MSN specialization
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Introduction
Nurse practitioners are significant resources in the health care system and are always in the frontline to provide professional health care to patients; therefore, nurses specializing in a particular gap in the health care system have a share of opportunities to become professionals in their field of expertise. Each specialization serves as a leadership designation whereby the nurses are able to influence education, practice, and healthcare outcomes. Every specialization has its unique qualities and interests that shape and enhance the nurses professionally. Specialization is highly beneficial to both personal career advancement and the shaping of the health care system’s prospects. This plan provides a detailed comparison of two MSN specializations, one being my field of interest, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, and the other my best alternative; pediatric nurse practitioner. The comparison is made to shed light on specialists’ services in their fields to provide care to their patients and offer necessary and available health care support. It further justifies and explains my choice of specialization by use of professional and personal reasons that made the field appealing enough. Lastly, it expounds on the professional organization related to my specialization and the criteria for becoming an active member (Balestra, 2019).
Comparison of nursing specialties
Both psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners and family nurse practitioners have the necessary training and education adequate to assess health disorders. As the names suggest, they have their key differences as a result of the different groups of patients attended to, disorders are taken care of, and the type of education delegated to each. PMHNP’s receive an education and training dedicated to assessing the mental health disorders of a patient. With the more than 50,000 million people in America living with mental disorders, these nurse practitioners’ need grows day by day. The practitioners have specialized skills and knowledge to provide professional care to patients struggling with mental disorders and addictions, perform mental health assessment psychopathology and psychotherapeutic treatment. They also prepare to work with vulnerable groups to promote mental health. On the other hand, family nurse practitioners provide primary medical care to all ages and populations, be it children or the elderly. They can work on their own or under a doctor’s supervision, depending on the state or situation. They diagnose illnesses, perform physical exams, order tests, prescribe medication, and counsel their patients on disease prevention and healthy lifestyles (Black, 2019).
In all their areas of work, be it the public or private sector, primary care, or acute care, PMHNP scope extends to psychotherapy, case management, psycho-pharmacotherapy, consultation services, and education, and all the practitioners have prescriptive authority. In between the care, the practitioners assess the family history of the disorder to establish causation and develop a holistic diagnosis of pertinent tests. The level of care is determined and implemented based on evidence to provide any pertinent material that offers support and facilitates the quick recovery of a patient from the mental disorders. However, the family nurse practitioners go through a different ordeal whereby they provide professional health care to the general public and without specification on certain disorders or groups of people. However, they are equipped with a little knowledge of every aspect of all the other specializations to intervene and offer help in times of crisis or emergencies. They handle both in and outpatients, and in adversities of illnesses that are out of their capabilities, they hand them to the right nurses specializing in the specific matter. Generally, the main difference is based on the practitioners depth and breadth of assessing a disorder.
In my case, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner is getting ready to further my studies in the area of focus. The specified roles will be a guide to my education and the purposes of career development. For my second best choice, family nurse practitioners, the roles are quite extensive but not intensive since they often seek help from the more specified nurses dealing with one line of operation (Raftery, 2015).
Reasons for choosing PMHNP
Growing up, I watched my cousin go through multiple depressions, mental breakdowns, and several suicide attempts. Most of the time, my parents ruled it out to be an attention-seeking stunt and put no much thought into it. I could almost feel his pain because his room was next to mine, and he would always cry himself to sleep. Having been younger than him, I was quite helpless in the situation, and my attempts to get my cousin to a psychiatrist were futile since there were always more than a month’s bookings, and he never got the chance. At some point, he threw in the towel and committed suicide. Since then, I took it to heart that I wouldn’t let another individual undergoing mental disorders, and within my reach to go without help. With the combination of my love for hospitals, this seemed to be the most suitable specialty. The demand for PMHNP is also high, and the chances of getting a job are equally high, and the more disturbed people will be helped. With the significant percentage of Americans with mental disorders, I believe this is the best specialty to help them recover and save lives while they still can be. The pay is also quite appealing.
Professional organization
The international society of psychiatric-mental health nurses (ISPN) is a PMHNP professional organization that supports its nurse practitioners’ advancement in the practice of psychiatric mental health, promotion of mental health care worldwide policy, and literacy. It recognizes the increased need for mental professionals in the American population and the purpose of bringing out the best they can. To join the organization, certain membership forms are to be filed online. Online payment of the membership should also be made after the submission of the application and approval. The last step entails receiving acceptance and approval later. The membership procedure might not be as complicated as other organizations, but it calls for maximum focus and participation (Wilkey, 2019).
Conclusion
MSN specialization is an exceptionally advantageous opportunity that all nursing degree holders should consider pursuing. An advanced degree is a smart investment to the nurse, a chance to take up more responsibilities in the health care system, fill a medical gap, become a mentor, and also increase one’s earnings. The specialties are numerous, and one can easily choose from one that suits their passion and purpose in life. The specialties are also accompanied by professional programs that will sharpen one’s skills and equip them for the job.
Born to care!!
References
Balestra, M. L. (2019). Family nurse practitioner scope of practice issues when treating patients with mental health issues. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 15(7), 479-482. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nurpra.2018.11.007
Black, B. (2019). Professional nursing E-book: Concepts & challenges. Elsevier Health Sciences.
The journal for nurse practitioners continuing education credit application. (, 2015). The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 11(2), 165-166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nurpra.2014.12.013
Raftery, C. (2015). Succession planning for nurse practitioners. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 11(2), 269. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nurpra.2015.01.005
Wilkey, T. (2019). Nurse practitioner brains of a doctor heart of a nurse: NP 15 month planner calendar April 2019 – June 2020.
