Professional Issues/Role Development/Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

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.