There is a demand for nurse practitioners with advanced degrees as the U.S. population ages, patient acuities increase, and more doctors retire. After deciding to be one of the nurses to satisfy this increasing demand, I had to choose which expertise was best suited for me. I selected to enroll into Walden University’s online MSN program because it “is designed to help those in the nursing profession who wish to make a greater difference in the field of healthcare, within their own communities, in their organizations, and in the lives of patients” (Walden, n.d., para. 1). Additionally, Walden University offered five MSN specialties, two of which I had a particular interest.
Prior to my enrollment, I contemplated between the FNP and PMHNP program. Both specialties have a pivotal role in health care but two very different responsibilities and challenges. The FNP program was initially appealing due to its broader scope of practice, the ability to work in various facilities, plus I spent 10 years of nursing career as a med/surg/tele nurse. What ultimately led to my decision to select PMHNP as a future career goal was my desire to change how mental health is perceived and treated. Truant & Chan (2017) stated that “we have a moral imperative to use our leadership capacity.” In my most recent experience as a psychiatric nurse, I have gained empathy and a passion for treating those struggling with mental illness. I have identified areas that require improvement. Most of all, I find psychiatry fascinating. I can best use my passion, experience, and leadership capacity to impact change within mental health. What also helped me secure my decision was the rising need for PMHNP. I feel confident knowing there is a need for my services and that I will probably not have any issues securing employment as a PMHNP.
The history of advocacy by nurses working through professional nursing organizations to advance nursing practice and enhance the health of populations, communities, and people is quite strong (Cherry et al., 2019). The American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) is an organization dedicated to psychiatric nursing. It is a place where PMHNP can find CE, resources, and a professional community. To become a member, you must be a registered nurse and are required to pay annual dues and engage in pursuits to further the purpose of the Association. Full time students may join for a discounted fee with proof of full-time study (letter from program director verifying full time status on school letter head).
References
Cherry, B., Caramanica, L, Everett, L. Q., Fennimore, L., & Elaine, S. (2019). Leveraging the power of board leadership in professional nursing organizations
Links to an external site.. JONA: The Journal of Nursing Administration, 49(11), 517-519.
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