Examining Nursing Specialties – Mental Health Nursing
Selecting a nursing specialty within the MSN program is a significant decision that entails careful deliberation. Several personal and professional factors influenced my choice of specialization in Mental Health Nursing. However, this decision was not without its challenges. One of the difficulties I encountered in making this choice was the broad range of specialties available within the MSN program. It was challenging to narrow down my options and determine the one that resonated most with my interests and career goals. The decision required a deep self-assessment of my passion and commitment to a particular field of nursing. Despite these challenges, I ultimately chose Mental Health Nursing due to my interest in mental health. I have always been passionate about helping individuals facing mental health challenges, reducing stigma, and promoting overall mental wellness. This specialization aligns with my intrinsic motivation to make a meaningful impact in this area of healthcare.
Professionally, I recognized the increasing demand for mental health services, especially in today’s complex and stressful world. Mental health issues affect a broad spectrum of individuals, making this field dynamic and versatile (Meghrajani et al., 2023). As a mental health nurse, I see the potential to work in various settings, from community health centers to psychiatric hospitals, providing both direct care and community outreach. Furthermore, I value the interdisciplinary aspect of mental health nursing, as it often involves collaboration with psychologists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals. This collaborative approach can lead to more holistic patient care (Ee et al., 2020; Reist et al., 2022).
Regarding professional organizations, I plan to join the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA). APNA is a well-established organization that is deeply affiliated with the field of Mental Health Nursing. Becoming an APNA member mainly requires being a psychiatric-mental health nurse (whether an RN or APRN in all settings). Membership types include 1) Full-time Nursing Student for students engaged in full-time study who pay a fee of $25, 2) Retired Nurse for nurses who are no longer working who pay a fee of $75, 3) International Nurse for international nurses who pay a fee of $135, and 4) Affiliate for non-RNs who pay $135 (American Psychiatric Nurses Association, n.d.). As a member, I will have access to a wealth of resources, including educational materials, networking opportunities, and the latest developments in the field. Joining APNA will allow me to stay informed and connected with fellow professionals, ultimately contributing to my growth and development in Mental Health Nursing.
In conclusion, choosing Mental Health Nursing as my MSN specialty is a conscious decision driven by personal passion and a recognition of the increasing demand for mental health services. This specialization aligns with my desire to positively impact the field and contribute to the well-being of individuals facing mental health challenges.
References
American Psychiatric Nurses Association. (n.d.). American Psychiatric Nurses Association Membership. my.apna.org. https://my.apna.org/joinapi__membershiplist?id=a203i000000UZEZAA4&order=2
Ee, C., Lake, J., Firth, J., Hargraves, F., de Manincor, M., Meade, T., Marx, W., & Sarris, J. (2020). An integrative, collaborative care model for people with mental illness and physical comorbidities. International Journal of Mental Health Systems, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13033-020-00410-6