to your colleagues’ posts by sharing your thoughts on their specialty, supporting their choice or offering suggestions if they have yet to choose. Growing up, I played “nurse” with my pets, wrapping them in bandages while they patiently accepted their fate of being practice patients. This trend of care taking animals developed into having that same love of care taking for people. As long as I could remember, I knew I would be in a profession where I would dedicate my life to the wellbeing of humans and alleviation human suffering. In nursing school, I was torn between psych and pediatrics, and conveniently I was hired as a youth behavioral health nurse, combining my passions. Working as a nurse in psych has solidified my choice of nursing specialty in that I am focused on becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). 2.6 million youth between 12 and 17 have had a major depressive episode, with 3.3 million receiving treatment for behavioral disturbances (Ramirez, 2016). This statistic only represents a fraction of individuals of all ages suffering from mental illness. I have first-hand seen on numerous occasions, patients having to reside in the emergency department waiting for a bed. I did not struggle with the decision to pursue the PMHNP path because seeing the lack of providers has been a motivating factor, as well as my passion for psych nursing. A significant concern for individuals with mental health diagnosis is accessing mental health care providers that have the skills and knowledge to primarily address mental health, including medication management and psychotherapy (Ramirez, 2016). This lack of adequate services is where PMHNP is poised to fill this gap for these individuals obtaining sufficient care as well as making a significant difference in behavioral health care delivery (Chapman, Phoenix, Hahn, & Strod, 2018, p. S243). To support my efforts in becoming a PMHNP, the American Psychiatric Nurse’s Association promotes personal enrichment as a psychiatric nurse practitioner who, in turn, elevates the quality of care provided to individuals (American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 2019a). Becoming a member involves paying a membership fee, but the membership includes networking, continuing education, and personal growth opportunities (American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 2019b). The decision to become a nurse was instinct, but the decision to pursue the specialty of PMHNP is motivated by the undue suffering I see as a psych nurse with individuals not receiving adequate services due to stigma and lack of providers.

The decision to pursue a career as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is driven by a passion for caring for individuals with mental illnesses and a recognition of the lack of adequate services available to them. Mental health is a significant issue, with millions of individuals suffering from mental illnesses, including youth who are particularly vulnerable. In fact, statistics show that 2.6 million youth between the ages of 12 and 17 have had a major depressive episode, and 3.3 million of them have received treatment for behavioral disturbances (Ramirez, 2016).

As a nurse working in the field of psychiatry, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges that individuals with mental health diagnoses face in accessing timely and appropriate care. It is not uncommon to see patients having to wait in the emergency department for a bed at a mental health facility. This lack of access to care is a significant concern, particularly for those who require specialized mental health services such as medication management and psychotherapy (Ramirez, 2016).

The role of a PMHNP is crucial in addressing this gap in mental health care. PMHNPs are uniquely positioned to provide comprehensive behavioral health services, including diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of mental health conditions. They possess the skills and knowledge to address the complex needs of individuals with mental illnesses, ensuring they receive the care they need for their overall well-being (Chapman, Phoenix, Hahn, & Strod, 2018).

Furthermore, the American Psychiatric Nurse’s Association emphasizes the importance of personal enrichment for PMHNPs in elevating the quality of care provided to individuals (American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 2019a). Becoming a member of this association offers numerous opportunities for networking, continuing education, and personal growth, supporting the development and competence of PMHNPs in their practice (American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 2019b).

For me, the decision to pursue the PMHNP specialty was driven by the passion I have for caring for individuals with mental illnesses and the realization of the significant gap in services available to them. As a nurse, I have witnessed the undue suffering that individuals with mental health diagnoses endure due to stigma and the lack of adequate providers. I am motivated to make a difference in the field of behavioral health care delivery by becoming a PMHNP who can provide high-quality, holistic care to those in need.

In conclusion, the decision to pursue a career as a PMHNP is driven by a deep passion for caring for individuals with mental illnesses and a recognition of the significant gaps in mental health care services. PMHNPs play a vital role in addressing the complex needs of individuals with mental health conditions, providing comprehensive care and ensuring access to appropriate treatment. Membership in professional organizations such as the American Psychiatric Nurse’s Association can support personal and professional growth, enhancing the quality of care provided by PMHNPs. The decision to pursue the PMHNP specialty is a personal and professional choice to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with mental illnesses.