Demand For Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses and Nurse Practitioners

Demand For Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses and Nurse Practitioners

by | Aug 14, 2024 | Blog, Magazine, mental health, Nurse Practitioners | 0 comments

Mental illness is becoming one of the most common health disorders in the United States and worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) reveals a 13% increase in reported mental health disorders over the past ten years. When looking specifically at the United States, approximately 1 in 5 Americans experienced mental illness, and 1 in 20 Americans experienced a serious mental illness in 2021. And while over 57.8 million adults experienced mental illness, just under 50% sought out treatment. And of the 14.1 million adults who experienced serious mental illness, about 65% sought out treatment in 2021.demand-for-psychiatric-mental-health-nurses-and-nurse-practitioners

Mental illness does not only affect adults, as 50% of all lifetime mental illness starts by age 14. In 2021, 1 in 6 people between 6-17 years (7.7 million youth) reported experience with a mental health disorder. The second leading cause of death in youth aged 10-14 is suicide.  

In the United States, anxiety is the most reported mental illness, followed by major depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Impact Of Mental Health on Overall Well-Being

Mental illness impacts not only the emotional, psychological, and social health of a person but also the physical and overall well-being of a person, their family, and the community. Below are a few examples of the impact of mental health on the individual, family, and community.

  • Those with depression have a 40% higher risk of developing cardiovascular and metabolic disorders such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Those with serious mental illness are nearly twice as likely to develop these conditions.
  • Higher unemployment rates among adults with mental illness
  • higher dropout rates in high school students with significant symptoms of depression
  • In 2021, 33.5% of adults in the United States with mental illness also experienced a substance use disorder. 
  • 21.1% of people experiencing homelessness have a serious mental health condition
  • Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide.

Increasing Need for Psychiatric Nurses

As mentioned above, the WHO reveals a 13% increase in reported mental health disorders over the past ten years, and in 2024, 43% of adults say they feel more anxious than they did the previous year. While there is a noted increase in people diagnosed with mental illness, it is difficult to determine if this is due to the rise in incidence or if people are more comfortable reporting their symptoms and seeking treatment and have more labels to diagnose behaviors. 

Regardless of the reason why we are seeing an increase in mental illness, there is an obvious need for more psychiatric mental health RNs and APRNs. 

On top of having an increase in people diagnosed with mental illness, there is also an access problem in the United States, especially in rural communities. There are currently over 25 million people living in a rural community where there is a shortage of mental health professionals, further supporting the need for more psychiatric mental health RNs and APRNs to help meet this demand. 

Over the past several years, we have seen an increase in mental illness, and it is projected that the number of people seeking treatment will continue to rise. This supports the need for more Psychiatric RNs and APRNs as they can help fill the current void of psychiatric mental health professionals, ensuring the health needs of patients are met and improving the overall well-being of the population.

 

  1. American Psychiatric Association. (2024). American Adults Express Increasing Anxiousness in Annual Poll; Stress and Sleep are Key Factors Impacting Mental Health. Psychiatry.org – American Adults Express Increasing Anxiousness in Annual Poll; Stress and Sleep are Key Factors Imp
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). About mental health. https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm 
  3. Foy, C. (2023). Are mental disorders increasing over time? Are Mental Disorders Increasing Over Time? | FHE Health (fherehab.com)
  4. National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2024). Mental health by the numbers. https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-by-the-numbers/
Certifications for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses

Certifications for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses

by | Aug 9, 2024 | Certification, Magazine, mental health | 0 comments

Psychiatric mental health registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) play vital roles in providing care in the behavioral health setting. They are the second largest group of behavioral health professionals. But what exactly is their role? certifications-for-psychiatric-mental-health-nurses

What Does A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Do?

Psychiatric mental health RNs provide care in the inpatient and outpatient settings. Their primary duties include

  • Work directly with the patient to promote health and assist patients in achieving their goals. 
  • Complete assessments and educate patients and their families on treatment plans, including diagnoses, medications, and therapeutic techniques to manage symptoms. 
  • Practice crisis intervention and stabilization. 
  • Collaborate with the interprofessional team, including case management and social work.
  • Coordinate care between the patient and any other needed specialties or resources.

Psychiatric mental health APRNs work in the inpatient and outpatient settings and are more involved in the treatment and management of their patients. The duties of the psychiatric mental health APRN include

  • They perform comprehensive head-to-toe evaluations, order diagnostic tests when indicated, and interpret these findings to formulate diagnoses and develop individualized treatment plans.
  • Utilize appropriate screening tools for diagnostic purposes.Utilize appropriate screening tools for diagnostic purposes.
  • Prescribe medications for acute and chronic illnesses.
  • Provide therapy interventions with the patient, family, or in group settings.
  • Collaborate with the interprofessional team and refer to other healthcare providers when needed. 
  • Policy development

Certifications For Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses

Many nursing specialties have certifications that nurses can pursue to demonstrate passion, commitment, and expertise in their specialty. To obtain these certifications, additional studying and, for some, schooling are needed in addition to passing an exam. 

There are no specific psychiatric mental health RN certifications. However, continuing education (CEUs) for nurses dedicated to psychiatric mental health nursing/behavioral health nursing can expand knowledge and ensure evidence-based medicine is practiced. 

There are, however, certifications for the psychiatric mental health APRN.  

  • ANCC Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) (Across the Lifespan): This certification exam is for those who have graduated from an accredited psychiatric-mental health NP program and completed all other eligibility requirements. Those who sit for this exam exhibit a passion and commitment to providing high-quality care, and the certification demonstrates entry-level clinical knowledge and skills along with commitment and passion for psychiatric mental health nursing. Once the NP passes the exam, they are awarded the credential PMHNP-BC. This indicates they are board-certified, and this credential must be renewed every five years. 
  • AANP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP): This certification exam is for those who have graduated from an accredited psychiatric-mental health NP program and completed all other eligibility requirements. Those who sit for this exam exhibit a passion and commitment to providing high-quality care, and the certification demonstrates entry-level clinical knowledge and skills across the lifespan. Once the NP passes the exam, they are awarded the credential PMHNP-C. This indicates they are board-certified, and this credential must be renewed every five years. 

Nurses’ knowledge, skills, and commitment to providing high-quality care are just a few qualities that make them invaluable members of the healthcare team. The role of psychiatric mental health RNs and APRNs is no exception. The certification and CEUs completed by these healthcare professionals demonstrate the dedication and passion they show daily to their patients, family members, and healthcare team.

References

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