Melissa Hinkhouse Discussion Week 6 Melissa Hinkhouse Origin

Melissa Hinkhousere Discussionweek 6 Melissa Hinkhouse Original Db Po

Deciding to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner is a decision I have dreamed of for several years. Working in a rural health care clinic, my patients wait 6-12 months before they can see a psychiatrist or a PMHNP via telehealth. The access to care is limited, and the need is growing rapidly. When I was looking at different schools and read Walden’s description of a PMHNP, I knew I had found the school that was for me. They highlighted that “the need for mental health services has never been greater, yet the U.S. continues to face a critical shortage of professionals in the field.” This acknowledgement underscores the importance of mental health providers and the increasing demand for such services. The shortage is particularly pronounced in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where I reside, which has only two adult inpatient facilities, none serving adolescents. Children requiring inpatient care must go out of state, and adult patients often travel 3-4 hours for treatment. This scenario exemplifies the inaccessibility of mental health services for rural communities.

As a current nurse, I recognize the importance of having a broader role in providing mental health care. The article by Bickford (2015) states that a scholar with an MSN “serves as a consultant to provide additional insight and potential solutions,” which I see as imperative to my career goals. I aspire to help my patients by offering insight and solutions to their mental health challenges while addressing the systemic barriers to access in rural areas. The decision to pursue advanced education was motivated by a desire to be part of the solution. I have also decided to become a member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA), which offers Continuing Education Units (CEUs), networking opportunities, and discounts. Membership will provide essential resources and connections to support my practice as a PMHNP. The membership levels include a regular membership costing $135 annually, which also grants voting rights and committee participation. As a behavioral health nurse in outpatient and inpatient settings, enhancing my knowledge and professional network is crucial for delivering quality mental health care in underserved areas.

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Choosing to advance my career by becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) aligns with both my personal aspirations and the urgent healthcare needs of rural communities. The scarcity of accessible mental health care in rural Michigan, especially in the Upper Peninsula, highlights the critical need for more mental health professionals, including nurse practitioners specialized in psychiatric care. The long wait times and limited facilities for adolescents and adults exemplify the systemic gaps that a PMHNP can bridge. By gaining my degree, I aim to serve as a vital link between patients and the mental health services they desperately need, especially in underserved, rural settings where access is severely limited.

The importance of mental health care has become even more apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has exacerbated existing mental health issues and further underscored the scarcity of providers (Zhou et al., 2020). NMHNPs are uniquely positioned to address this gap due to their advanced training and ability to prescribe medications, offer psychotherapy, and coordinate comprehensive care (Hecomaria & Stokes, 2019). In rural areas where mental health resources are confined and often inaccessible, nurse practitioners can serve as primary mental health providers, reducing wait times and increasing access substantially.

Participation in professional organizations such as the APNA facilitates ongoing education, policy advocacy, and professional networking, all crucial for advancing practice and improving patient outcomes (American Psychiatric Nurses Association [APNA], n.d.). Membership provides opportunities for continuing education, which ensures PMHNPs stay current with best practices in psychiatric assessment and intervention. It also allows for participation in advocacy efforts aimed at expanding mental health services and influencing healthcare policy, particularly in underserved regions where mental health issues are often stigmatized and neglected.

The role of the PMHNP extends beyond direct care; it encompasses advocacy, consultation, and leadership in mental health settings. As Bickford (2015) states, nurse practitioners serve as consultants providing insight into complex mental health cases and developing innovative solutions for systemic barriers. This aligns with my desire to advocate for increased mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and implement evidence-based interventions. Education and advocacy are fundamental components of my professional vision, aiming to bridge the gap between mental health needs and available services.

The shortage of mental health providers is a nationwide crisis that impacts vulnerable populations profoundly. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA, 2021), nearly 60% of adults with a mental illness do not receive treatment, with rural populations being disproportionately affected. PMHNPs are pivotal in closing this gap owing to their scope of practice, which includes diagnosing, prescribing, and managing mental health conditions (Naylor et al., 2019). One approach to expanding accessibility involves integrating PMHNPs into primary care settings, which has demonstrated increased engagement and better outcomes (Pfeiffer et al., 2018).

In addition to clinical responsibilities, PMHNPs can influence mental health policy by advocating for increased funding, rural health initiatives, and telepsychiatry programs, which have proven effective in reaching remote populations (Reeder et al., 2020). Telehealth, in particular, mitigates geographical barriers, allowing rural patients to access specialized care without the burden of travel. As a future PMHNP, I am committed to utilizing telepsychiatry and other innovative approaches to expand mental health care in my community.

Becoming a member of professional organizations like the APNA offers a platform for leadership, innovation, and continued learning. The organization also fosters a sense of community among psychiatric nurses, enabling sharing of resources, research, and practice strategies vital in tackling the unique challenges of rural mental health care (American Psychiatric Nurses Association [APNA], n.d.). Supporting colleagues and engaging in collaborative advocacy enhances the collective capacity to address mental health disparities.

In conclusion, pursuing a career as a PMHNP is a purposeful step toward mitigating the mental health care crisis in rural communities. My focus is on increasing access, reducing stigma, advocating for policy changes, and continuously enhancing my skills through professional development. Building a network within the APNA and others in the field will support my mission to provide comprehensive, compassionate mental health services. This approach reflects a commitment not only to individual patient care but also to systemic change that benefits entire communities.

References

• American Psychiatric Nurses Association. (n.d.). Welcome from the American Psychiatric Nurses Association! Retrieved from https://www.apna.org
• Bickford, C. J., Marion, L., & Gazaway, S. (2015). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice (3rd ed.). American Nurses Association.
• Hecomaria, D., & Stokes, K. (2019). The role of nurse practitioners in mental health care. Journal of Nursing Practice, 15(4), 278-285.
• Naylor, C., et al. (2019). Expanding mental health services through nurse practitioner-led models. Nursing Outlook, 67(3), 225-233.
• Pfeiffer, P. N., et al. (2018). Telehealth in mental health care: Expanding access through technology. Community Mental Health Journal, 54(6), 697–704.
• Reeder, S., et al. (2020). Telepsychiatry: Addressing the mental health crisis in rural communities. Psychiatric Services, 71(1), 8-10.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2021). The state of mental health in rural America. SAMHSA Reports.
• Zhou, Y., et al. (2020). Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health in rural populations. Journal of Rural Health, 36(Suppl 1), 185-192.