Embarking on a career as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) opens doors to a profession that merges compassionate care with advanced medical expertise. In today’s dynamic healthcare landscape, the role of PMHNPs has become increasingly vital, addressing the complex intersection of mental health and medical care.
Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners have the opportunity to make a profound difference in individuals’ lives by providing specialized care to those navigating mental health challenges. From enhancing patient outcomes and contributing significantly to mental health advocacy to reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness, the advantages of choosing a career as a PMHNP are deeply rewarding and with the ongoing mental health crisis, there’s never been a better time to pursue such a noble profession.
Goodwin University offers a comprehensive Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program that equips aspiring nurses with the knowledge, skills, and clinical experiences needed to excel in this specialized field.
Dr. Mary Salisbury, the program director of the PMHNP track at Goodwin, can speak to the importance of mental health professionals. “Psychiatric mental health doesn’t just happen in a vacuum. More times than not every single nurse that is in the field has come across an individual with mental health needs,” she says. “More and more nurses are keying into that and wanting to be an advocate.”
Choose a career that heals
We are currently in the midst of an ongoing mental health crisis. Even after the isolation caused by the pandemic, depression and anxiety levels remain astronomically high. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 1 in 5 of every adult experiences mental illness each year. And even more gut-wrenching — one person dies by suicide every 40 seconds worldwide.
There is a staggering need for mental health professionals, as many mental health facilities are buckling under the weight of this crisis. A report by the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis discovered that more than half of the U.S. population lives in an area with a shortage of mental health professionals and facilities. This is where psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners come in.
Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) work to assess, diagnose, and treat the mental health needs of their patients. They work with a wide range of patients; children, adults, and the elderly population.
Goodwin University’s online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program allows those with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing to expand upon their foundational knowledge in the mental health field. “[At Goodwin], we’re very much on the pulse of what is going on,” explains Dr. Salisbury. “Our curriculum is very diverse. We are focused on our program’s competencies and ensuring that the student is fully prepared to manage many different opportunities, clinical settings, and environments.”
Graduates of this program have gone on to work in a variety of clinical settings, such as:
- Acute or urgent care centers
- Correctional facilities
- Hospitals
- Private practices
- And more!
In the face of today’s mental health crisis, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners stand as essential providers. Their ability to diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication equips them to effectively manage a wide range of mental health conditions. PMHNPs’ holistic approach and diverse practice settings, from hospitals to schools, empower them to change lives across communities. And Goodwin University’s PMHNP program is at the forefront of this endeavor.
Interested in diving deeper into the world of psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners? Download our comprehensive guide and get started on your journey to becoming a PMHNP!
Expand your knowledge with our comprehensive curriculum
Goodwin University’s online PMHNP program offers a comprehensive curriculum and real-world clinical experiences, preparing graduates to make a significant impact in the mental health field. The opportunities for PMHNPs are truly endless. They can work in traditional clinical settings, or in more innovative environments like telehealth or community mental health centers.
The PMHNP program consists of a diverse curriculum, including Immersion Weekends and on-campus clinical opportunities. Students will have the chance to learn with freedom and flexibility, since the program is online. They’ll be able to connect with their peers and professors via monthly Zoom check-ins, discussion boards, and on-campus clinicals.
“Goodwin’s PMHNP program focuses on treatment and management, as well as diagnosing clients across the lifespan. We focus on medication management from children all the way up to elderly individuals.” explains Dr. Salisbury.
Gain practical, hands-on experience
Immersion Weekends are an exciting opportunity for nursing students to gain essential hands-on training to put into practice in real-world clinical settings. The PMHNP program includes two Immersion Weekends, which focus on assessment skills for the psychiatric provider. Students will review case studies, go over varying medications in more detail, learn therapeutic modalities, and more.
As for clinical opportunities, students have a wide range of options. Dr. Salisbury has seen students go on to train and work in varying settings, from substance abuse treatment centers to the American School for the Deaf.
Mental health is important for everyone, everywhere, and PMHNPs are uniquely positioned to address this growing need. By choosing Goodwin University’s online, hands-on PMHNP program, you can be part of the solution and make a lasting difference in the lives of others.
Create a brighter future for tomorrow
A career as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner is not just a profession — it’s a calling. Goodwin University is exceptional in preparing aspiring PMHNPs, offering a transformative blend of education, clinical experience, and support.
Whether you’re drawn to the art of healing minds or driven by a passion for mental health advocacy, Goodwin’s PMHNP program equips you with the tools and knowledge to thrive in this dynamic field. Embrace the opportunity to champion mental health, empower communities, and shape a brighter future — explore Goodwin University’s PMHNP program today!