The Nursing Specialty Within My Program Is Based On Psychiat

The Nursing Specialty Within My Program Is Based On Psychiatry And Men

The nursing specialty within my program is based on psychiatry and mental health. Psychiatric nurse practitioners can analyze psychological diseases or disorders and recommend medications; however, they also provide mental health and social well-being treatment. This includes counseling patients experiencing stress, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and other mental health issues. I will learn to evaluate, analyze, plan, implement, and assess healthcare procedures aimed at reducing disparities by supporting patients in accessing nursing care. Additionally, I will learn to incorporate mental health frameworks into nursing practice to promote high-quality healthcare, improve nursing care, and foster social change.

The challenges I faced when making this decision included finding schools that offer this program and identifying potential workplaces after graduation. Despite my current satisfaction with my nursing job in various settings, I am aware that the transition process can be difficult. I hope to find a work environment where I feel comfortable and at ease. My decision was driven by factors such as high job satisfaction, the strong demand for nurses in this specialty, and my passion for mental health. A professional organization related to my chosen field is the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA).

American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA)

The APNA was established in 1986 and has since become a prominent organization dedicated to advancing mental health practice, preventing mental health issues, and providing care for individuals with mental illnesses. The association offers different types of memberships, including regular, affiliate, international, retired, and student memberships. For students, dues are discounted to $25, and applicants must be full-time nursing students. The membership process involves providing proof of student status, completing an online application, and awaiting processing, which typically takes about two weeks. Upon approval, members receive a welcome letter and a membership card.

Conclusion

Choosing a career in psychiatric nursing aligns with my passion for mental health, offers significant professional growth opportunities, and addresses a critical need within healthcare. Membership in organizations like the APNA helps connect me with resources, professional development, and a community of like-minded practitioners. As I continue my education and career path, I am committed to contributing to mental health care by adopting evidence-based practices, advocating for patients, and participating actively in professional organizations to stay current in this evolving field.

References

  • Adams, S. M., & Black, P. (2016). American Psychiatric Nurses Association—Transitions in Practice Certificate Program. Nursing Administration Quarterly, 40(3), 197-200.
  • Bickford, C. J., Marion, L., & Gazaway, S. (2015). Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice, Third Edition - 2015.
  • Moller, M. D. (2017). Advancing the role of advanced practice psychiatric nurses in today’s psychiatric workforce. Current Psychiatry, 16(4), 15-20.
  • American Psychiatric Nurses Association. (2023). Membership Information. Retrieved from https://www.apna.org
  • Gelenberg, A. J. (2017). The importance of psychiatric nurses. Psychiatric Services, 68(2), 143-145.
  • Salzman, C. F., & Merenstein, D. (2018). The future of psychiatric nursing. Journal of Psychiatric Nursing, 44(3), 15-21.
  • Carey, A. J. (2019). Mental health policy and nursing practice. Nursing Outlook, 67(4), 315-321.
  • McKinney, E. S., & Sabatelli, R. M. (2020). Psych nursing: An introduction to the psychiatric-mental health nurse. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 58(2), 16-22.
  • Happell, B., & Gough, K. (2019). The impact of specialization on mental health nursing practice. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 28(3), 115-121.
  • National Institute of Mental Health. (2022). Mental health workforce. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov

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