The field of Psychiatric-Mental Health nursing is greatly affected by the shortage of doctors and nurses in our ever-changing health care climate. Fortunately, there is a growing number of pediatric advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who have specialized in mental health nursing and are currently helping to fill the void in available pediatric mental health care for patients and their families who have a need for specialized treatment. These nurse practitioners are committed to providing high quality, family-centered care in a protected environment of safety, confidentiality and trust. Patients come from referrals, clinics and even some who have been admitted to the emergency department in a time of crisis. They have a variety of conditions ranging from cognitive to developmental, emotional or behavioral, but no matter where they came from or what their condition, the goal is recovery and wellness.
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Responsibilities of the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatric-Mental Health include conducting comprehensive mental and physical health assessments and physical examinations, developing a diagnosis and creating and monitoring therapeutic treatment plans. They provide crisis and conflict resolution, prescribe medications and manage both inpatients and outpatients during their course of treatment. These nurse practitioners provide patient and family education and support and collaborate with other healthcare team members to coordinate patient care. They manage the discharge process including counseling, care instructions and follow-up plans for patients as they are discharged to their homes or other mental health facilities in the community. Responsibilities may also include supervising nursing staff and department budgetary monitoring.
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The Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in the Psychiatric-Mental Health field has a Master’s level education, training, skills and experience that equip them to provide advanced psychiatric nursing care and patient management of children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders. Many go on to complete their Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) enabling them to teach at the university level or do research, while others continue their education through classes, seminars and independent lifelong learning initiatives. Some have their own private practices while others are in a consultant role within the community.
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Pediatric Nurse Practitioners in Psychiatric-Mental Health say a career in this field is most rewarding. They know that through their care and interventions, they are providing hope for patients, some of whom have nowhere to turn when they come through the door. Memorable experiences, particularly seeing children improve and heal with treatment is very gratifying. Years later when they hear from a former patient or family who is thanking them for all they did for a family member during recovery, they are again reminded of the reason they chose the mental health field for their life’s work and the personal satisfaction they realize from it.
For more detailed information on the field of nursing practice in psychiatry-mental health, refer to the website of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association.
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