Why Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification?

I have always had an interest in the human mind and psychology, and I actually had begun toying with the idea of getting certified in psychiatry before I started working at my current job. As I learned the ropes of research I decided to put that idea away in a corner of my mind. THEN, I went to an investigator meeting in Orlando for a fibromyalgia study.

What did I learn?

My biggest take-away from the meeting: You need to have clinical psychiatric experience in order to be an accurate rater. This concept went through my brain and found the old idea of the certification tucked away in the corner of my mind. The idea has now manifest itself as the beginning of the Florida State University Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program starting NOW!

But why, though?

There are more reasons for why I am embarking on this journey, and I think my admissions “Statement of Intent” sums it up pretty well. I won’t bore you with the entire essay, but here is a snippet that I feel describes my intentions the best.

“Various experiences in my life have inspired me to pursue a certification in psychiatry. From my own personal mental health experiences, to my daily interactions with patients during clinic and research. I have been inspired to provide quality mental healthcare to my community, especially with the suffering that is occurring due to COVID-19.

I want to be a part of a new model of care in which patients are treated for not only the outward symptoms but also the internal psychiatric diagnoses. I wish to continue and in fact participate more in psychiatric research and be a rater that produces accurate data. My experiences have led me down a path toward further growth in psychiatric knowledge and a greater capacity to help others on a deeper level.

I have been treating patients in dermatology for 6 years, but during those years practicing as a dermatology nurse practitioner, some life circumstances occurred that exposed me to the human, neurobiological experience of what we know as depression. My journey through the experience made me realize how difficult it is for individuals to get through psychological diagnoses on their own.

“But nobody ever wants to leave dermatology!” I have heard these words for a few years now since I began thinking about pursuing a certification in psychiatry and mental health. These individuals may not realize that happiness does not come from what we receive, but in what we can give to others. In this age, with the devastating sequelae of the pandemic, our communities have suffered not only financially but also mentally and emotionally. There is an immense need for mental healthcare providers, and I want to be a part of the solution.”

Come Along for the Journey!

If you are also interested in applying for and getting your PMHNP certification or you’re just interested in what it’s like to combine dermatology and psychiatry, check out my YouTube channel, PsychDermDNP.

I have to say, it’s weird going back to school as not only an adult, but an adult that already has her terminal degree in her field. But I am not doing this for myself, I am doing this for all of the patients I will be able to impact with my newfound knowledge and skillset.

What About Coaching?

I will 100% maintain my availability to help you along your journey into dermatology, so don’t worry! I am not switching into psych, I am combining the two specialties. If you want guidance and a flight plan for success in your dream dermatology or aesthetics job, send me a message!