Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric-Mental Health NP

The master's program in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing prepares graduates to become psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNP) with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide comprehensive psychiatric-mental healthcare to children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. After successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and become certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) as well as become licensed in New York State and/or any state in the USA as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (NP-P).


Highlights

  • Opportunity to learn from experienced, nationally renowned faculty who are both academicians and practicing psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners.
  • Ability to develop specialized expertise in substance use and addictive disorders, trauma disorders and trauma treatment, and individual, group, and family psychotherapy.
  • Opportunity to conduct research, publish articles, speak at state and national conferences, and serve as leaders in psychiatric nursing organizations.


Goals

  • To provide comprehensive and competent psychiatric-mental healthcare to clients across the lifespan.
  • To develop competency in performing psychiatric evaluations, determining psychiatric diagnoses and case conceptualizations, and providing psychiatric treatments including conducting psychotherapy and prescribing psychotropic medication.
  • To develop the ability to establish advanced therapeutic relationships with clients that display empathic understanding, authenticity, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard -- qualities that are the quintessence of therapeutic effectiveness.
  • To develop an awareness and understanding of self and to pursue an enduring commitment to personal development and reflective practice.
  • To develop a spirit of active inquiry and critical thought in the application of psychiatric-mental health knowledge.
  • To appreciate human diversity and develop competency in culturally sensitive psychiatric-mental healthcare.


Practicum opportunities

  • All practicum placements are arranged by the PMHNP faculty.
  • Supervision is provided by licensed psychiatric clinicians at diverse practicum sites representing the full array of psychiatric-mental health treatment facilities throughout the New York metropolitan area.
    • Premier teaching hospitals (e.g., NYU Langone Health, NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, New York-Presbyterian, Four Winds Hospital, Montefiore Medical Center and Behavioral Health Centers, and the VA Medical System).
    • Select private practice offices, counseling centers, child and adolescent residential centers, substance use facilities, school systems, psychiatric emergency centers, correctional facilities, ACT teams, and community-based psychiatric clinics (e.g., Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services, True Pursuit Psychological Services, NYU Counseling Center, Association to Benefit Children, MetroNP, Phoenix House, and Revcore Recovery Center).

Core Courses (12 credits)

Course Number Course Title Credit Term
NURSE-GN 2005 Intro Stats Health Profs 3 Fall, Spring, Summer

The syllabus for N41.2005 is intended for graduate students in nursing. The course provides the foundations necessary to understand elementary biostatistics and applications of biostatistics in the medical literature. It will concentrate on the interpretation and comprehension of graphical and statistical techniques that are essential components to medical research. The ability to understand basic arithmetic and high school algebra is required.

NURSE-GN 2303 Research in Nursing 3 Fall, Spring, Summer

This graduate research course is designed to develop the role of the advanced practice nurse, midwife, educator, administrator, or informatics specialist as a competent research consumer. An evidence-based practice paradigm is used to promote acquisition of information literacy and critical appraisal skills which, combined with clinical judgment and patient preferences, support evidence-based decision making.

NURSE-GN 2041 Issues and Trends in Nursing and Health Care 3 Fall, January, Spring

In this course, students analyze current political, social, and economic issues and trends that affect health care delivery, nursing, and health policy. The course focuses on the United States and includes global issues that affect health care systems and delivery of care. Students develop strategies for collaborating with individuals and organizations in efforts to enhance health equity and the quality of care for patients and populations of diverse racial, ethnic, gender, and other identities. The course covers credentialing of advanced practice nurses and its importance in providing high quality care. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to develop and pursue their professional goals in terms of participation and leadership in professional organizations, engaging in civic participation, and obtaining and using health policy evidence and information to advance health equity. Coursework entails individual and group assignments in both synchronous and asynchronous modes. This is a required core course for all master’s students at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing and open to other NYU graduate students with permission of the instructor.

NURSE-GN 2011 Apn: Pop Focus Care 3 Fall, Spring, Summer

The Population-Focused Care course explores advanced practice nursing at community and population levels. Nursing contributions to core public health functions and essential public health services are considered in the context of theoretical frameworks for health communication and behavioral change to develop programs to improve the health of populations. Data sources for community health assessment and epidemiologic analyses are examined. Cultural and political competencies are also addressed.

Advanced Core Courses (9 credits)

Course Number Course Title Credit Term
NURSE-GN 2050 Advanced Pathophysiology 3 Fall, Spring

This course provides students with the opportunity to deeply explore core pathophysThis course provides students with the opportunity to deeply explore core pathophysiological concepts that provide a strong foundation for advanced practice. The aim is to expand on knowledge of the pathogenesis of health problems across the life span. Pathophysiology is integrated with a developmental perspective to facilitate an in-depth understanding of functional and dysfunctional integration of organ systems in the human. Clinical situations designed to illustrate specific concepts are presented during the lecture and in-class student discussions.iological concepts that provide a strong foundation for advanced practice. The aim is to expand on knowledge of the pathogenesis of health problems across the life span. Pathophysiology is integrated with a developmental perspective to facilitate an in-depth understanding of functional and dysfunctional integration of organ systems in the human. Clinical situations designed to illustrate specific concepts are presented during the lecture and in-class student discussions.

NURSE-GN 2021 Clinical Pharmacotherapeutics Across the Lifespan 3 Fall, Spring

The goal of this course is to prepare the advanced practice nurse to prescribe pharmacotherapies that improve patient care outcomes. . The student will learn to integrate his/her knowledge of basic pharmacology and pathophysiology with advanced pharmacotherapeutic principles to enhance treatment decisions and prescribe medications for the prevention and treatment of disease. Various methodologies will be used to allow the student practice in incorporating patient history, assessment, and diagnoses with consideration of the best, safest and most effective pharmacy The goal of this course is to prepare the advanced practice nurse to prescribe pharmacotherapies that improve patient care outcomes. . The student will learn to integrate his/her knowledge of basic pharmacology and pathophysiology with advanced pharmacotherapeutic principles to enhance treatment decisions and prescribe medications for the prevention and treatment of disease. Various methodologies will be used to allow the student practice in incorporating patient history, assessment, and diagnoses with consideration of the best, safest and most effective pharmacy options. An emphasis on critical analysis of the evidence according to evidence-based principles and subsequent application of the evidence into the medical and treatment plans will be fostered. Critical decision analysis will assist the student to evaluate and revise treatment plans to improve patient care.

NURSE-GN 2012 Advanced Physical Assessment Across the Lifespan 3 Fall, Summer

In this course, the advanced practice student develops advanced comprehensive history taking and physical assessment competencies in the context of the nurse-client relationship. The outcomes are achieved via a case-based approach that is hypothesis driven and focuses on clinical decision making using the best available evidence to mutually address client goals using a culturally relevant approach. There is an introduction to laboratory and diagnostic tests and basic electrocardiogram interpretation as part of the decision making process.

Population Component (30 credits)

Course Number Course Title Credit Term
NURSE-GN 2136 Mental Health I: Individual Psychotherapy Across the Lifespan 3 Fall

This advanced practice course is designed to systematically explore the theory and apply the practice of individual psychotherapy across the lifespan. It introduces students to concepts of clinical interviewing, developing a therapeutic relationship and common factors in psychotherapy. Major schools of psychotherapy (e.g., psychoanalytic, humanistic-existential, cognitive behavioral) and various psychotherapies within the schools are analyzed with a focus on understanding their underlying theoretical assumptions and relevant concepts of health, psychopathology and change. Students will examine and critique the evidence-base of various psychotherapies appropriate for different age groups as well as for various clinical issues, paying specific attention to diversity in culture, lifestyle and values. The psychotherapy role of the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner relative to intra and interprofessional practice, ethical, legal and policy considerations are examined. The experiential training and simulation component focus on the application and demonstration of psychotherapy skills.

NURSE-GN 2147 Professional Issues/Role Development/Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner 3 Fall

This course will systematically examine the professional issues and role development needed to prepare registered nurses for the advanced practice role of psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). Students will identify and critically appraise evidence-based information concerning PMHNPs as clinicians, educators, researchers, and leaders with particular attention to the role of the PMHNP in conducting psychiatric evaluations, practicing psychotherapy, prescribing and managing medications, and using neuromodulation approaches. Students will practice skills of translating research and other evidence into clinical practice, measuring patient outcomes, and analyzing health care systems to ensure quality and safety. They will analyze mental health disparities and the cultural competence needed to enable PMHNPs to work effectively with diverse populations. Students will examine legal and ethical standards for the PMHNP, technological considerations, and evaluate public policy, national agendas, and health care financing with a focus on mental health. This course will emphasize interprofessional collaborative practice, as key to safe, highquality, accessible, patient-centered care.

NURSE-GN 2138 Group, Couple and Family Psychotherapy Across the Lifespan 3 Fall, Spring

This advanced practice course is designed to systematically explore the theory and apply the practice of group, couple, and family psychotherapy across the lifespan. The major theories of group, couple, and family therapy (e.g., group dynamics, systems therapy, structural therapy, emotion-focused therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy) and various contemporary approaches are analyzed with a focus on understanding their underlying theoretical assumptions and relevant concepts of health, psychopathology and change. Students will critique the evidence-base of various approaches appropriate for different age groups as well as for a number of clinical issues, paying specific attention to diversity in culture, lifestyle and values. The group, couple, and family therapy role of the psychiatric mental health advanced practice nurse relative to intra and interprofessional practice, ethical, legal and policy considerations are examined. The clinical training and simulation component focuses on the application and demonstration of group, couple, and family psychotherapy skills.

NURSE-GN 2068 Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders Across the Lifespan Theory 3 Summer

This course focuses on the etiology, assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation of outcomes for people with substance use related disorders. Target populations include individuals of all ages diagnosed with medical or mental health disorders, at risk for, or who suffer from, an acute or chronic substance use related disorder. Major classes of substances used by these populations will be presented. Culturally relevant, evidence based practice frameworks are presented. Systems of care delivery are analyzed for economic, ethical, cultural, and political factors that influence care delivery to populations seeking treatment for substance use related disorders.

NURSE-GN 2137 Foundations of Psychiatric Advance Practice Nursing Across the Lifespan 3 Summer

This course is designed to explore foundational concepts of advanced practice psychiatric mental health nursing and to synthesize knowledge relevant to the care of individual clients and their families experiencing actual and potential psychiatric mental health problems. Theories and research findings pertinent to bio-psychosocial conceptualizations of mental health and mental illness are evaluated for use in practice. Models for prevention and treatment of psychiatric disorders are explored for their efficacy in different age groups paying specific attention to diversity in culture, lifestyle and values. The clinical component of the course focuses on performing psychiatric evaluations, conducting individual, group, couple, and family psychotherapy, and prescribing psychiatric medication as well as developing advanced nursing judgment, decision-making skills, and leadership essential to advanced practice psychiatric nursing. Students complete a practicumat a mental health setting and take part in a supervision group.

NURSE-GN 2146 Advanced Psychopharmacology Across the Lifespan 3 Spring

This course is designed to explore the psychopharmacological treatment and management of psychiatric disorders for clients across the lifespan. It prepares advanced practice psychiatric-mental health nurses to prescribe and evaluate the effectiveness of psychiatric medication. Emphasis is placed on examining the neurobiological processes underlying psychopathology and the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacotherapeutics of psychopharmacological agents. Special topics are addressed including: pharmacogenomics in drug response, adherence issues, and managing clients with comorbidities, treatment resistance, and chronic illnesses. Factors influencing prescriptive practice are explored including the decision to prescribe and/or conduct psychotherapy, financial and managed care considerations, direct to consumer prescription drug advertising, drug promotion by the pharmaceutical industry, and how the internet influences consumer expectations. The course considers ethical, legal, cultural, economic and technological perspectives as well as state and national public policies influencing psychopharmacological practice.

NURSE-GN 2141 Adult & Geriatric Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nursing Theory 3 Fall

This course is designed to synthesize advanced practice knowledge relevant to the care of individual adult and geriatric clients and their families experiencing actual and potential psychiatric mental health problems. The epigenetic continuum from risk and resiliency factors to symptom expression, manifestation of illness, and models of recovery is explored. Theories and research related to the etiology, assessment, differential diagnosis, case conceptualization, treatment, and evaluation of client outcomes are examined. Models for prevention and treatment of psychiatric disorders are explored for their efficacy in working with adults ,older adults, and families, paying specific attention to diversity in culture, lifestyle and values. Aspects of the psychiatric nurse practitioner role are demonstrated within a framework of critical thinking, diagnostic reasoning and clinical judgment to develop and evaluate comprehensive, interdisciplinary, and evidence-based treatment plans.

NURSE-GN 2142 Adult & Geriatric Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nursing Practicum and Supervision 3 Fall
No description available
NURSE-GN 2139 Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nursing Theory 3 Spring

This course is designed to synthesize advanced practice knowledge relevant to the care of individual children and adolescent clients and their families experiencing actual and potential psychiatric mental health problems. The epigenetic continuum from risk and resiliency factors to symptom expression, manifestation of illness, and models of recovery is explored. Theories and research related to the etiology, assessment, differential diagnosis, case conceptualization, treatment, and evaluation of client outcomes are examined. Models for prevention and treatment of psychiatric disorders are explored for their efficacy in working with children, adolescents, and their families, paying specific attention to diversity in culture, lifestyle and values. Aspects of the psychiatric nurse practitioner role are demonstrated within a framework of critical thinking, diagnostic reasoning, and clinical judgment to develop and evaluate comprehensive, inter-professional, and evidence-based treatment plans. Special attention is placed on developing competence in conducting play therapy as well as integrating psychodynamic therapy and family therapy into the treatment of children and adolescence.

NURSE-GN 2140 Child & Adol Psych Adv Pract Nrsg Pract & Sup 3 Spring

This practicum and supervision course focuses on the application and integration of knowledge and skills essential to the care of diverse childand adolescent clients with complex mental health problems. The practicum provides opportunities for students to refine their clinical competencies in psychiatric assessment, differential diagnoses, case conceptualization, treatment planning, psychotherapeutic and psychopharmacological interventions and outcome measures with credentialed preceptors at mental health facilities. The faculty supervision allows students to further develop self-awareness, critical thinking, sound judgment, decision-making and leadership skills essential to advanced practice psychiatric nursing.