In the busy world of healthcare, a group of hidden heroes emerges with specialized care and unwavering dedication: meet the unsung champions of psychiatric-mental health (PMH) nursing. These caregivers play a crucial role in shaping compassionate mental healthcare.
We spoke with Angela Amar, PhD, RN, FAAN, the Dean and Erline Perkins McGriff Professor at the New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing. Dean Amar is a PMH nurse with expertise in gender-based violence and discusses the roles of PMH and forensic nursing.
Please talk about your career path and how you became a PMH nurse.
I became a nurse because I liked science and helping people. I’ve always been intrigued by human behavior. Even as a child, I remember watching people interact and wondering why they did the things they did. Psychiatric nursing provides a window into understanding human behavior and the tools and skills to help people. This skill has been very useful as a nurse administrator.
Please talk about what a psychiatric-mental health nurse does.
Psychiatric mental health nurses (PMH) provide nursing care for patients with psychiatric illnesses and symptoms. PMH nurses provide comprehensive care to individuals, groups, families, and communities who are affected by mental illness and substance abuse.
How do you become a psychiatric-mental health nurse?
All nurses receive education and clinical experience in assessing, diagnosing, caring for, and treating mental health and substance disorders. Working in a mental health unit or facility will allow a nurse to learn more psychiatric skills. To become a psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner, one must complete a graduate education program and become licensed and certified.
You have expertise in gender-based violence and forensic nursing. What is forensic nursing?
The International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) defines forensic nursing as “…the practice of nursing globally when health and legal systems interact” (IAFN). Forensic nurses are often described as the link between the health care and criminal justice systems. Establishing this linkage between health care and the criminal justice system is essential to providing the comprehensive care victims and offenders of violent crimes need. Specifically, forensic nurses provide specialized health care and expertise to meet the needs of victims and offenders of violence. Specialized health care may include evaluation, identification, and treatment of injuries, collection of biological and physical evidence, legal documentation of injuries, and, sometimes, participation in legal court proceedings.
Can you talk about the field where this expertise is useful?
Forensic nurses practice in various settings with a diverse group of victims and offenders. Many forensic nurses work as part of interdisciplinary teams that investigate abuse or neglect situations with adults and children, as well as teams involved in prevention efforts. Forensic nurses in critical and emergency care and psychiatric nursing routinely interact with individuals who have experienced violence and its consequences. These nurses provide physical care while attending to the collection of evidence and documentation for legal proceedings.
Forensic nurses may work with individuals in prisons and jails’ medical, psychiatric, and evaluation units. Psychiatric nurses work with victims and offenders. Other areas of forensic nursing practice include death investigation, mass disaster care/investigation, and legal nurse consulting. Examples of potential employers include hospitals, community health care sites, law enforcement, coroner’s offices, and the military; potential roles are nurse coroner and forensic nurse examiner.
What types of conditions do forensic nurses manage?
The earliest and most recognized role in forensic nursing in the United States is that of the sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE). The purpose of SANE programs is to provide victims of sexual assault with health care, forensic assessment, evidence collection, forensic documentation, and court testimony. Other roles include death investigation, child, elder, and intimate partner violence investigation, corrections nursing, and legal nurse consultant.
What are the challenges of forensic nursing?
Forensic nurses are exposed to the savagery of violence and crime and the difficult aftermath survivors experience on a daily basis. Self-care and fortitude are important, as is working in a community and on a team that can provide support. As a newer specialty within nursing, the roles are not always understood, and many nurses have created roles for themselves in systems that did not initially see the need.
What are the most critical skills for forensic nurses?
Unfortunately, too many people in our society experience violence and crime as victims and offenders, as well as affected family members, friends, or significant others. Forensic nurses are ready to help them and demonstrate caring, capability, and compassion. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are essential, as is knowledge of the dynamics of violence and crime.
What makes being a forensic nurse so unique?
Forensic nursing is an innovative and evolving nursing specialty that addresses healthcare issues with a medico-legal component. In responding to the societal and health care needs created by increasing criminal violence, forensic nursing programs provide nurses with the necessary skills for specialized health care and expertise to meet the needs of victims and offenders of violence. Violence and crime are major issues affecting our society. Nurses provide care to victims and offenders of violence in a variety of settings, often without specialized training.
Are there evidence-based guidelines forensic nurses must follow?
All nurses follow evidence-based practice guidelines. This also pertains to SANEs and the other forensic roles.
You’re a leading scholar in gender-based violence and have influenced the direction of campus policy nationally. Can you talk about these policies and their role in nationwide campuses?
My research examines help-seeking behavior, specifically in college students who have experienced sexual or relationship violence. Many young adults do not report violence and often do not receive follow-up care for the physical and psychological effects. My research examined factors influencing help-seeking behavior at the individual, relational, and community levels. Specifically, we explored how friends can be more effective in promoting help-seeking and how campus policies may inhibit or promote help-seeking.
You just finished your first year as the Dean of New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing and Erline Perkins McGriff Professor of Nursing. How did the year go, and what are you looking forward to in your second year?
It’s been a great year. NYU Meyers is a vibrant community in a dynamic and global university in one of the world’s greatest cities. The faculty and staff are talented and engaged, and the students are smart and stellar. NYU Meyers has always had an eye on the future and is a trend-setting and change-making institution. I am excited by the possibilities of continuing to lead the nation, expand our global footprint, and continue with innovative research and teaching while promoting a learning organization where everyone thrives and grows.
If you’re considering seeking mental health treatment, you may be wondering about the differences between a psychiatric nurse practitioner, a psychiatrist, and a therapist. While all three professions can provide mental health care, they have different levels of education, training, and clinical roles. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision about which provider is right for you.
A psychiatric nurse practitioner near me (PNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) with specialized mental health care training. Like psychiatrists, PNPs can assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders. However, they do not have a medical degree and cannot prescribe medication independently in all states. Instead, PNPs work under the supervision of a physician or collaborate with other healthcare providers to provide comprehensive care.
Psychiatrists, on the other hand, are medical doctors who specialize in mental health. They have completed medical school and a residency in psychiatry, which allows them to diagnose and treat mental health disorders and prescribe medication. Psychiatrists may also provide psychotherapy, but their primary focus is on the medical management of mental illness. Therapists, also known as counselors or psychotherapists, have a master’s degree in counseling or a related field and are trained to provide talk therapy to individuals, couples, families, and groups. Therapists do not prescribe medication and typically do not provide medical care.
Understanding the Roles
Psychiatrist Overview
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD) who has completed medical school and a residency program in psychiatry. Psychiatrists are licensed physicians who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illness and emotional disorders. They can prescribe medication and provide psychotherapy. Psychiatrists are board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. They work with patients of all ages and backgrounds.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Overview
A psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) with a Master’s or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree in psychiatric-mental health nursing. PMHNPs are licensed to diagnose and treat mental health disorders and can prescribe medication. They work with patients of all ages and backgrounds, and their scope of practice is similar to that of psychiatrists. PMHNPs are certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Therapist Overview
A therapist is a licensed mental health professional who provides counseling and psychotherapy to help individuals, couples, and families with mental health issues. Therapists can specialize in different areas, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, family therapy, or art therapy. They work with patients of all ages and backgrounds and can provide treatment plans for mental health care. Education requirements for therapists vary by state, but most require a master’s degree or higher and licensure or certification in their specialty. For example, if you are looking for a therapist in Janesville, WI, you had better believe they have put in their hours and are expert at what they do.
Overall, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and therapists all play important roles in treating mental health disorders. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication and provide psychotherapy. Psychiatric nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses who can diagnose and treat mental health disorders and prescribe medication. Therapists provide counseling and psychotherapy to help individuals, couples, and families with mental health issues.
Educational Pathways and Certification
If you’re considering a career as a mental health professional, it’s important to understand the educational pathways and certification requirements for each role. This section will discuss the educational requirements for psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners.
Psychiatrist Education and Training
To become a psychiatrist, you must complete a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as psychology or biology, and then attend medical school. After completing medical school, you’ll need to complete a residency program in psychiatry, which typically lasts four years. During your residency, you’ll receive specialized training in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders.
After completing your residency, you must obtain a medical license in the state where you plan to practice. You can then become board-certified in psychiatry by passing the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) exam.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Education and Training
To become a psychiatric nurse practitioner, you must first become a registered nurse by completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. After obtaining your nursing license, you can then pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree with a specialization in psychiatric-mental health.
Some psychiatric nurse practitioners may pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, which can provide additional training and expertise in the field.
After completing your education, you must obtain a psychiatric nurse practitioner certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). This certification demonstrates your expertise in the field and can help you stand out to potential employers.
Overall, both psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners require extensive education and training to provide high-quality care to patients with mental health disorders. Whether you choose to pursue a career as a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner, you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those struggling with mental illness.
Scope of Practice and Clinical Roles
Duties and Responsibilities
Psychiatric nurse practitioners, psychiatrists, and therapists have different scopes of practice and clinical roles. Psychiatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions in adults and families. PNPs can prescribe medication and develop treatment plans for their patients. They work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers, to provide comprehensive care to patients.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health issues. They can prescribe medication and provide psychotherapy to their patients. Psychiatrists often work in hospitals, clinics, private practice, nursing homes, government agencies, and correctional facilities.
Therapists, also known as counselors or psychotherapists, are mental health professionals who provide talk therapy to their patients. They are trained to assess and diagnose mental health issues and develop treatment plans. Therapists work in various settings, including private practice, clinics, hospitals, and schools.
Work Environments
Psychiatric nurse practitioners can work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practice, nursing homes, and government agencies. They often collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers.
Psychiatrists work in hospitals, clinics, private practices, nursing homes, government agencies, and correctional facilities. They may collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as psychiatric nurses, psychologists, and social workers.
Therapists work in various settings, including private practice, clinics, hospitals, and schools. They may work independently or as part of a team with other healthcare professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers.
In summary, psychiatric nurse practitioners, psychiatrists, and therapists all have different scopes of practice and clinical roles. While PNPs can prescribe medication and develop treatment plans, psychiatrists are medical doctors who can provide psychotherapy and prescribe medication. Therapists provide talk therapy to their patients. Each profession has unique work settings, and they often work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive patient care.
Career Outlook and Opportunities
Job Market and Demand
The job market for psychiatric nurse practitioners, psychiatrists, and therapists is expected to grow in the coming years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of nurse practitioners is projected to grow by 29 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. Similarly, the employment of psychiatrists is projected to grow by 12 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
The demand for psychiatric nurse practitioners and psychiatrists is expected to increase due to the growing need for mental health services. As more people seek treatment for mental health conditions, there will be a greater need for qualified professionals to provide care. Additionally, changes in healthcare laws and policies are expected to increase access to mental health services, further driving demand for these professionals.
As more people seek treatment for mental health conditions, there will be a greater need for qualified professionals to provide care. Additionally, changes in healthcare laws and policies are expected to increase access to mental health services, further driving demand for these professionals. The COVID-19 pandemic has also heightened awareness of mental health issues, as the stress and uncertainty of the pandemic have led to an increase in mental health concerns. You can refer to this detailed guide. for more information on COVID-19 and its incubation period.
Salary Expectations
The salary expectations for psychiatric nurse practitioners and psychiatrists vary based on education, experience, and skills. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for nurse practitioners, including psychiatric nurse practitioners, was $117,670 as of May 2020. The median annual salary for psychiatrists was $220,380 as of May 2020.
It is important to note that salaries can vary significantly based on location, type of employer, and other factors. For example, psychiatric nurse practitioners in outpatient care centers may earn more than those in hospitals. Similarly, psychiatrists in private practice may earn more than those in academic or research settings.
In conclusion, the career outlook and opportunities for psychiatric nurse practitioners, psychiatrists, and therapists are positive. The demand for mental health services is expected to increase, driving job growth for these professionals. Salaries for these professions vary based on various factors but can be quite lucrative.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications are needed to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner?
To become a psychiatric nurse practitioner, you need to have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree with a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) specialization. You must also pass the NCLEX-RN exam and the PMHNP certification exam.
What are the primary responsibilities of a psychiatrist compared to a psychiatric nurse practitioner?
Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) both assess, diagnose, and treat patients with behavioral and mental health conditions. However, psychiatrists are medical doctors who have completed medical school and residency, while PNPs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who have completed a master’s degree in nursing with a PMHNP specialization. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication and provide psychotherapy, while PNPs can prescribe medication, provide psychotherapy, and manage treatment plans.
Can a psychiatric nurse practitioner prescribe medication and manage treatment plans like a psychiatrist?
Psychiatric nurse practitioners can prescribe medication and manage treatment plans like a psychiatrist. However, the scope of practice may vary by state, and some states may require PNPs to work under the supervision of a psychiatrist.
What is the educational pathway to becoming a psychiatrist?
To become a psychiatrist, you must have a Bachelor’s degree, attend medical school, complete a residency program, and obtain a medical license. After completing medical school, you must pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and complete a residency program in psychiatry, which typically takes four years.
How does the scope of practice differ between a therapist and a psychiatric nurse practitioner?
The scope of practice for therapists and psychiatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) differs significantly. Therapists typically provide psychotherapy to individuals, couples, or families. In contrast, PNPs can diagnose and treat mental health disorders, prescribe medication, provide psychotherapy, and manage treatment plans.
What are the salary differences between a psychiatric nurse practitioner, a psychiatrist, and a therapist?
According to Payscale, the average annual salary for a psychiatric nurse practitioner is $119,377, while psychiatrists earn an average annual salary of $240,622. The average annual salary for a therapist is $49,000. However, salaries may vary depending on geographic location, years of experience, and other factors.
So, you’ve built a solid resume that adequately represents who you are as a nurse. You’ve sharpened your professional summary, created a “Skills and Accomplishments” section that highlights your expertise, and you’ve made the “Experience,” “Education,” and “Licenses and Certifications” sections shine. What next?
While no single enhancement will be the silver bullet that puts your resume over the top, you should consider the cumulative effect of the many elements of a strong resume. Explore those overlooked resume sections that can make your resume come alive.
1. Upgrade Your Resume
If your resume demonstrates who you are as a healthcare professional, looking for ways to upgrade, enhance, or otherwise massage your resume to the next level is wise. After all, when push comes to shove in a competitive job market, those extra touches can make your resume stand out.
Even though resumes are most often considered tools in your job search toolkit, they can also be crucial for applications to graduate school, various types of fellowships and grants, and opportunities such as presenting at conferences. Resumes serve many purposes, and it’s wise to have yours looking sharp and ready for anything that might come along.
2. Community Service
Community service and volunteerism may not seem like a big deal to you. Still, involvement in such “extracurricular activities” paints a picture of a well-rounded individual who takes their place in society seriously.
Volunteerism serves many purposes: it strengthens the fabric of communities, benefits organizations and groups that rely on people’s power to get things done, and brings together individuals who work on common goals for the good of the whole.
If you decide to apply to graduate school or perhaps ask to be accepted for a fellowship or grant, a robust list of how you’ve been involved in various types of community service over the years could strengthen your case.
3. Publications
Having your name on a piece of published writing in a professional journal is an excellent addition to your resume, and it’s a false opinion that getting published is a pipe dream for the average nursing professional interested in writing, researching, or communicating their perspective.
Having an article published in a professional journal is an honor, whether that journal publishes solely online or in print format.
While some academic journals might only be interested in writing by a nurse with an advanced academic record of degrees and other accomplishments, some publications accept manuscripts from boots-on-the-ground nurses.
Remember that findings from even a small study done in your ICU can be worthy of an article revealing your conclusions. For example, research done on the impact of nosocomial infections of a new procedure for urinary catheterization can be worked into a solid piece of professional literature.
Original writing and research have a place in the world, and some editors would be interested in your ideas, whether you’re working by yourself or with a group of colleagues. And each professional participant in that endeavor can add that publication to their resume.
4. Presentations
Nursing and healthcare conferences allow professionals to display posters or give talks presenting the findings of their observations and research. The results from the study above on nosocomial infections in an ICU can be transcribed onto a large-format poster that could be accepted for presentation at a professional conference. Subsequently, that poster presentation or talk could also be included on your resume.
5. Affiliations and Memberships
It may seem insignificant to be a member of a local, state, regional, national, or international nursing organization, but listing your memberships on your resume adds something to the overall picture of who you are as a nurse.
If you hold elected office or participate in particular activities of an organization (e.g., you’re a member of the Government Relations committee, or you sit on the board of your state nursing association), this is a feather in your cap that absolutely belongs on your resume.
6. Committees and Other Workplace Activities
Do you participate in shared governance, facility-wide research, or other activities in your workplace? Taking part in committees, research, or working groups can be added to your resume to show how you do more than the minimum expected. Employers are interested in employees who give back to the workplace community.
Your resume is a living document that is a perpetual work in progress. To infuse your resume with life, get involved in professional activities that add breadth and depth to your overall career history. This adds color and vibrancy to your resume and others’ view of you as a curious and dynamic professional interested in being the best version of yourself that you can be.
Starting your career in nursing can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. You can finally use the skills you’ve developed over many years of school to help people, yet the responsibilities that come with care can be intimidating.
Rather than fretting about your first few months post-graduation, focus on getting off to a good start by nailing your applications. A well-crafted application will help you land a role in a healthcare setting of your choice and ensure you can pick from a range of potential employers.
Putting together a perfect application is critical now, as there are 193,100 projected nursing openings in the nation. This means that you should find a workplace that understands some of the common challenges you may face as a minority and newly qualified nurse.
Navigating the Nursing Shortage
The nursing shortage is at the forefront of most recent graduates’ minds. On the one hand, the high demand for nurses puts you in a powerful position to negotiate your contract and land a role in a city or town that suits your lifestyle. However, the shortage also means you must exercise increased caution when offered a job, as a better opportunity may be waiting.
It’s also worth noting that the staffing shortage may undermine your work experience when you enter the workforce. You may become overworked if you enter a chronically understaffed environment and need more nurses. This can be a serious issue as a recent graduate, as you need to build your network and find mentors in nursing who understand the pressures you may face as a minority in the area.
When interviewing prospective employers, ask them how they respond to the staff shortage in healthcare today. They should be able to answer any questions you have related to:
Compensation: A period of sustained inflation has put pressure on wages. Is the prospective employer offering competitive pay for the area, or are they still offering the same salary?
Workload: What steps does the employer take to manage the workload? How often do employees work overtime? What support exists for nurses who are burnt out?
Mentors: What mentorship program will you enter upon arrival? Are you adequately represented at the leadership/mentorship level?
Turnover: Is the employer experiencing heightened turnover? If so, what are they doing to counteract turnover?
Healthcare organizations should be able to answer these questions clearly if they’re serious about providing a healthy, professionally rewarding workplace. When listening to their responses, please pay attention to the steps they have taken to respond to shortages and consider pivoting away from organizations with high turnover rates, poor representation, and low compensation.
Specialization
Rather than jumping at the first opportunity offered to you as a new graduate, consider seeking employment at a healthcare organization that can help you pursue a specialization. Specializing as a nurse increases your salary potential and enables you to land more rewarding roles. Some of the best specializations in nursing today include:
These specializations command a high salary and are in demand currently. This puts you in a strong position to negotiate compensation and may lead to career opportunities that help you fulfill your professional goals. So, before you sign on the dotted line, find out whether or not your new employer is willing to help advance your nursing career through certifications and development opportunities.
Building an Application
Putting together a well-rounded professional application is crucial for a new graduate. Your first application packet will set you up for life and help you land a role with the salary, benefits, and responsibilities you’re looking for. However, building your first application post-graduation can be difficult if you’re unfamiliar with the process. Get the ball rolling by creating a job application process playbook to follow, which will include:
By utilizing the Minority Nurse job finder, you can filter your search to graduate opportunities and further refine your hunt for a great job.
Gather relevant personal information in a single folder, including your details, resume, cover letter, and transcripts.
Revise your resume to be brief and targeted to the specific opening you’re applying for. Further, refine your resume by summarizing your skills and experiences.
Redesign your resume using tools like Adobe Express to stand out.
Write a cover letter that introduces your skills and reflects your personality. Try to tell a story and focus on why you may see nursing as a vocation.
Create a creative portfolio that highlights your school achievements. This shows that you’re serious about your future and ready to enter the professional world.
Taking these steps will put you head and shoulders above the competition. It will also help you connect with employers ready to support you as a minority nurse. This can get you started on the right foot in your nursing career and help you connect with mentors who understand your challenges.
Conclusion
Crafting your nursing journey with care is crucial as a recent graduate. Rather than leaping into the first offer you receive, take some time to do your research and find an employer that can meet your needs. This will spark a period of career growth that will support you for years to come and help you hit the ground running as you enter the professional world of healthcare.
Along with their trauma and flight nursing colleagues, burn nurses are now privileged to demonstrate their expertise in burn care with the new Certified Burn Registered Nurse (CBRN) exam from the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN). Introduced in the fall of 2023, CBRN certification spans the entire burn care continuum including prehospital care and initial management, acute and critical care, post-acute rehabilitation, outpatient and community care, and aftercare and reintegration, as well as injury prevention, education, and psychosocial patient and family support.
With this new certification, burn nurses are uniquely positioned to highlight the important role burn nurses play in the care of traditionally underserved communities. As burn injuries are often associated with several social determinants of health, including poverty (Patel, 2018), food insecurity (Elsey, 2016), and living in under-resourced neighborhoods (Alnabantah, 2016), burn nurses play a crucial role in caring for some of the patients most in need of care.
Burn nurses’ work is similar to that of critical care specialties like trauma and emergency nursing. However, burn nurses are also responsible for complex wound care, often requiring hours-long procedures in patient rooms. This affords burn nurses one-on-one time with their patients, allowing them prolonged individual time to assess individual socio-demographic risk factors better. This individual time also provides an expanded role for the burn nurse, often taking on the caretaker and trusted confidant role. In this role, burn nurses can better assess the needs of their patients post-discharge, anticipating potential problems like lack of transportation, living conditions without heat or electricity, or unstable food resources.
The ability of burn nurses to anticipate these needs post-discharge is such a crucial aspect of their role that it is a component of the CBRN exam. The CBRN exam tests burn nurses for diversity, equity, inclusion, community outreach, and interprofessional collaboration knowledge. In addition to acknowledging the unique role these nurses play in recognizing and intervening when necessary, the CBRN exam also acknowledges the difference in the presentation of both burn injuries and skin disorders like Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Given the recent acknowledgment of the lack of diversity in medical education training (Louie & Wilkes, 2018), it is vital for all nurses. However, burn nurses should know the differences in presentation for full-thickness burns and skin injuries in light versus dark-complected patients. In addition to including DEI as a testable item, CBRN item writers and exam construction review committee (ECRC) members made a concerted effort to include depictions of all skin tones to test this knowledge.
As a burn nurse of almost 13 years, I have seen the profound difference providing culturally sensitive care has made to patients in our burn center. When I started caring for patients with burns, for example, we used one type of shampoo and one type of lotion for all of our patients. While it seems like a small piece of care, providing products designed to work with the patient’s hair and skin demonstrates a commitment to culturally competent care. I profoundly hope that as we continue to make strides in educating burn nurses, we find new ways to provide the best care possible to all our patients.
REFERENCES
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Elsey H, Manandah S, Sah D, Khanal S, MacGuire F, King R, et al. (2016). Public Health Risks in Urban Slums: Findings of the Qualitative’‘Healthy Kitchens Healthy Cities’ Study in Kathmandu, Nepal. PLoS ONE 11(9): e0163798 Doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163798
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Dorma Liz Davila (Lizzy) RN, BSN, CPN, EMT never expected a quick volunteer weekend as a camp nurse to provide a transformative experience, but it did. And now she wants other nurses to know how helping kids at Paul Newman’s The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp can breathe new life into their nursing careers.
The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp is an organization that provides what the organization calls “a different kind of healing” to thousands of seriously ill children and family members every year. The campers attend completely free of charge and are cared for by the skilled nurses who volunteer in the infirmary for a weekend, a week, or more.
Davila, who works as a pediatric critical care transport nurse, first volunteered last year when a colleague who works as a camp nurse there told her they needed nurses for the Spanish-speaking family weekend. Her colleague had talked about how much she enjoyed being a camp nurse there, so Davila decided to give it a try. But she didn’t really know what to expect.
The first day, Davila got a crash course in the facility, the campers and their conditions, the equipment she’d need, and that was before even meeting all the new campers. But it didn’t take long for her to feel something she didn’t expect. “The first time I went I just fell in love,” she says. “It is like no other job. It’s just completely different.” Davila’s feeling from that one weekend spurred a commitment to future work, and she will also participate as a camp nurse this summer. “I got hooked,” she says. “I said ‘I am your Spanish weekend nurse.'”
The biggest surprise for Davila was how joyful the camp experience is and how much fun she had personally. As a transport nurse, Davila sees patients at their worst, she says. So coming to the camp, she was able to see the kids just having fun, building relationships, and having some freedom, despite their illnesses. And she says it’s also different from working as a bedside nurse with the associated stress of potentially having too many patients or caring for patients in a rushed environment.
While Davila provides support and is there for medical emergencies, during the Spanish weekend, families come with their children and provide the usual medical care they provide at home. “I am there as a nurse, but I am also with them doing arts and crafts or meeting them at the tower for the zip line,” she says. “It’s almost like I am a camper. It’s not like I am on the sidelines.” And while she’s working with the children, she’s also working with the families who appreciate the support and camaraderie of the medical staff and the other families.
Davila didn’t attend camp as a child and was curious about what it would be like. What she found as an adult was an experience that struck a sensitive chord. The campers’ families and caregivers often talk about how the children are teased in school by other kids who don’t understand their medical needs or equipment they must use. At the camp, the feeling of pure acceptance is something Davila felt personally–and it affected her profoundly.
“To go to the camp and see these kids laughing and smiling and there are no kids picking on them,” she says. “At camp, no one puts anyone else down.” As a Latina nurse born and raised in Puerto Rico, Davila says feeling different or other, something that happens in the real world, was entirely absent at the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. “I came home and said this was a fairy tale world within the real world,” she says. “It’s like a bubble.”
Davila encourages other nurses with pediatric backgrounds and training (particularly training in emergency medicine or urgent care (pediatric or adult), pediatric intensive care, pediatric hematology/oncology, pediatric metabolic/mitochondrial disease, and pediatric immunology) to consider working at the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp or one like it. As overwhelmingly positive as it is to see the campers truly bloom during the weekend, Davila says the staff are impacted as well.
“I wish I could have people experience this,” she says. “It was therapeutic for me too. I recommend this to all nurses.”
