The Role and Scope of Practice of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

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Introduction – identifying the role and job description setting of the PMHNP The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), role and job description is providing primary mental health care services, to those with mental health problems, or psychiatric disorders. The PMHNP is required to assess, diagnose, provide treatment plans, prescribe medication therapy, and offer counsel across the lifespan. The PMHNP provides care in a wide range of settings to children, adolescents, adults, the elderly, and their families. This mental healthcare takes place in the primary care settings, emergency rooms, hospitals, outpatient mental health clinics, senior living communities and in private practices. Being culturally competent to care for the ever changing demographics of the United States is necessary. The PMHNP assess and treats in a holistic manor and utilizes evidenced based practice. Regardless of race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, political persuasion, or socio economic standing the PMHNP is there to treat. The PMHNP role also includes establishing a therapeutic relationship, being sensitive to many abnormal behaviors, and caring for those frequently distressed emotionally. Collaboration and the ability to make referrals are essential for the PMHNP. Patients present with undiagnosed problems and establishing the proper diagnosis by a qualified PMHNP begins with the initial assessment interview (Gilfedder, Barron, & Docherty, 2010). The PMHNP also has to work within state regulations. According to The Florida Board of Nursing (2014), regulations for nurse practitioners (NPs) requirements are relevant to practicing legally. Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners must have an active registered... ... middle of paper ... ...S. A. (2013). The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: Impact on mental health services demand and provider availability. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 19(6), 327-334. doi:10.1177/1078390313511852 Quinn, C., Happell, B., & Browne, G. (2012). Opportunity lost? Psychiatric medications and problems with sexual function: A role for nurses in mental health. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 21(3/4), 415-423. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2702.2011.03908.x Shaffer, E. R. (2013). The Affordable Care Act: The value of systemic disruption. American Journal of Public Health, 103(6), 969-972. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2012.301180 Tsai, J., & Rosenheck, R. (2014). Uninsured Veterans who will need to obtain insurance coverage under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. American Journal of Public Health, 104(3), e57-62. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2013.301791

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