Comparing Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner
Walden University College of Nursing offers a variety of specializations in its MSN program to allow nursing practitioners to diversify in their interest areas. In my case, I have chosen to specialize in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) so that I am in a position to reduce the burden that is associated with mental health conditions in the United States. This specialty differs from Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), in several ways, most notably, the scope and the level of training that they require to handle their responsibilities. Balestra (2019) notes that both practitioners have the necessary training and education for assessing mental health disorders. However, PMHNPs possess extensive training in psychiatry which enables them in providing an in-depth assessment of patients who present with mental health disorders. On the other hand, FNPs who provide care to patients from all age groups play a crucial role in mental health, as they diagnose and treat patients suffering from anxiety or depression (Balestra, 2019). This role then means that the two practitioners are highly interrelated, despite operating within varied depth and width regarding mental health assessment.
Justification statement that identifies reasons for choosing Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
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The main reason why I opted to specialize in PNP was to gain extensive knowledge so that I would be in a position to alleviate the burden that mental health conditions pose on the patients, their families, and the US healthcare system. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (2021), there are about 50 million Americans who are living with mental health conditions and there is an anticipation that the number will rise further. In such a case, there is an urgent need for PNPs, a requirement that became a basis for choosing this specialization. In the course of my research, I have realized that most of the patients that manifest with, acute, episodic, or chronic mental conditions are either underdiagnosed or do not receive timely interventions, a situation that hampers clinical outcomes (Lake, 2017). This program, however, will equip me with the requisite skills and competencies that will go a long way in changing the PNP context as the in-class lessons and practicum will complement my clinical experience.
The MSN program at Walden University is an avenue that will allow me to complete my PNP education and from here, become a licensed and certified professional. I believe that licensure and certification will pave the way for me to become a skilled practitioner who is capable of conducting physical assessments for mental health patients. The other reason for specializing in PNP is the fact that it will equip me with additional skills in ambulatory care to handle psychiatric patients as well as enhance my private practice in the mental health field. Before I settled on this specialization I had apprehension since I was aware of the massive restructuring in the field of psychiatric nursing that has reduced the demand for PNPs. Nesnerae & Allen (2016) assert that healthcare facilities require PNPs to have additional skills to provide holistic care for patients. Despite these demands, I still believe that I have what it takes to contribute to improved mental health outcomes, considering that the program will allow me to explore the field exhaustively.
Professional organization related PNP specialization and how I can become an active member of this organization
Psychiatric nursing practitioners are involved with various professional organizations that include the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, American Nurses Association, and American Association of Nurse Practitioners. These organizations are crucial to these professionals since they provide PNPs with solid programs and resources as well as opportunities to advance their profession (American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 2021). Practitioners who are keen on joining these organizations may be required to pay fees depending on the membership category of choice. For instance, APNA has five types of memberships: student ($25), retired ($75), international ($135), affiliate ($135), and regular ($135) (American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 2021). On choosing the category, the applicant will either use mail, phone or website to join the organization. Practitioners who are joining as members must have completed the requisite nursing program and have certification from an approved certifying body.
References
American Psychiatric Nurses Association. (2021). Membership: Be a part of the voice of the nurse practitioner. https://www.aanp.org/membership
Balestra, M. L. (2019). Family nurse practitioner scope of practice issues when treating patients with mental health issues. The Journal for Family Nurse Practitioner, 15 (7), 479-482. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nurpra.2018.11.007
Lake, J. (2017). Urgent need for improved mental health care and a more collaborative model of care. The Permanente Journal, 24 (5), 17-24. https://doi.org/10.7812/tpp/17-024
Nesnerae, A., & Allen, D. E. (2016). Expanding the role of psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners in a state psychiatric system: The New Hampshire experience. Psychiatric Services, 67 (5), 482-484. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.201500486
