching to find myself and a love for the nursing profession again. With that being said, for the last few years, I struggled with just being a registered nurse. It wasn’t until the middle of last year that I wanted to further my education and become a nurse practitioner. I initially thought I would do Family Nurse Practitioner but the more I thought about it, I wanted to get into Mental Health. Most of what I don’t understand and find upsetting about patients stems around mental health, theirs and mine. I felt that the greatest thing that I could do for myself as a nurse practitioner is dive into the one thing that I struggle with the most and that is understanding the human mind and behaviors and learning to deal with those difficult behaviors in a more effective way. As far as humanity goes, I decided to treat people how I would like to be treated no matter what, I try to see the good in everyone, I try and stay positive and be thankful for what I am doing and thankful that I have the opportunity to make a difference, and I pray…alot! It is important to know what causes burnout and measures to prevent it which includes continuing education on burnout and interventions for building resilience (Taranu et al., 2022).
One organization that I plan on becoming a member of is the American Nurses Association (ANA). As a premier organization who represents 4 million nurses and their interests, they are committed to advancing leadership standards and career development (O’Neill et al., 2020). I feel that I will be able to keep up to date with the nursing education, be a part of making a difference and changing the profession for the better, and stay up to date with policies and trends in nursing.
O’Neill Hewlett, P., Santolla, J., & Devi Persaud, S. (2020). Investing in Nursing’s Future: Mentoring across the profession. AJN American Journal of Nursing, 120(8), 58–63. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.naj.0000694592.98888.10Links to an external site.
Taranu, S. M., Ilie, A. C., Turcu, A.-M., Stefaniu, R., Sandu, I. A., Pislaru, A. I., Alexa, I. D., Sandu, C. A., Rotaru, T.-S., & Alexa-Stratulat, T. (2022). Factors Associated with Burnout in Healthcare Professionals. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(22). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192214701
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Collapse SubdiscussionJessica Naber Cindy–I think you make an excellent point here that most of what you don’t understand and you find upsetting about patients stems around mental health. You also said you struggle with understanding the human mind and behaviors, and I think that goes for all of us. I appreciate your honesty and humility in exploring this, as well as you mentioning prayer as a method of dealing with frustration and making a difference. Thank you for sharing!
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Collapse SubdiscussionAmy Sprayberry I agree with you that burnout is a common issue in the emergency room. It is often hard work and stress that lead to this condition, but there are ways to combat it. One way to combat burnout for a nurse is to have regular breaks in the work schedule. This allows nurses to step away from their work for a little bit and recharge their batteries, which will help them stay productive and motivated. Additionally, it is important to have a positive work environment. This means that the staff members are treated with respect and given opportunities to grow their skills (Waddill-Goad, 2019). Lastly, it is important to take care of oneself both physically and mentally. This means getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising. By taking these steps, nurses can help prevent burnout from happening and maintain a productive work environment. According to Dall’Ora et al. (2020), burnout is one of the leading causes of workforce turnover. If we can help prevent it from happening in the first place, we will be able to keep our emergency rooms healthy and productive.
However, when nurses experience burnout, they should stay positive and seek out help. There are many resources available to nurses, and they should look for guidance from their supervisors or other healthcare professionals before feeling too overwhelmed. In your case, you stated that you felt like you were “tired all the time.” This may be a sign that you are experiencing burnout. You should have talked with the supervisor for a day or two off and this could have helped you recharge your batteries and feel more motivated to return to work. Additionally, you may want to try some self-care strategies, such as getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising. I really enjoyed reading your post as it was not only interesting but also informative.
References
Dall’Ora, C., Ball, J., Reinius, M., & Griffiths, P. (2020). Burnout in nursing: a theoretical review. Human resources for health, 18, 1-17.
Waddill-Goad, S. M. (2019). Stress, fatigue, and burnout in nursing. Journal of Radiology Nursing, 38(1), 44-46.
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Collapse SubdiscussionJoshua Allen Stephens Hi Cindy,
I have talked to many of my colleagues and seen a lot of posts online about burnout over the last few years, and it’s real. I think one of the most important things we can do as nurses and as future mental health professionals is to take care of our own mental health issues. A lot of my fellow workers became burnout due to COVID and the extraordinary amount of hours that we work during that time, I think we all need a break.
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Collapse SubdiscussionNicole Scott Cindy, I totally agree with you in regard to a lot of your discussion post. Nursing is a hard job just by itself without feeling the burden of everyone and everything. It took me many years telling myself that I didn’t want to go back to school. I have seen in the pediatric practice I work for, the struggles of so many children. That is when I decided that I could do more than just placing orders and triage phone calls. I knew I wanted to know more of the mind and learning how to deal with difficult behaviors, like you said. And like you, I am happy to be able to make a difference in this world.
Mental health is important for everyone. If as adults we can’t control ourselves, how are we to help our kids? I am sure an advocate for mental health in children.
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Collapse SubdiscussionJeffy Jess Joseph NURS 6003-Module 6 Discussion
I have a strong interest in becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I’ve spent a lot of time researching and talking to experienced people in this field. It’s a great way to really help people who need it. I’ve had some doubts because it’s a big responsibility and can be complicated. But I believe I can care for and support my patients while using proven treatments.
Choosing to specialize in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner has been tough because there are so many exciting nursing jobs out there. But I think this one fits me best because of my skills and what I enjoy doing. I’ve always been interested in mental health, and I want to help people directly who are dealing with mental illness. I’ve seen how much it can affect someone’s life, and I want to make a difference.
I also like the idea of working with both kids and adults, so this specialty lets me do that. I found a group, the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA), that supports this kind of nursing. Joining APNA means I can learn more, do research, and connect with other Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. They advocate for psychiatric nursing and offer resources and support.
Signing up for APNA was easy. I just had to go on their website and pay a fee. I’m excited to join and keep growing in this field.
References
Cleary, M., West, S., Arthur, D., & Kornhaber, R. (2019). Change management in Health Care and Mental Health Nursing. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 40(11), 966–972. https://doi.org/10.1080/01612840.2019.1609633
Cranage, K., & Foster, K. (2022). Mental Health Nurses’ experience of challenging workplace situations: A qualitative descriptive study. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 31(3), 665–676. https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.12986
Foster, K., Roche, M., Delgado, C., Cuzzillo, C., Giandinoto, J.-A., & Furness, T. (2018). Resilience and Mental Health Nursing: An Integrative Review of International Literature. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 28(1), 71–85. https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.12548
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Collapse SubdiscussionSarah D Surber Hi Jeffy, first let me commend you on such a decision. I’ve worked in the emergency department for the majority of my career and I feel I’ve dealt with many patients with mental illnesses. I knew it wasn’t the right path for me. I do see such a need for providers, like yourself who are willing to dedicate themselves to such a difficult area. These patients require dedicated professionals to help them through extreme times. I am happy as an emergency nurse to provide that stabilizing care they require and I can be empathetic. I will say I sometimes feel that I become a bit more frustrated because too often these patients are repeatedly in the ED because of failed programs. It seems to be a vicious cycle for some. I know I may not see the good outcomes quite as often.
Just like any other healthcare area, as the U.S. population rises so do the healthcare needs. “In June 2022, the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) reported that 151 million Americans lived in mental health professional shortage areas (Regiscollege.edu, 2023).” Location also clearly plays a role, but that’s, not the only reason. The need for providers is going to continue to rise, but at this time the HRSA is showing the need for practitioners to cover the deficit is currently 7,584 (Regiscollege.edu, 2023).
Many Americans struggled with mental health issues before the Covid pandemic. The added stress of such a change is not only creating new concerns for those already struggling, but also creating mental health and financial concerns for those who have not been struggling. “As the pandemic wears on, it’s likely the mental health burden will increase as measures taken to slow the spread of the virus, such as social distancing, business and school closures, and shelter-in-place orders, lead to greater isolation and potential financial distress (pcdc.org, 2023).” Isolation is too much for some and with our social distancing requirements many could not cope and the suicide rates with Covid escalated. So I just want to say you have chosen a field that is in great need of dedicated professionals like yourself.
What is the psychiatric nurse practitioner’s job outlook? Regis College Online. (2022, August 10). Retrieved February 1, 2023, from https://online.regiscollege.edu/online-masters-degrees/online-master-science-nursing/psychiatric-mental-health-nurse-practitioner/resources/psychiatric-nurse-practitioner-job-outlook/#:~:text=The%20demand%20will%20be%20particularly,mental%20health%20professional%20shortage%20areasLinks to an external site..
Covid-19 and Behavioral Health. Primary Care Development Corporation. (2020, August 21). Retrieved February 1, 2023, from https://www.pcdc.org/covid-19-and-behavioral-health/?creative=587372847111&keyword=covid+and+mental+health&matchtype=e&network=g&device=c&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIp4nFj5z0_AIV2BPUAR0FKw3-EAAYASAAEgJQqfD_BwELinks to an external site.
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Collapse SubdiscussionJeffy Jess Joseph NURS 6003-Module 6 Discussion
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialty has been a long-time passion of mine. After extensive research and networking with experienced professionals in the field, this specialty offers a fantastic opportunity to make a tangible impact on the lives of those in need (Cleary et al., 2019). I have faced some challenges in deciding due to the high level of responsibility and complexity that come with it. However, I am confident in nurturing and supporting my patients while providing evidence-based treatments. Choosing the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialty has been difficult due to the overwhelming number of exciting nursing roles available; however, this specialty best suits my unique credentials and interests within the profession. I have always been drawn to the mental health field, and the opportunity to provide direct services to individuals with a mental illness is what drove my decision. Having seen firsthand the profound impact of mental illness on an individual’s life, I was inspired to dedicate my career to making a difference in the field.
Additionally, I am interested in working with children and adults, so this specialty allows me to expand my scope of practice. However, I eventually decided that the specialization offered me the chance to change people’s lives positively and found an organization that supported this field of practice. One professional organization affiliated with this specialty is the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) (Cranage & Foster, 2022). Becoming a member of APNA provides access to educational resources, research opportunities, and networking with other Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. I am excited to become a member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, which advocates for psychiatric nursing and provides resources, educational opportunities, and other support for practitioners (Foster et al., 2018). After researching further, becoming a member was an easy process, as I just had to register on their website and pay a membership fee, I look forward to joining this professional organization and continuing to advance my career within this field.
References
Cleary, M., West, S., Arthur, D., & Kornhaber, R. (2019). Change management in Health Care and Mental Health Nursing. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 40(11), 966–972. https://doi.org/10.1080/01612840.2019.1609633
Cranage, K., & Foster, K. (2022). Mental Health Nurses’ experience of challenging workplace situations: A qualitative descriptive study. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 31(3), 665–676. https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.12986
Foster, K., Roche, M., Delgado, C., Cuzzillo, C., Giandinoto, J.-A., & Furness, T. (2018). Resilience and Mental Health Nursing: An Integrative Review of International Literature. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 28(1), 71–85. https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.12548
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Collapse SubdiscussionJessica Naber Jeffy, I like how you said that the specialty you chose allows you to change people’s lives positively, and that it suits your interests and allows you to make evidence-based treatments. I think this is very important! You have found something you are passionate about that you can use to truly make a difference. And I appreciate the evidence-based part, as that is what will make your passions, interests, and true change come together.
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Collapse SubdiscussionJessie Nakazwe hello Jeffy,
I enjoyed reading your response to this weeks discussion. PMHNP is also my choice of program, i must say its very impressive to see so many of us venture into PMH given the mental health prover shortage. like you I also like the fact that this program specialty allows us to work individuals of all ages, because as much as making the decision to specialize in mental health was easy, choosing which age group I would like to serve is very hard. I originally wanted to work with adolescents, but after working for the VA I developed an interest in working with veterans, that being said I’m excited and looking forward to learning more about mental health and gaining knowledge that will serve my community.
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Collapse SubdiscussionJessie Nakazwe hello class,
The nursing specialty I chose is PMHNP. I knew I wanted to do something to do with mental health since I gained the most basic knowledge about metal health, and how my community is affected by the scarcity of Mental Health resources. I’m originally from Zambia (Africa), access to PMH knowledge in my community growing up was not accessible to most, in most cases, individuals with mental health problems were thought of as insane or what was called demon possessed and had to go through series of prayers to pray the demons out, which was such a heart breaking scene, this and many other factors influenced my passion to explore more about PMH. Mental health is a vital part of overall health, mental health conditions could increase the risk of many other long lasting health problems. Depression for example, has been proven to increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease and stroke (CDC,2021). After I attained my BSN I was set on getting my PMHNP, I did my research on schools, preceptor sites, jobs in my area and other resources I could find such as family and friends in the same field. I intend on eventually going back to my country to help raise PMH awareness, in the mean time there’s need for mental health awareness in my community here, according to Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021 more than 50% of Americans will be diagnoses with a mental illness at some point in their lifetime.
There are a number of professional organizations affiliated with Psychiatric mental health. I selected American Psychiatric Nurses Associations. APNA is an association that caters to mental health nurses at any level. This organization provides resources, education and dynamic collaboration nurses need to provide care to their mental health clients (APNA, 2023). APNA is also the only psychiatric mental health nursing whose membership is inclusive of all mental health nurses despite of degree type (APNA, 2023). Annual regular membership for this organization is $135.00, active duty military rate is $75.00. In order to become a member, one can either download a membership application form, fill it out and either email to inform@apna.org, mail to the address APNA PO Box 70525 Philadelphia, PA 19176-9943 or fax (855-883-2762). You can also create an online account and fill out an application online which is easier and faster.
References
APNA (2023). Retrieved from: https://www.apna.org/membership/
CDC (2021). Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm
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Collapse SubdiscussionJessica Naber Jessie, thank you for sharing this interesting information. You really bring up some of the worldwide struggles that surround mental health, and it is heartbreaking. I applaud you for wanting to make a difference in this culture.
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Collapse SubdiscussionCindy Larsen Hi Jessie,
Mental health is certainly limited for those in low and middle income countries unfortunately. In some countries, families want to deal with a mental health problem in home due to stigma surrounding mental illness. Older adults who are living in those low and middle income countries, are often the ones lacking financial means and are often the most affected by poor mental health (Giebel et al, 2022). The World Health Organization (WHO) is enacting a Comprehensive Mental Health Action Program which consist of an action plan to promote mental health and well-being for everyone and achieve mental health services and coverage for all in an order to end the mental health treatment gap (Jordans & Kohrt, 2020).
Giebel, C., Shrestha, N., Reilly, S., White, R. G., Zuluaga, M. I., Saldarriaga, G., Liu, G., Allen, D., & Gabbay, M. (2022). Community-based mental health and well-being interventions for older adults in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Geriatrics, 22(1), 773. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-022-03453-1Links to an external site.
Jordans, M. J. D., & Kohrt, B. A. (2020). Scaling up mental health care and psychosocial support in low-resource settings: A roadmap to impact. Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences, 29. https://doi.org/10.1017/S2045796020001018Links to an external site.
WHO (2012) Assessing Mental Health and Psychosocial Needs and Resources: Toolkit for Major Humanitarian Settings. Geneva: World Health Organization.
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Collapse SubdiscussionAnna Sheba Thomas Response 1
Hello, Jessie! I loved how you so succinctly described a social challenge, which is frequently dismissed. It is undoubtedly true that in some cultures and societies, mental health is still viewed as a misfortune. And it is quite disheartening to remark that social stigma still exists in our advanced society. I’m pleased that your expertise in this area will enable you to influence people’s perspectives and personal interactions in order to bring about social change. We all work hard to be physically strong, but we pay far less attention to maintaining our mental health. We all work hard to maintain our physical fitness but pay very little attention to maintaining our mental health because we overlook the reality that it’s essential for physical fitness, as you very well pointed out. I’m certain that your affiliation with an organization like APNA will provide you additional perspective on how to approach such societal challenges, and the description of the membership and costs was quite useful.
Reference:
Beers, K., & Sundborg, S. A. (2014). Social determinants of health. Best Practices in Mental Health: An International Journal, 10(2), 103–104.
Nadler-Moodie, M., & Croce, N. (2012). APNA Membership: Maximizing the Benefit of Membership! Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 18(5), 307–308. https://doi.org/10.1177/1078390312462603Links to an external site.
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Collapse SubdiscussionAnna Sheba Thomas Discussion post Module 6
To enhance my nursing profession, I’ve always wanted to acquire a master’s degree, but I’ve had trouble deciding which concentration to go for. Although teaching has always been my passion, I also wanted to work as a practitioner to better the lives of others. Despite my diligent research, choosing a specialty proved to be quite challenging. However, I learned that having an NP degree allowed me to practice as well as teach.
Deciding about which NP specialty to pursue was the next difficulty. During the COVID epidemic, we learnt about the pandemic’s psychological effects on both children and adults. Helping the teenagers and young people who will make up our future seemed to me to be the ideal way to give back to society. Consequently, I was able to make a more focused choice on pursuing PMHNP.
As stated in the basic competencies for nurse practitioners: Nurse practitioner education, which is based upon the NONPF competencies, recognizes that the student’s ability to show successful achievement of the NONPF competencies for NP education is of greater value than the number of clinical hours the student has performed (NONPF, 2008b). The NP Core Competencies are acquired through mentored patient care experiences with emphasis on independent and interprofessional practice; analytic skills for evaluating and providing evidence-based, patient centered care across settings; and advanced knowledge of the health care delivery system.
Confidence is essential for success in nursing and staying up to date on industry developments through the organizations we are affiliated to may help us feel more secure. As summarized in the abstract Leveraging the Power of Board Leadership in Professional Nursing Organizations: Nurses working through professional nursing organizations have a very strong history of advocacy to advance nursing practice and improve the health of populations, communities, and individuals. The future success of professional nursing organizations depends on the next generation of leaders who are willing to learn from the experiences of past leaders yet innovate and collaborate to create a promising future for nursing and the people around the world who depend on nurses for care.
The American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA), which promotes nursing that supports wholeness and encourages peace and healing, is the organization I’m most looking forward to. The second is the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), which provides a forum for you to discuss your expertise and influence state legislation that have an impact on your career and our profession.
References:
Cherry, B. , Caramanica, L. , Everett, L. , Fennimore, L. & Scott, E. (2019). Leveraging the Power of Board Leadership in Professional Nursing Organizations. JONA: The Journal of Nursing Administration, 49 (11), 517-519. doi: 10.1097/NNA.0000000000000805.
Echevarria, I. (2018). Make connections by joining a professional nursing organization. Nursing, 48 (12), 35-38.
doi: 10.1097/01.NURSE.0000547721.84857.cb.
Goolsby, M. J., & DuBois, J. C. (2017). Professional organization membership: Advancing the nurse practitioner role. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 29(8), 434–440. https://doi.org/10.1002/2327-6924.12483
Perfetto, C., & McNabney, M. K. (2018). Nurse Practitioners as Primary Educators for Medical Trainees in Geriatric Medicine. Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 14(1), 45–52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nurpra.2017.10.016Links to an external site.
Goolsby, M. J., & DuBois, J. C. (2017). Professional organization membership: Advancing the nurse practitioner role. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 29(8), 434–440. https://doi.org/10.1002/2327-6924.12483
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Collapse SubdiscussionJessica Naber Anna, you bring up a great point that I haven’t heard mentioned by anyone else yet. I believe that professional organizations do lead to confidence in you discipline and specialty. Security and advocacy can both stem from membership and affiliation, and I am really glad to hear you recognize this!
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Collapse SubdiscussionClaire Nancie Lubin Nursing Specialty Choice
After being a Registered Nurse (RN) for four years I decided to go back to school to obtain my masters as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). As an FNP, we are licensed and trained to provide health care services to patients of all ages. While practicing as an FNP, I noticed there was a great need for mental health providers in the community. For this reason, I began to research how I could further my education and obtain a certificate in mental health in addition to my FNP degree, and came across the post masters Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program. Making this decision was an easy choice as I’ve always had interest in mental health.
A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is an advance practice registered nurse who provide a range of psychiatric services in a variety of settings. The role of the PMHNP include, but not limited to, assessing, diagnosing, treating, managing, ordering and interpreting lab test, providing psychotherapy, making referrals and prescribing medication for acute and chronic illness (Kumar 2020). PMHNPs play a vital role in health care particularly due to the shortage of mental health providers. According to Robinson (2021), there was a report published by the United States Department of Health that estimated by the year 2025 the mental health population will be short 250,000 mental health providers.
Professional Organization Affiliation
The American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) is an association that is open to psychiatric nurses at any degree level. Weather an individual is an RN or holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, the APNA welcomes all psychiatric mental health nurses (The American Psychiatric Nurses Association, n.d). To become a member of APNA, I would need to create an account, apply for membership and choose the type of membership that best suits my interests.
References
Kumar, A., Kearney, A., Hoskins, K., & Iyengar, A. (2020). The role of psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners in improving mental and behavioral health care delivery for children and adolescents in multiple settings. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 34(5), 275–280. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apnu.2020.07.022
Robinson, S. (2021). Partnering with Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. Psychiatric Times. (n.d.). Retrieved January 30, 2023, from https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/psychiatric-mental-health-nurse-practitioners
The American Psychiatric Nurses Association. (n.d). About APNA. Retrieved January 30, 2023, from https://www.apna.org/
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Collapse SubdiscussionJessie Nakazwe Hello Claire,
Its interesting to read that you went back to pursue an additional APN degree, because you saw the need in the community. i agree with you we need more MHP providers, the provider shortage was already a problem before COVID-19, but became worse after. According to an article written by Stacy Weiner in 2022, one out of every 5 people in the USA had a mental illness in 2019 a total of 51.5million. The shortage of mental health providers is expected to keep growing, due to the growing population of mental illnesses (Weiner, 2022). some areas such as Nebraska, one might have to wait up to months for an appointment with a psychiatrist (Weiner,2022).
references
Weiner (2022). retrieved from https://www.aamc.org/news-insights/growing-psychiatrist-shortage-enormous-demand-mental-health-services
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Collapse SubdiscussionZulay Lantigua Ruano Selecting an area of specialization is generally difficult as it is a life-changing decision where one commits to a specific area of practice for a long course. My decision to pursue a specialization in respiratory nursing within the MSN program has been driven by my deep-rooted passion for helping patients who are struggling with respiratory illnesses. As a nurse, I have always been drawn to the critical care setting, where I can provide advanced care to patients with conditions such as COPD, asthma, and pneumonia. I’ve worked in the field as a nurse assistant where my role in maintaining patient hygiene and monitoring their progress gave me fulfillment (Ecker et al., 2021). The satisfaction was especially optimal during the Covid pandemic when our roles were appreciated. My ultimate goal is to become a certified respiratory nurse and make a lasting impact in this field.
The process of choosing a specialization was not without its challenges, but I took my time to consider all of my options carefully. I conducted extensive research on different nursing specialties, spoke with experienced nurses, and analyzed my own interests and skills (Tiliander et al., 2023). In the end, I concluded that respiratory nursing was the perfect fit for me, as it combines my passion for critical care with my interest in the intricate physiology of the respiratory system.
One organization that is closely affiliated with my chosen specialty is the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). To become a member, individuals must have a current respiratory care practitioner license and be actively involved in the respiratory care profession. The AARC offers various membership options, including student and international memberships, and provides its members with access to valuable resources and opportunities to advance their knowledge and skills in respiratory care (“American Association for Cancer Research (AACR),” 2019). Furthermore, membership with the AARC also offers the chance to connect with other respiratory care professionals and expand my network within the field.
References
American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). (2019). In The Grants Register 2019 (pp. 32–33). Palgrave Macmillan UK.
Ecker, S., Pinto, S., Sterling, M., Wiggins, F., & Ma, C. (2021). Working experience of certified nursing assistants in the greater New York City area during the COVID-19 pandemic: Results from a survey Study. Geriatric Nursing (New York, N.Y.), 42(6), 1556–1561. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gerinurse.2021.10.007Links to an external site.
Tiliander, A., Olsson, C., Kalèn, S., Ponzer, S. S., & Fagerdahl, A.-M. (2023). Factors affecting nurses’ decision to undergo a specialist education and to choose a specialty. Nursing Open, 10(1), 252–263. https://doi.org/10.1002/nop2.1300Links to an external site.
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Collapse SubdiscussionJessica Naber Zulay, I like what you said about this decision being life-changing! You are so right; you are making a decision now that will impact the rest of your life potentially, as well as those around you. It sounds like you did your research and made a thoughtful decision that will be best for you and for others.
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Collapse SubdiscussionZheman Guly Module 6 Discussion Post
My specialization is in Adult/ Gerontology Acute Care Nurse practitioner. This specialization prepares a nurse to offer advanced care to patients with acute illnesses. The nurse works with patients in their adolescence and adults, including the elderly. During the program, one learns how to perform initial assessments, diagnose an illness and develop a treatment and care plan (Walden University, n.d.). In practice, nurses who have specialized in acute care are found in surgical and medical intensive care units and general hospital settings.
I selected this specialization because it has been my passion from the start of my career. However, I had some financial challenges, which I solved through support from my family and the ICU department I am employed. Also, I needed help finding a preceptor but the staff at the organization where I work committed to precepting me when the clinical time approaches.
Many professional organizations are affiliated with my chosen specialty. One of them is the AANP (American Association of Nursing Practitioners). When one joins AANP, one becomes a voice for nursing practitioners. This is an opportunity for one to make real impacts in their profession and the health of the entire nation. AANP is a vibrant community of nurse practitioners who enjoy the benefits such as reduced rates on continuing education (CE), valuable discounts, and exclusive networking opportunities. AANP membership is customized to be what one needs at their current career stage. It is suitable for those beginning the NP education and even those retiring from the profession. One can join the organization as an NP, licensed NP student, career starter, Retired NP, or associate (non-NP) (AANP, N.D.).
Reference
AANP. (2022). About the American Association of Nurse Practitioners® (AANP). Retrieved from AANP: https://www.aanp.org/about/about-the-american-association-of-nurse-practitioners-aanp
AANP. (N.D.). Membership. Retrieved from AANP: https://www.aanp.org/membership
Walden University. (n.d.). Choosing the MSN Specialization That’s Right for You. Retrieved from Walden University: https://www.waldenu.edu/online-masters-programs/master-of-science-in-nursing/resource/choosing-the-msn-specialization-thats-right-for-you
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Collapse SubdiscussionNatasha Shelton Zheman,
I feel like we are on an island by ourselves because we are probably the only ones that is doing something outside of psychiatric mental health! I too am compassionate about acute care and is looking forward to working in the areas such as emergency rooms, ICU, PACU or for a cardiology group. Several studies show that using NPs in an outpatient cardiology clinic helped improve patient access, reduced wait times for consultations, and decreased the time required for diagnosis by 57% . In an acute care cardiothoracic unit, adding NPs reduced ICU readmissions from 2.6% to 1.9%, reduced length of stay from approximately 10 to 8 days, and improved survivability from 96.5% to 98.0 (Horne & Estes, 2021).
I as well have a membership with the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and I follow the specialty group for AGACNP and plan on getting my certification in ACNPC. The Requirements include:
- An unencumbered license has not been subjected to formal discipline by the board of nursing in the state(s) in which the nurse practiced during the most recent renewal period and has no provisions or conditions that limit the nurse’s practice. Provisions or conditions may include, but are not limited to, direct supervision of practice, drug administration limitations and/or practice area exclusions.
- Practice as an APRN for 1,000 hours during the five-year certification renewal period is required.
- Eligible hours must include active involvement as an ACNP in the care of adult patients with complex acute and/or chronic health conditions in the U.S. ANCPs practicing outside the U.S. should contact AACN regarding eligible practice hours.
- Contact information for your supervisor or a professional associate must be provided for verification of eligibility related to practice hours.
- Completion of 150 CE Points, with a minimum of 75 in Category I (25 as Pharmacology CE), is required.
- The CE Points program includes informal learning and formal educational activities granting contact hours or CE, as well as optional activities such as presentations, preceptorships and volunteer work.
Natasha,
References
ACNPC-AG (adult-gero.). AACN. (n.d.). Retrieved January 31, 2023, from https://www.aacn.org/certification/get-certified/acnpc-ag
Horne, M. & Estes, K. (2021). Implementation of a new cardiology hospital service leveraging nurse practitioners to improve patient access and outcomes. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 33 (3), 231-238. doi: 10.1097/JXX.0000000000000421.
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Collapse SubdiscussionNicole Scott Zheman, I appreciate your post on the nurse practitioner program you are studying, Adult Gerontology Acute Care. You are like myself and have dedicated myself to pediatrics and you to patients. I never looked into that program as it deals with adults but I never thought about adolescence being care for by Adult Gerontology (Walden University, n.d.).
I think we all agree that the AANP is one organization we need to belong to. There is such a wealth of knowledge from the website along with continuing education opportunities and great networking opportunities. Having this resource as a tool for information will be invaluable for all of us (AANP, n.d.).
AANP. (2022). About the American Association of Nurse Practitioners® (AANP). Retrieved from AANP: https://www.aanp.org/about/about-the-american-association-of-nurse-practitioners-aanp
Walden University. (n.d.). Choosing the MSN Specialization That’s Right for You. Retrieved from Walden University: https://www.waldenu.edu/online-masters-programs/master-of-science-in-nursing/resource/choosing-the-msn-specialization-thats-right-for-you
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Collapse SubdiscussionZulay Lantigua Ruano Hello Zheman,
Thank you for sharing your journey towards becoming an Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. Your dedication and resilience in overcoming challenges truly showcase your deep passion for this field.
Becoming a member of the American Association of Nursing Practitioners (AANP) will greatly contribute to your professional growth. Through membership, you’ll access various resources and opportunities to enhance your skills, such as discounted continuing education and networking with fellow practitioners. By staying updated on the latest advancements and connecting with peers, you’ll be better prepared to deliver top-notch care to your patients. Your involvement in AANP will not only benefit you but also positively impact the nursing profession and national healthcare.
Joining AANP is straightforward, requiring minimal effort. Simply visit their website and follow the steps to become a member. They offer different membership levels to suit various needs, allowing you to choose the one that aligns best with your preferences.
In summary, your decision to specialize in Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nursing is commendable, and I’m confident you’ll excel in your studies and career. Your passion and dedication will undoubtedly make a difference in many lives. Wishing you the best of luck in your journey ahead and in your AANP membership.
ReferencesDePriest, K., D’Aoust, R., Samuel, L., Commodore-Mensah, Y., Hanson, G., & Slade, E. P. (2020). Nurse practitioners’ workforce outcomes under implementation of full practice authority. Nursing Outlook, 68(4), 459–467. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.05.008Links to an external site.
Rowley, T., Balk, J., Guo, J.-W., & Wallace, A. S. (2020). Factors influencing nurse practitioners’ decisions to join nurse practitioner associations. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 32(2), 152–159. https://doi.org/10.1097/JXX.0000000000000231Links to an external site.
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Collapse SubdiscussionSarah D Surber Zheman, I thought for sure I would choose the acute care route. It took a lot to decide to step away from something I know so well. I suppose there’s always a chance I would go back and obtain that certification. “The best way to think about FNP vs. ACNP is this: Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) provide primary care to individuals across the lifespan while acute care nurse practitioners (ACNPs) provide care in hospitals and other institutional settings (nursingprocess.org, 2023).” A primary care NP position will involve the care of all ages and in a more stable setting. The patients that come into the acute care settings are more unstable and require a practitioner with different skills than the route I’m choosing. I do think my background will benefit the FNP route I am taking now. I also love that you mention the CEs that the different nursing organizations offer. It’s something I haven’t utilized yet. According to the ANA website, they offer continuing education in work environment, organizational excellence, clinical, certification review, and leadership (nursingworld.org, 2023). Wishing you the best of luck on your acute care journey!
FNP vs. ACNP – 15 key differences between FNP and ACNP. (n.d.). Retrieved February 4, 2023, from https://www.nursingprocess.org/fnp-vs-acnp.html#:~:text=The%20best%20way%20to%20think,hospital%20and%20other%20institutional%20settingsLinks to an external site..
Continuing Professional Education in nursing: Ana Enterprise. ANA. (2017, October 14). Retrieved February 4, 2023, from https://www.nursingworld.org/resources/individual/Links to an external site.
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Collapse SubdiscussionShantae Smith My selected nursing specialty is the mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). Long ago, during my psychiatric rotation in nursing school, I fell in love with mental health and the concerns of ordinary people. My choice is influenced by my belief that I can contribute more towards improving my community’s health and wellness through this specialty. Over the years, there has been an acute shortage of mental health providers. According to Kuehn (2022), while there has always been a shortage of mental health providers in the US, the shortage has become acute following a rise in covid-19 pandemic fueled ‘mental health crisis.’ The authors suggest that the pandemic has resulted in a drastic increase in patients needing mental health services, and that sometimes patients must wait for nearly 3 months to get appointments. As a travel nurse, I have had the opportunity of witnessing the challenges in accessing mental healthcare services. This situation is dire in the rural areas where patients must wait for specialty mental health providers to schedule visits to local hospitals for them to access healthcare services. It is such delays in access to mental healthcare services that has influenced my decision to pursue the specialty. Delaney and Vanderhoef (2019) point out that mental health nurse practitioners are adequately trained and possess the knowledge and skills to meet the healthcare needs of patients.
Choosing the specialty presented several challenges. First, as there aren’t many mental health providers, getting a mentor to guide me to understand what is required of me from the program and as a practitioner was challenging. According to Mongelli et al., (2020), one of the factors that contribute towards less students pursuing courses in mental health is the shortage in mentors in the field. Mentors can help prepare potential students on what to expect and how to best meet the challenges they are likely to encounter in their pursuit. One professional organization that I intend to join is the American Psychiatric Nurses Association. This organization advocates for mental health providers as well as patients and communities to access better healthcare services. This organization provides an opportunity for one to join as a student. One only requires filling in a form indicating their specialty and school. Students are expected to pay an annual fee of $25. Upon graduation, all members are expected to pay an annual fee of $125.
References
Delaney, K. R., & Vanderhoef, D. (2019). The psychiatric mental health advanced practice registered nurse workforce: Charting the future. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 25(1), 11-18.
Kuehn, B. M. (2022). Clinician shortage exacerbates pandemic-fueled “mental health crisis”. JAMA, 327(22), 2179-2181.
Mongelli, F., Georgakopoulos, P., & Pato, M. T. (2020). Challenges and opportunities to meet the mental health needs of underserved and disenfranchised populations in the United States. Focus, 18(1), 16-24.
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Collapse SubdiscussionJessica Naber Shantae, thank you for your post. You mentioned several great points/rationales for your choice of mental health. First, you have a passion for it, which is so important! Next, you see that you can truly help the community through this path. Also, you have recognized the shortage of providers, which has made you want to serve. I think these are all excellent reasons to go the path you have chosen.
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Collapse SubdiscussionIeshia Lysania Stevens Week 6 DP Response 1
Hi Shante, thank you for sharing your post.
Having a love for mental health nursing is an excellent reason for wanting to pursue psychiatric mental health nursing practice (PMHNP) as your specialty. That passion will continue to drive you forward as you combat the challenges ahead. There is no denying the shortage of mental health practitioners, especially in rural areas, and as you stated, there is an increased need post covid. Every one in five people has a mental illness, and an “estimated 77 percent of the country reporting shortage of mental health professionals who can prescribe and manage medications” (Ramirez, 2016). The post- covid increase will only add to the already burdened mental health system.
As a student in the PMHNP specialty, you discussed a significant challenge: finding mentors to guide you and prepare you for what lies ahead. Choosing the less traveled path makes you a social change agent who will significantly contribute to an underserved community in need. Does the professional organization that you selected offer mentorship as an option with membership? The organization would be an excellent platform for reaching out to experienced practitioners for guidance and advice. Melnyk (2010) highlighted the tremendous gap between children needing mental health services and the number of providers available in counties and rural areas across the country. Have you thought about whether you will focus on pediatric mental health or adults? Thanks again for sharing your thoughts. I enjoyed reading your post.
Reference
Melnyk, M. (2010). NP’s key to improving child and adolescent mental health. Reflections on Nursing Leadership, 36(4), 3p. https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=shib&db=rzh&AN=104852122&site=ehost-live&scope=siteLinks to an external site.
Ramirez, J. (2016). Meeting the needs of people with mental illness: Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners. Health Progress, 97(1), 42-46. https://www.proquest.com/trade-journals/meeting-needs-people-with-mental-illness/docview/1771785859/se-2Links to an external site.
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Collapse SubdiscussionIeshia Lysania Stevens Shantae, my apologies for misspelling your name in my DP response to you
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Collapse SubdiscussionShantae Smith Hi Ieshia,
Thank you for taking the time to read my post. It’s great to see that you have aligned your professional commitment and goals, which are both personal and purposeful, that led you to the path of choosing a Family Nurse Practitioner. I believe that the FNP is in a unique position to utilize educational techniques that will focus on multiple factors that may be attributed to driving healthcare access and utilization, as well as socioeconomic, sociocultural, psychological, and cultural factors for the patient population. As you read in my post, I am passionate about education and the treatment and care of mental illness in children and adults. Additionally, I truly believe that collaboration between other care providers to provide treatment is the best way to meet all patient needs. Indeed, joining the American Psychiatric Nurses Association will help me connect with psychiatric-mental health nurses and gain exceptional resources and educational programs. Another benefit I will gain by joining APNA is through its Member Bridge; I can also search for preceptors.
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Collapse SubdiscussionNatasha Shelton EXAMINING NURSING SPECIALTIES
When I decided to return to school to obtain my Master’s in Nursing I contemplated which specialty I would major in. I have my Master’s in Healthcare Administration with the intention of working my way up to a C-suite in corporate America, but then I felt like I was moving further and further away from my original intention of being a nurse. This is when I realized that I was ready to move away from the board room and return back to bedside nursing as an advanced nurse practitioner but wasn’t sure if I wanted to specialize in family, pediatrics or psych. As a researched the different specialties and after working with several nurse practitioners in one particular setting it was clear to me that I wanted to specialize in acute care.
Walden’s University helped me in my decision process by providing me with the difference and clear distinction of what all an adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner is. Walden’s online MSN Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) program involves diagnosing and treating patients 13 and older with complex acute and unstable chronic medical conditions. As an MSN AGACNP I will be prepared to perform a hospitalist or intensivist role caring for patients at an advanced level of practice (Walden University, n.d.). A particular area that I am looking to work in after graduation is the PACU. THE POSTANESTHESIA CARE UNIT (PACU) serves patients through all levels of care from critically ill until discharge. The present day health care system requires transformational changes. Currently, the attending anesthesiologist oversees patients in the PACU. Inconsistencies in the anesthesiologists’ presence could lead to lapses in care for patients throughout the perioperative environment. Employment of an adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner in the PACU could provide consistent accessibility exclusively for PACU patients, thus benefiting the entire perioperative setting by reducing cost, increasing quality and efficiency, positively impacting patient safety, providing educational opportunities for the perioperative team, and improving communication within the health care team (Joyce & Johnson, 2018). Development of an A-GACNP role that manages and discharges patients in the PACU, as the research suggests, would create positive outcomes for improvement within the health care experience of postanesthesia patients.
I plan on joining the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, an certification for nurses educated at the graduate level as ACNPs and CNSs to provide advanced care across the continuum of healthcare services that meets the needs of a specific patient population (AACN, n.d.).
References
Walden University. (n.d.).Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Links to an external site.. Retrieved November 14, 2018, from https://www.waldenu.edu/masters/master-of-science-in-nursingLinks to an external site.
ACNPC-AG (adult-gero.). AACN. (n.d.). Retrieved January 31, 2023, from https://www.aacn.org/certification/get-certified/acnpc-ag
Joyce, E., & Johnson, L. (2018). Redesigning care in the pacu with an adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner (A-GACNP). Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing, 33(4), 407–411. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jopan.2017.03.002
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Collapse SubdiscussionIeshia Lysania Stevens Week 6 Discussion Post
Choosing a nursing specialty was more significant than I initially thought it would be. Over the last several years, critical care has been my home, so naturally, I thought acute care nurse practitioner would be the next step on the path that I have chosen. However, I found myself needing more time to commit to a specialty. What I once thought was an easy next step became a specialty standoff. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) defines Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) as “an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) providing a wide range of health services. From acute to chronic illness, conditions, and injuries that may affect the scope of a family from infants to seniors” (“Are you considering a career as a nurse practitioner,” 2019). Personal experiences with my children, family, and friends, as well as the flexibility that the FNP profession offers, were deciding factors in my decision. The practice options that FNP offers, in addition to the wide range of practice settings and subspecialties to work with, led me to deviate from the path of an acute care nurse practitioner to a family nurse practitioner (Fifteen key differences between FNP and ACNP, 2023). Even though I have chosen this path, I cannot ignore my love for acute care and the need for practitioners in that specialty area; therefore, I may return for my post-master certification in critical care.
Choosing a professional practice organization affiliated with FNP was the next step after starting at Walden University. Cline et al. (2019) explain that joining a professional organization provides a platform for nurses to engage with a diverse spectrum of nursing specialties. The American Association for Nurse Practitioners (AANP) is a professional organization affiliated with FNP. The AANP website is user-friendly and provides clear instructions on joining and a list of benefits for the varying types of memberships offered. The application process on the website is easy to follow. Basic information is required, and questions are asked during the process to assign the correct membership. After selecting the student option and the option to choose the attending school is provided, I was given a membership fee. There is an annual membership cost, which depends on the type of membership obtained.
References
Are you considering a career as a family nurse practitioner? (2019, July 3). American
Association of Nurse Practitioners. Retrieved January 29, 2023, from https://www.aanp.org/news-feed/are-you- considering-a-career-as-a-family-nurse-practitionerLinks to an external site.
Cline, D., Curtin, K., & Johnston, P.A. (2019). Professional Organization Membership:
The benefits of increasing nursing participation. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 23(5), 543-546. https://doi.org/10.1188/19.CJON.543-546
Fifteen key differences between FNP and ACNP. (2023) NursingProcess.org Retrieved
January 30, 2023, from, https://www.nursingprocess.org/fnp-vs-acnp.htmlLinks to an external site.
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Collapse SubdiscussionSarah D Surber Becoming a nurse was something I found a passion for. The choice to become a nurse practitioner was a dream that I wasn’t sure I could obtain due to life’s busy and unforgiving schedule. When I finally got into the FNP with Walden University I had quite a difficult decision to make. I have been a nurse for just over 12 years. I have been in emergency medicine or the ICU for the last 10 years. I found that I truly love emergency medicine and critical care. Still, I decided to take the FNP route. I do not plan to add the acute care certification now. Picking the FNP route without a post-certification has been difficult because it means I would not be working in an area I am familiar with and very comfortable in. I hope to reach more patients in our community and offer those in need the proper primary care. My difficulty is the fear I will not get the fulfillment from this position that I would if I were in emergency or critical care. It’s a leap of faith. Some factors that have driven this decision are that I am getting older and I’m not quite sure I can continue working bedside as I age. According to James Cyr, nurses at the age of 55 starts to significantly reduce the number of hours they work up to their retirement (Cyr, 2010). The toll it takes on our bodies is tremendous. We lift, push, and pull patients of all sizes. So I do fear that I would not be able to stay bedside, which is why I felt it was time to further my education and obtain my FNP.
I have been a member of the ENA for several years. I didn’t realize the benefits that being part of those kinds of organizations could do for a nurse. When Covid hit they collaborated with several hotels which offered discounted or free stays to nurses during the pandemic. It was the first time I realized how much organizations could help. I wanted to be a part of that. The ENA was the first for me. I then joined the ANA this past year. I may not be involved in the ENA or ANA beyond being a member, but I am aware that the fees I pay go to supporting the policies and protocols that those organizations are helping nurses implement. “ANA is a friend and ally to 4 million registered nurses in the U.S., throughout all specialties and practice settings (ANA.org, 2023).” I now realize the reason to be a part of these organizations.
“Healthcare associations represent a collection of professionals who work towards the common goal of promoting and improving the medical profession with which they are associated. These organizations champion their members by providing resources, information, and opportunities they might have not had otherwise (oaapn.org, 2023).”
The one thing I wish Tennessee offered was a union. I feel pretty strongly that unions provide support to the nursing organization in that specified area. The next best thing, in my opinion, is joining these organizations. They back and support the nursing community. They fight and stand with us on the issues we need to face and these are just a few of the reasons I decided to join a few of them.
Cyr, J. (2010). Bedside implications of an aging nursing workforce. Nursing Made Incredibly Easy!, 8(1), 6–10. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.nme.0000366093.92922.2cLinks to an external site.
Join the American Nurses Association. ANA. (2017, October 14). Retrieved January 31, 2023, from https://www.nursingworld.org/membership/joinANA/?utm_source=googlead&utm_medium=paidsocial&utm_campaign=acquisition_main&utm_term=membership&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5ufI9ZPz_AIVod2GCh3qWwasEAAYASAAEgJWFvD_BwELinks to an external site.
Oaapn. (2021, August 6). Benefits of joining a professional association or organization. OAAPN. Retrieved January 31, 2023, from https://oaapn.org/2021/02/why-you-should-join-professional-associations-and-organizations/Links to an external site.
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Collapse SubdiscussionJessica Naber Sarah, I think the fact that you chose a path you are not necessarily familiar and comfortable with says a lot about who you are. You are not afraid of a challenge, and I can tell that you put a lot of thought and research into this decision. I am glad that you have decided to do this despite the challenge and hard work!
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Collapse SubdiscussionZheman Guly Module 6 Discussion Response 2
Family Nurse Practitioners play a significant role in providing essential healthcare services. Family nurse practitioners are required to undergo a high level of education. Although they operate under the supervision of physicians, there is a significant degree of autonomy. Practical training and education for family health practitioners enable them to execute health exams efficiently and provide family patient education, medication prescription, and various illnesses (American Organization of Nurse Executives, 2015). Family Nurse Practitioners have opportunities to work in diverse healthcare settings. They help to address the gap in patient care in areas and communities where the number of physicians is limited. Training is also very essential for family health practitioners. It enables these professionals to work as administrators in healthcare facilities.
The process of my nursing career has been in critical care. Deciding to go FNP vs. AGACNP route took careful consideration, so I can understand your thought process about getting older and the toll bedside takes on one’s body. My passion for and familiarity with working in critical care circumstances led me to choose the AGACNP route. I admire your bravery for choosing a different route and wish you luck on your journey!
I understand your membership with ANA goes to support the policies and protocols, and it is wise to have joined. When one becomes an ANA member, their voice is heard with opportunities to tell policymakers what one thinks and can save money with discounts on CE, certifications, publications, and more (ANA.org,2023). I currently do not have a membership, but I plan to being that I am in the MSN program.
References
American Organization of Nurse Executives. (2015). AONE
Nurse Executive Competencies. Chicago, IL: Author. Accessed at: www.aone.org
Accessible at: http://www.aone.org/resources/nurse-leader-competencies.shtmlLinks to an external site.
Join the American Nurses Association. ANA. (2017,October 14). Retrieved February 2, 2023, from
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Collapse SubdiscussionNatasha Shelton Sarah,
You are working in a specialty that I plan on specializing in as an Acute Care Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. I want to work in emergency medicine either in-patient as an hospitalist or in an urgent care setting. I have worked in the outpatient setting for the past 10 years and worked with FNP, and I no longer want the M-F 8-5pm hours and the repetitiveness that it has to offer. I am looking forward to working a few days a week with days off during the week and the adrenaline rush of the acute care setting.
There is also an Acute Care Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP specialty that I thought about, because like you said, when we start to get up in age we no longer have the strength to do 12-hour shifts and bedside care. Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NPs provide longitudinal primary care, including preventive, chronic, and acute illness care, to adolescents, adults, and older adults; whereas Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NPs provide care to critically ill adults who may be unstable or at high risk for complications. While Family NPs provide care for common acute and chronic illnesses in primary care as well as preventive care to individuals and families across the life span (Peacock et al., 2022).
Here are some of the areas that you can work as an advanced nurse practitioner whether it be acute care or primary care, they are not too different from fnp.
(Walden University, n.d.) Areas of practice available to acute care adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioners are:
- primary care clinics
- Specialty care clinics
- Urgent care clinics
- Women’s health clinics
- Public health departments
- Long-term care facilities
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Internal medicine
- Palliative care facilities
(Walden University, n.d.) Areas of practice for acute care adult-gerontology are:
- Emergency departments and trauma centers
- Intensive care units
- Trauma centers
- Tertiary care, coronary care, and palliative care
- Specialty care centers
- Hospital surgical units, including general, cardiovascular, and neurosurgery
Natasha,
References
Peacock, A., Blakely, K., Maes, C., Henson, A., DiGiulio, M., & Henderson, M. J. (2022). Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners: A discussion of scope and expertise. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 18(10), 1037–1045. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nurpra.2022.07.017Links to an external site.
Walden University. (n.d.).Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Links to an external site.. Retrieved November 14, 2018, from https://www.waldenu.edu/masters/master-of-science-in-nursing
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Collapse SubdiscussionBeverly Britton Hello Sarah,
Your discussion was concise and well-written. The point that intrigued me was your decision to join the family nurse practitioner program was influenced by the need to serve your community and provide primary care services. Various factors may influence the success of completing the family nurse practitioner course. One of them is how well-designed the practicum course is. According to Dumphy et al. (2019), a program that promotes critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills can help registered nurses transition easily to family nurse practitioners. Dumphy et al. (2019) also state that well-designed courses should review the knowledge gained in the nursing program.
Reference
Dumphy, D., DeSandre, C., & Thompson, J. (2019). Family nurse practitioner students’ perceptions of readiness and transition into advanced practice. Nursing Forum, 54(3), 352–357. https://doi.org/10.1111/nuf.12336Links to an external site.
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Collapse SubdiscussionJoshua Allen Stephens Discussion Module 6
Choosing to become a Primary Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) was a difficult decision for me. As a single father with two children, I had to consider my choice’s impact on my family. On the one hand, I was drawn to the challenge of becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). I had already taken my GRE and applied and was accepted to a local program. I was just unable to figure out how to take care of my children while in such a demanding program. This is why I felt the PMHNP specialty would be more manageable for my family. I have always been passionate about mental health and have seen first-hand how mental illness can impact individuals and their families. By becoming a PMHNP, I can help improve the lives of those with mental illness and provide them with the support and resources they need to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. In addition to my passion for mental health, the PMHNP specialty would allow me to continue working and ensure that I could still be present for my children while advancing my education. Furthermore, the PMHNP specialty allows me to work with patients in various inpatient, outpatient, and telehealth settings, allowing me to balance my career and family life. One professional organization that I will become a member of is the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA). APNA is a professional organization that provides resources and support to psychiatric-mental health nurses. As a member of APNA, I will have access to various resources, including continuing education opportunities, networking events, and advocacy initiatives. Becoming a member of APNA is easy and can be done online. Overall, I am confident that I made the right decision to pursue the MHNP program at Walden University.
I look forward to the challenges and rewards of this career path, and I am excited to join a professional organization such as APNA.References:
American Psychiatric Nurses Association. (n.d.). About APNA. Retrieved from https://www.apna.org/about-apnaLinks to an external site.
American Psychiatric Nurses Association. (n.d.). Join APNA. Retrieved from https://www.apna.org/join-apna
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Collapse SubdiscussionIeshia Lysania Stevens Week 6 DP Response 2
Hello Joshua, Thank you for sharing your post.
I relate to your interest in initially becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). I took the GRE, shadowed CRNAs, applied for schools, and genuinely believed in overcoming all the obstacles. Unfortunately, as a single mother of four, the harsh reality I was running from caught up to me. I had to face the fact that with such a demanding program, I would be doing my children and myself a massive disservice by trying to take on such a challenging feat. With family, functionality, and flexibility at the forefront, I re-emerged on a different path. I commend you for following the love and passion for mental health nursing and for striving to meet the needs of such an underserved population. Unfortunately, the numbers do not lie; they worsen yearly, especially in rural areas. The healthcare system cannot meet these communities’ constantly growing mental health needs, thus leading to a national crisis in some regions Finley (2019). You discussed the flexibility of working with patients in different settings, including telehealth; this is a great way to reach patients that may be unreachable otherwise. Kaas (2019) discusses broadening students’ milieu to incorporate simulations in telehealth, digital and mobile platforms for delivering educational content and mentorship. With such a shortage in PMHNP and finding mentors or preceptors, do some institutions have to consider incorporating nursing educational experience through technological outreach to ensure students have the exposure and preparation needed for practice? Joshua, thanks again for sharing. I enjoyed reading your post.
Reference
Finley, B.A. (2019, November 15). Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner meeting rural mental
health challenges. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association. 26(1),
http://doi.org/10.1177/1078390319886357Links to an external site.
Kaas, M.J. (2019, Octiber 15). Will we be ready? Preparing psychiatric-mental health nurses for future
practice. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association. 26(1),
https://doi.org/10.1177/1078390319878767Links to an external site.
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Collapse SubdiscussionMeagan Jones The nursing field offers a diverse array of career paths, and this holds true for nurse practitioners (NPs) as well. When I entered nursing, I knew that being a bedside nurse wasn’t my ultimate goal. I aspired for more and was determined to achieve it. After gaining experience as a Registered Nurse (RN), I pursued further education to become a nurse practitioner (NP). Initially, I aimed to specialize in Women’s Health due to my background in obstetrics and women’s health. However, a mentor advised me against limiting myself and encouraged a broader scope of practice. Consequently, I decided to pursue a career as an Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP).
Now, after practicing as an NP for three years and enjoying my work with patients, I feel a tug to return to my initial passion in nursing. I want to address new challenges in underserved areas, particularly concerning mental health. In low socioeconomic areas, mental illness is prevalent, but access to appropriate resources is lacking, especially for perinatal mental health. This motivated me to further my education and become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).
One of the current challenges in this specialty is the shortage of available PMHNPs for training and internships. With the increasing demand for mental health services and a shortage of mental health professionals, nurses are becoming increasingly essential in providing these services. NPs specializing in psychiatric and mental health care often lead care teams, prescribe medications, offer therapy, and coordinate care with other providers. By stepping into this role, I hope to contribute my expertise and clinical skills to address the needs of our communities.
The American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) is a leading professional organization for PMHNPs. Joining APNA offers numerous benefits, including opportunities for continuing education, professional growth, and networking with like-minded healthcare professionals. Members also gain access to valuable resources such as research, APNA news, and the Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association. Additionally, membership provides discounts on conference attendance and free downloads of journal articles. To join APNA, individuals must review membership options, pay applicable fees, and connect with fellow PMHNPs and organization members.
References
Auerbach, D. I., Yates, M. C., Staiger, D. O., & Buerhaus, P. I. (2021). Characteristics of Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners Providing Outpatient Mental Health Care. Nursing Economic$, 39(3), 111–138.
Harvey, S. T., Bennett, J., Holder, E., & Wyder, M. (2022). A Nurse Practitioner-led community perinatal mental health service: A nursing governance approach. Australian Nursing & Midwifery Journal, 27(8), 28–31.
Wiesen, K. (2023). 8 professional psychiatric nurse practitioner organizations & associations. 8 Professional Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Organizations. Retrieved February 1, 2023, from https://www.nursingprocess.org/psychiatric-nurse-practitioner-organizations.html
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Collapse SubdiscussionJessica Naber Meagan, I think you make a great point about “limiting yourself”. While some people have no interest in seeing a diverse population of patients, others think that might be a possibility at some point in their careers. I think you did the more diverse option, and have now decided to truly focus on a group that you are passionate about, while effecting change. Great job!
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Collapse SubdiscussionNicole Scott I have chosen to advance my degree in psychiatric and mental health. But even with that speciality, I am wanting to work specifically with children. I have worked with children my whole nursing career. I have worked with a few different specialties but working with my current job got me interested in returning to school to pursue my masters degree.
When I started working as a pediatric nurse for a pediatric neurosurgery office, I never realized the lack of mental health providers for children. Many of the kids we see are anxious due to the surgery they have undergone along with the added stress of being a kid and stress from school. My practice would often refer them to see a mental health counselor only to find out there was a waitlist to be seen.
In a survey taken in Chicago in 2020, 71% of parents said the pandemic took a toll on their child and 69% said it was the worse thing to happen to their child. There are only 4,000 registered psychologists out of 100,00 that actually treat children. (Abramson, 2022).
To address students mental health in school, clinical psychologists have adopted bringing mental health into the classroom. There is a new bill that will allow schools to hire psychologists. These psychologists are helping to provide training to teachers to helps kids with stress and anxiety. Teaching kids coping skills with help the child to learn better in school (Abramson, 2022).
The organization that I will definitely look at for a resource will be the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. The website has many different areas to obtain information from. There is a resource center for families and for parents having questions about their child’s medication. There is also information for the provider regarding practice guidelines and continuing education (AACAP Home, n.d.).
Pediatricians have declared a mental health crisis in children a national emergency( Shivaram, 2021). We are in desperate need for mental health providers for children. I am wanting to close that gap and provide excellent care to those children in need. I want to help children in crisis and to be able to help them understand mental health.
AACAP Home. (n.d.). AACAP Home. Retrieved February 1, 2023, from https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/
Links to an external site.Abramson. (2022, January 1). https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/01/special-childrens-mental-health. American Psychological Association. Retrieved February 1, 2023, from https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/01/special-childrens-mental-healthLinks to an external site.
Shivaram. (2021, October 20). Pediatricians say the mental health crisis among kids has become a national emergency. NPR. Retrieved February 1, 2023, from https://www.npr.org/2021/10/20/1047624943/pediatricians-call-mental-health-crisis-among-kids-a-national-emergency
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Collapse SubdiscussionJessica Naber Good for you, Nicole, in knowing what it is you want to do, who you want to care for and focus on, and how to do it. I think closing the gap and helping children in crisis is admirable and valuable, and I thank you!
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Collapse SubdiscussionBeverly Britton Hello Nicole,
Your discussion was concise and well-written. The point that stood out for me was that many children faced mental health challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Focusing on psychiatric-mental health nursing practice can help address the mental health issues that children face. According to Meherali et al. (2021), during the COVID-19 pandemic, many children experienced anxiety, sleep and appetite disturbances, depression, and reduced social interactions due to the many restrictions placed at the time. Hence, there is a need for more psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners to cater to the mental health needs of children and offer treatment programs to ensure they grow up and live normal lives.
Reference
Meherali, S., Punjani, N., Louie-Poon, S., Abdul Rahim, K., Das, J. K., Salam, R. A., & Lassi, Z. S. (2021). Mental health of children and adolescents amidst COVID-19 and past pandemics: A rapid systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(7), 3432. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18073432Links to an external site.
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Collapse SubdiscussionMeagan Jones Nicole this was a great post! I could hear your passion even through your text! The number of children with mental health issues (eg, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, worsening attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) was skyrocketing for several years before the pandemic, and now, in our third year of grappling with COVID-19, these cases are expected to rise even further. This has culminated in a national mental health crisis in the pediatric population, the likes of which has never been seen before (Tan, 2022). I’ve done some research as well into the pediatric mental health need and availability or access to care. Despite this data on the overall PMHNP workforce, little data exists specifically tracking PMHNPs who provide services for children and adolescents. One study identified that interest in filling the gap in child and adolescent psychiatrists with PMHNPs has been present for at least a decade; however, required collaborative or supervisory agreements, high PHMNP salary expectations, and PMHNP prescribing comfort are seen as barriers to expansion of services (Kumar et al., 2020). I love that you’re so passionate about this area and plan to help bridge the gap for that patient population.
References
Kumar, A., Kearney, A., Hoskins, K., & Iyengar, A. (2020). The role of psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners in improving mental and behavioral health care delivery for children and adolescents in multiple settings. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 34(5), 275–280. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apnu.2020.07.022
Tan, T. Q. (2022). Battling a national crisis. Contemporary Pediatrics, 39(2), 4.
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Collapse SubdiscussionNicole Scott Thank you Meagan for your post. Yes, I am very compassionate in regards to any children being cared for by health care workers. Yes, it is hard to realize that there isn’t much data on PMHNPs. So many more providers are needed for children. I hope that once I am done with the program, the hospital I currently work at will be able to hire me. There is such a long wait list of children needing to be seen.
Nicole
Collapse SubdiscussionNathan Moise Discussion post module 6
I chose to specialize in Psychiatric nurse practitioner program. I was drawn to this specialty because I am passionate about caring for people and helping them grow mentally. I believe it is a rewarding career and that I can significantly impact the lives of people and their families.
The decision to specialize in psychiatric practitioner did not come without difficulty. I was initially drawn to the specialty of family practitioner, but after researching and exploring the different specialties, I felt that my calling was Psychiatric nurse practitioner. I also found that there were more opportunities for advancement and the scope of practice was much broader and more varied. Additionally, I felt more connected to caring for psychiatric patients and that I could make a real difference in my patients’ lives. (Skokauskas et al., 2019Links to an external site.)
I will be able to network with other pediatric nurses and professionals and develop meaningful relationships that can help me grow professionally. I am incredibly excited to specialize in psychiatric nursing and look forward to all the opportunities this specialty offers. I am confident that with the support of APNPs and the resources they provide, I will be able to positively impact the lives of the children and adults and their families that I will be caring for. A career in mental health can be both rewarding and challenging. Psychiatric nurses help those that may deal with a variety of mental illness conditions, including trauma, substance abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Helping patients improve their mental health can provide you with a satisfying career. (Heisler & Bagalman, 2013Links to an external site.).
Borrell-Carrio F, Suchman A, Epstein R (2004). The biopsychosocial model 25 years later: principles, practice, and scientific inquiry. Annals of Family Medicine
Collapse SubdiscussionJeandy Diaz Diaz Gomez Hi classmates and professor ,
Deciding to go to school for PMHNP did not come easy. Once I obtained my FNP degree , I decided to pursue a post masters certificate for PMHNP. After passing my board for FNP, I knew I was only going to able to help my patients with their medical needs , but there would be so many other needs I wouldn’t be able to take care of at a psychiatric or psychological level , specially taking care of patients in rural places where referring patients to an specialist becomes complicated or it does not exist that option . it was then that I decided on Walden University. I liked the format, the on-line flexibility and convenience, and how easy it was to seek out information and move forward (Walden University, n.d.).
I find that nursing associations are a great resource for education, support, research, and to be kept abreast of the latest information specific to my field of study. I’ve also learned how valuable it can be for networking and personal and professional development (Olin, 2012). I am already a member of the American Nurse Association (ANA), which I’ve referred to over the years primarily for continued education. Throughout this course though, I have been on the ANA page often, and find so much more information. For example, updated news on COVID-19 is plentiful (American Nurse Association, n.d.). After obtaining my PMHNP post master certificate , I will be joining the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA, n.d.) for education, resources, networking, research, current events, etc.References:
American Nurse Association. (n.d.). Retrieved February 1st, 2022, from
https://www.nursingworld.org/ana/
American Psychiatric Nurse Association. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.apna.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1Olin, J. (2012). Five reasons to join a nursing specialty association. [Blog post]. Retrieved February 1st, 2022, from https://www.rncentral.com/blog/2012/five-reasons-to-join-a-nursing- specialty-association/
Walden University. (n.d.). Master of Science in Nursing, M.S.N. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Retrieved February 1, 2022, from https://www.waldenu.edu/online- masters-programs/msn-psychiatric-mental-health-nurse-practitioner
Beck A, Page C, Buche J, Rittman D, & Gaiser M (2018). Mapping supply of the U.S. psychiatric workforce University of Michigan Behavioral Health Workforce Research Center.
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Collapse SubdiscussionBeverly Britton Hello professor and class,
My choice of nursing specialty within the MSN program is the psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. One of the difficulties I experienced when choosing was that I needed to understand the different specialties available in the MSN program. Therefore, I had to conduct some research to determine all the specialties and what they entail. Another difficulty I faced was the lack of full understanding of what the psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner focuses on. While I understand that the nursing specialty involves addressing mental health challenges, I did not understand all the roles involved.
One factor that drove my decision is the understanding that the country is facing a shortage of psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners, yet there is an alarming increase in mental health challenges. Delaney and Vanderhoef (2019) explain that there is a need for more mental health professionals to address the health issue. I wanted to be one of the nurses that could help treat patients’ behavioral disorders and provide counseling to prevent and treat the various mental health issues in society.
A professional organization associated with my specialty is the American Psychiatric Nurses Association. According to APNA (2023), the organization provides resources to help nurses advance in the psychiatric field. The resources include the opportunity for continuing education and online educational programs such as teaching motivational interviewing. One requirement to become a member is to be either an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) or a psychiatric-mental health registered nurse. Another requirement is to pay the registration fee. According to APNA (2023), the regular membership for registered nurses is $135; for affiliated members who are not registered nurses is $135, international membership is $135; student membership is $25; and for active-duty military is $75.
References
APNA. (2023). Welcome to your psychiatric-mental health nursing community. American Psychiatric Nurses Association. American Psychiatric Nurses Association | APNALinks to an external site.
Delaney, K. R., & Vanderhoef, D. (2019). The psychiatric mental health advanced practice registered nurse workforce: Charting the future. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 25(1), 11–18. https://doi.org/10.1177/1078390318806571Links to an external site.
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Collapse SubdiscussionJessica Palacios Module 6 Discussion
I chose the PMHNP program at Walden University because it aligns with my passion for providing comprehensive care to individuals struggling with mental health issues. It was not a difficult decision for me. My experience with my younger brother, who became homeless due to his mental illness, was the driving factor behind my decision to pursue this specialty. Watching him struggle and feeling helpless in not being able to support him entirely inspired me to take action and gain the skills necessary to make a positive impact in the lives of those facing similar challenges.
I believe that with the knowledge and training, I will receive from the PMHNP program at Walden, I can provide the care and support that my brother and others like him desperately need. I chose to go with the online program at Walden University after much research and comparison of programs. I like that it is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and has received specialized accreditation for its nursing programs from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) (Walden University, 2021). The online format would allow me to pursue this while working and juggling my responsibilities as a parent.
The International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses (ISPN) is one professional organization affiliated with my chosen specialty of PMHNP. As a member of the ISPN, I would have access to a vast network of mental health professionals, as well as resources and opportunities for continuing education and professional development (Perry, 2020). To become a member of the ISPN, one must meet specific requirements. One must hold an active license as a registered nurse and have a minimum of a master’s degree in nursing with a focus on psychiatric-mental health nursing (ISPN, 2021). Additionally, they must have completed at least 500 clinical hours in the PMHNP role and hold national certification as a PMHNP (ISPN, 2021).
References
Perry, S. (2020). The Importance of Joining Professional Nursing Organizations. Journal of Nursing Education and Practice, 10(6), 35-40.
International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses (ISPN). (2021). Membership Requirements. Retrieved from https://www.ispn-psych.org/page/MembershipRequirementsLinks to an external site.
Walden University. (2021). Accreditation and Licensing. Retrieved from https://www.waldenu.edu/about/accreditation-and-licensingLinks to an external site.
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Collapse SubdiscussionNathan Moise Hello Jessica,
Indeed, through the PMHNP, specifically at Walden, we are prepared to be exemplary nurses offering psychiatric and mental health services to our patients. To add onto your post, I wish to state that the opportunity to undertake this course and specifically at this school provides a greater opportunity for us to be contributors to social change. Social issues are a great contributor to disparities in mental health and adverse mental health outcomes (Ventura et al.., 2021). Through this program, we have that opportunity to align the services we offer, with improved social change initiatives. This will ensure that even as we provide these care services, we shall also be tackling the various social challenges that these patients fail which would lead to adverse mental health outcomes.
References
Ventura, C. A. A., Austin, W., Carrara, B. S., & de Brito, E. S. (2021). Nursing care in mental health: Human rights and ethical issues. Nursing ethics, 28(4), 463–480. https://doi.org/10.1177/0969733020952102
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