Student Approach on Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Part 6: Finalizing the Plan

 

My main focus out of the available specialty option is to peruse a master’s degree in gerontology or psychiatry. Gerontology focuses on providing healthcare services to the elderly patients which have gained more market in the current healthcare system, whereas an MSN- PMHNP program mainly equips nurses with adequate knowledge and skills in delivering a full spectrum of care among patients suffering from psychiatric disorders including substance abuse issues and organic brain disorders (Endsley, 2017). Out of the two, I prefer enrolling in an MSN- PMHNP program, which aligns with my strength and prior knowledge in taking care of psychiatry patients.

The current healthcare system is overwhelmed with psychiatry patients as a result of increasing mental illness cases such as depression and anxiety. As such, there is an increased demand for psychiatry healthcare specialists across all disciplines including nurses.

Consequently, nurses working in this field enjoy several benefits such as increased pay, with numerous job opportunities. Additionally, most of my colleagues have observed my good communication skills and a good relationship with my patients, which is crucial when taking care of patients with psychiatry disorders (Vargas et al., 2017). In the course of my BSN program, my preceptor, during my clinical rotation in the psychiatry department also observed my keen insight and good relationship with patients suffering from different mental disorders.

Consequently, in my report, she pointed out a good clinical outcome, among most of the patients who were under my care. As such, I find it very convenient and life-changing to focus on specializing in psychiatry, to help patients suffering from mental illness. However, it is very important to note that, the main challenge facing psychiatric nurses is forming a strong therapeutic relationship with patients suffering from mental illness together with their families.

In my professional line, I am looking forward to becoming a member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA). This organization was founded in 1986 to provide leadership aimed at promoting psychiatric-mental health nurses, and improving the quality of mental health care services for patients from different cultural backgrounds, and shape the healthcare policies associated with improved mental health services (Delaney, Drew, & Rushton, 2019).

APNA membership incorporates all PMH nurses (RN), including baccalaureate (BSN), associate degree (ADN), and advanced practice (APRN). Members of this organization come from different healthcare settings such as inpatient, academic, community, and research settings, in both private and public sectors, and healthcare institutions at both federal and state levels.

APNA has made it easier for nurses to advance their education hence improving the quality of services provided to patients with mental illness, as such, becoming a member of this organization will help in advancing my career, and advance my knowledge and skills in taking care of psychiatry patients.

References

Delaney, K. R., Drew, B. L., & Rushton, A. (March 01, 2019). Report on the APNA National Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Survey. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 25, 2, 146-155. https://doi.org/10.1177/1078390318777873

Divane de Vargas, Janaina Soares, Talita Dutra Ponce, & Bruna Batista de Oliveira. (January 01, 2017). PSYCHIATRIC URGENCY AND EMERGENCY CARE NURSES: AN ANALYSIS OF THEIR PROFESSIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL PROFILE. Cogitare Enfermagem, 22, 4.) https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/b73d/25882372abdd7f69079cd553b590845f441f.pdf. 

Endsley, P. (January 01, 2017). School Nurse Workload: A Scoping Review of Acute Care, Community Health, and Mental Health Nursing Workload Literature. Journal of School Nursing, 33, 1, 43-52. https://doi.org/10.1177/1059840516681423