Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Is The Chosen Nursing Spec

Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Is The Chosen Nursing Specialty With

Psychiatric mental health nursing is the chosen nursing specialty within the MSN program. Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), currently called Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, is an advanced role in nursing that entails working with individuals, groups, families, and communities to assess and meet their mental health needs. Specifically, Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (PMH-APRNs) play an instrumental role in ensuring that the psychiatric-mental health population have access to comprehensive primary care services (Butryn, Bryant, Marchionni, & Sholevar, 2017).

Interest in the nursing specialty piqued while volunteering in a program for homeless persons with co-existing mental and behavioral health problems. Working with this vulnerable population provided invaluable insights about the lived experiences of patients with mental and behavioral health issues. A clinical rotation in a psychogeriatric unit reinforced the desire to pursue psychiatric mental health nursing as a career. Two factors from past experiences influenced this decision: the growing prevalence of mental health problems in the U.S., and the severe shortage of mental health providers.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2018) reports that one in five Americans, approximately 46.6 million people, experience a mental health problem annually, highlighting mental health as a major public health concern. Moreover, the opioid crisis has worsened mental health issues, especially among older adults and homeless populations with mental health disorders (de Nesnera & Allen, 2016). Alongside this, more than 75% of U.S. counties face a chronic shortage of mental health prescribers, leading to long wait times for care—often exceeding three months—especially for underserved and minority populations (Butryn et al., 2017).

This scenario accentuates the importance and necessity of psychiatric mental health nursing. Addressing these issues is critical for improving health outcomes and ensuring equitable access to mental health services. However, the decision to specialize in this field involves assessing personal readiness for the demanding workload and emotional toll, including potential burnout (Bodenheimer & Bauer, 2016). Additionally, working in underserved and rural communities presents further challenges, such as resource limitations and professional isolation. Despite these difficulties, a commitment to patient-centered care and the desire to serve vulnerable populations inform and motivate this career path.

Engagement in psychiatric mental health nursing offers opportunities for professional development through memberships in prominent organizations. The American Nurses Association (ANA) recognizes nursing specialties, defines practice standards, and facilitates professional growth. The American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) provides resources, continuing education, and networking opportunities for psychiatric-mental health nurses, while the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) supports nurses of all specialties with mentorship and advocacy (Lake, 2017).

Joining these organizations requires reviewing their membership registration processes, fulfilling licensure and certification requirements, and paying associated fees. Such affiliations are vital for ongoing education, support, and advancements in practice. They also provide platforms for leadership development and contribution to health policy, especially important given the evolving landscape of mental health care (de Nesnera & Allen, 2016).

In conclusion, the choice of psychiatric mental health nursing stems from a profound commitment to addressing the mental health crisis, aiding underserved populations, and filling a critical gap in healthcare. The field offers meaningful opportunities for professional growth and impact, albeit with challenges such as emotional burnout and working in resource-limited settings. Active engagement with professional organizations enhances these prospects, ensuring nurses remain current, supported, and empowered to deliver high-quality mental health care across diverse communities.

References

  • Bodenheimer, T., & Bauer, L. (2016). Rethinking the primary care workforce: An expanded role for nurses. New England Journal of Medicine, 375, 1015-1017. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMp1602208
  • 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, 3(1), 5-9. https://doi.org/10.4103/IJAM.IJAM_49_17
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). Learning about mental health. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm
  • de Nesnera, A., & Allen, D. E. (2016). Expanding the role of psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners in a state psychiatric system: The New Hampshire experience. Psychiatric Services, 67(5), 482–484. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.201500033
  • Lake, J. (2017). Urgent need for improved mental health care and a more collaborative model of care. The Permanente Journal, 21, 17-24. https://doi.org/10.7812/TPP/17-024

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