Well-being & Mental Health

In the last two years, the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act has created programs that increase access to, and reduce stigma of, evidence-based mental health treatment for nurses and all healthcare workers. But there is much more work to be done to support our nation’s healthcare workforce. As Congress looks to reauthorize the bill, here are three areas of focus for 2024 and beyond.

The roles of a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PHMNP), licensed clincial social worker, mental-health counselor, psychiatrist, and psychologist are all related to mental health and providing support to individuals with psychological issues. However, they differ in terms of their educational backgrounds, scope of practice, and specific roles within the mental health field. Here's a breakdown based on the differences within these roles.

Pursuing a career as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is both challenging and fulfilling. In this role, you'll encounter a diverse range of patients, each presenting unique mental health conditions and behavioral challenges. This diversity ensures that no two days are the same, offering a dynamic and engaging work environment.

Interprofessional collaboration is the practice of approaching patient care from a team-based perspective, with a team comprised of multiple health workers with varying professional backgrounds. By implementing interprofessional collaboration into healthcare environments, multiple disciplines can work more effectively as a team to help improve patient outcomes and better the workplace.

For nurses, more flexibility and better work/life balance are essential. Solutions like Mercy Works on Demand are meeting nurses where they are by offering a gig-based approach to scheduling. Not only is Mercy’s innovative approach addressing shortages and improving patient care, it is also bringing joy back to nursing and demonstrating that a new, flexible future is possible for the profession.