Post: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner After Wor
Post 1psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitionerafter Working As A B
Post 1psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitionerafter Working As A B
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner After working as a bedside nurse for almost ten years, I decided to make my desire to continue my education a reality. I talked to a lot of my friends and coworkers before deciding it was time to take charge. “Now or Never”.
Why I decided to become a PMHNP: Ever since I was a nursing student, I have been passionate about the field of mental health. I always felt that I could understand the material and that it was a fundamental part of who I was. I believed it was time for me to strengthen my position to support my community after spending so much time at the patient's bedside.
I believe I can affect change and be the change after observing so many people—young, middle-aged, and elderly—struggling with mental health difficulties and not receiving the necessary care. Why choose Walden: Walden gives me greater access to education than I could ever hope for given my familial obligations. The PMHNP concentration at Walden focuses on teaching how to apply knowledge to provide comprehensive mental health services that positively influence individuals, families, and populations. Walden will help me learn to interact with patients, perform assessments, diagnose, and plan treatment—all through virtual simulations. This program will also help me learn to use research to develop, assess, and refine educational materials that best serve the healthcare community.
High-quality nursing leadership leads to positive patient, provider, and system outcomes (Cummings et al., 2010; National Expert Commission, 2012; Wong, Cummings & Ducharme, 2013). For over 125 years, nursing organizations have supported practice, defined values, and encouraged self-regulation. The American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) is the body that regulates the activities and welfare of psychiatric-mental health nurses (PMHNPs). APNA is committed to improving psychiatric nursing through education, resources, and cooperative frameworks for PMHNPs.
Members must register for free on the organization's website to join, providing evidence of status as an active-duty nurse. The organization charges a subscription fee based on needs and professional standing (American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 2022). Approved members can take part in activities and projects. Inclusion, diversity, equity, access, and de-stigmatization are core values emphasized by APNA, as stated by President Mr. Okoli, highlighting the organization's commitment to inclusivity, integrity, and empowerment.
Paper For Above instruction
The decision to pursue a career as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is driven by a profound passion for mental health nursing and a desire to make a meaningful impact on community well-being. With nearly a decade of bedside nursing experience, I have witnessed firsthand the profound gaps and disparities in mental health care that affect diverse populations across all ages. This reflection explores my motivation, educational path through Walden University, leadership engagement via professional associations like the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA), and my vision for advancing mental health services.
Background and Motivation
My journey into psychiatric nursing was fueled by an intrinsic interest in mental health issues and a commitment to patient advocacy. During my clinical experiences as a bedside nurse, I observed not only the complex needs of individuals suffering from mental illnesses but also the systemic barriers that hinder access to quality care. Many patients encountered stigmatization, fragmented services, and a lack of culturally competent care, which reinforced my resolve to specialize further. The realization that mental health is a crucial component of overall health motivated me to pursue advanced practice roles where I can influence policies and clinical practices to address these disparities.
Educational Pursuits and Walden University
Choosing Walden University for my MSN program was deliberate, based on its flexible learning model accommodating my familial obligations. The PMHNP track emphasizes applying theoretical knowledge through virtual simulations, telehealth, and evidence-based practices, training graduates to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders across diverse settings. This program aligns with my goal of delivering person-centered, culturally sensitive care, especially for underserved populations who face socioeconomic barriers to mental health services. It also underscores developing competencies such as psychiatric assessment, pharmacology, psychotherapy techniques, and interdisciplinary collaboration, essential for effective practice in community and clinical environments.
Leadership and Professional Involvement
Recognizing the importance of professional leadership, I intend to actively engage with APNA, a premier organization committed to excellence in psychiatric-mental health nursing. APNA offers resources such as continuing education, policy advocacy, and networking opportunities that are vital for ongoing professional development and influence. Membership requires proof of active nursing practice, and the organization advocates for inclusivity, de-stigmatization, and equitable mental health care, reflecting my core values. Through participation in APNA activities, I aim to contribute to policy reforms that expand access, reduce disparities, and promote innovative mental health interventions tailored to community needs.
Impact and Future Goals
As a future PMHNP, my goal extends beyond individual patient care. I see myself as a catalyst for systemic change by advocating for mental health parity, integrating telepsychiatry, and developing community outreach programs. This aligns with current research emphasizing the critical role of nurse practitioners in addressing mental health workforce shortages and improving service delivery (Jenkins et al., 2020). I am committed to lifelong learning, evidence-based practice, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to develop holistic care models that incorporate social determinants of health and reduce stigma.
References
- American Psychiatric Nurses Association. (2022). About APNA. Retrieved from https://www.apna.org
- Cummings, G., Tate, K., Lee, S., et al. (2010). The effect of transformational leadership on job satisfaction and patient safety outcomes. Nursing Leadership, 23(4), 21-34.
- Jenkins, M. M., Cofie, L. E., & Johnson-Lawrence, V. (2020). Socioeconomic and racial/ethnic disparities in mental health care use: The impact of the Affordable Care Act. Psychiatric Services, 71(6), 585–591.
- National Task Force on Quality Nurse Practitioner Education. (2016). Criteria for evaluation of Nurse Practitioner Programs. Retrieved from https://www.npquality.org
- Wong, C., Cummings, G., & Ducharme, L. (2013). The relationship between nursing leadership and patient outcomes: A systematic review. Journal of Nursing Management, 21(5), 679-694.
- Brooks, A. (1997). Leadership in nursing: Psychiatric nurses make a difference. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 3(1), 24–26.
- American Nurses Association. (2015). Nursing informatics: Scope and standards of practice (2nd ed.).
- Bickford, C. J., Marion, L., & Gazaway, S. (2015). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice, Third edition. American Nurses Association.
- Walden University. (n.d.). Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Retrieved from https://www.waldenu.edu
- Truant, R., & Chan, R. J. (2017). Future-ready: Strengthening oncology nursing leadership in professional oncology nursing organizations. Canadian Oncology Nursing Journal, 27(1), 2-4.