NU Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practicum. Unit 1 Discussion

Introduction Activity of Presentation Topic

Please respond to the two posts below. 200words each 400words total. 4 references. Due 1-10-25

Instructions:

Please read and respond to at least two of your peers’ initial postings. You may want to consider the following questions in your responses to your peers:

· Compare and contrast your initial posting with those of your peers.

· How are they similar or how are they different?

· What information can you add that would help support the responses of your peers?

· Ask your peers a question for clarification about their post.

· What most interests you about their responses?

Student 1 – My name is …….., and I live in Sacramento, California. I currently work as a Registered Nurse in an acute psychiatric hospital, where I care for individuals facing mental health challenges with compassion and empathy. I also work as a Clinical Instructor with various universities, guiding nursing students as they prepare for their careers. I believe teamwork and collaboration are essential in providing the best care for patients.

Pursuing the role of a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) feels like a natural next step in my journey. I’m passionate about mental health advocacy, breaking down stigma, and making quality care accessible to all. Becoming a PMHNP aligns with my goal of supporting not just the physical but also the emotional and mental well-being of my patients. I’m excited to continue learning and growing to make a positive impact in this field.

One similarity between the role of an RN and an NP is the focus on patient-centered care. Both roles involve building trust with patients, advocating for their needs, and ensuring their overall well-being. The main difference, however, lies in the level of responsibility and independence. As an RN, you follow care plans created by providers, but as an NP, you take on a more autonomous role. NPs are responsible for diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medications, and managing treatment plans, which requires advanced clinical knowledge and leadership skills. This transition brings new challenges but also offers opportunities for personal and professional growth.

As Florence Nightingale once said, “I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took any excuse.” This inspires me to keep pushing forward and making a difference in mental health care.

I look forward to interacting with you all, wish you all the best on your NP journey!

Student 2

Hello, my name is …….. I’m excited to continue my journey to becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Currently, I work in a step-down unit at a hospital, caring for patients who require ongoing medical attention. I’m passionate about my work and enjoy helping individuals heal and recover.

As I transition from Registered Nurse to Nurse Practitioner, I’ve noticed that while some aspects remain the same, others differ significantly. My compassion and empathy for my patients remain unchanged, ensuring their well-being is always my top priority.

Resources

American Nurses Association & American Psychiatric Nurse Association. (2015). Psychiatric–mental health nursing: Scope and standards of practice (2nd ed.) American Nurses Credentialing. ISBN-13: 978-1558105553 ISBN-10: 1558105557

American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.) text revision (DSM-5 TR). APA Press. ISBN 978-0890425763

Carlat, D. J. (2023). The psychiatric interview (5th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer. ISBN: 9781975212971