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Husson University's Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing Track is designed for psychiatric nurses who are motivated to fulfill the needs of the mentally ill, especially the under-served, in rural communities. It is a program that can advance your knowledge, skills, and credentials to practice at an advanced level. A Much Needed Service
Across the nation, there is an strong need for advanced practice psychiatric nurses who have knowledge of rural health care needs. The impact of deinstitutionalization of the chronically mentally ill, combined with the present short length of stay for the acute mentally ill clients, makes for a state in chaos. Comprehensive community resources have not kept pace with the increasing needs of the mentally ill, and one finds many chronic and acute mentally ill, with needs not being addressed. In response to the urgent mental health needs in rural communities, Husson University was awarded an Advanced Nurse Education Federal Grant from Health Resources and Services Administration Bureau of Health Professions to develop a Master of Science in Nursing Program in Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing. This track prepares advanced practice psychiatric nurses to provide primary mental health services to (underserved) individuals, families, and groups. The track has a biopsychosocial orientation to mental illness; therefore, the theoretical and research foundations emphasize the integration of the neurobiological with the psychosocial sciences. The Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing Master's Clinical Specialist (CS) track focuses on two clinical concentrations: child/adolescent psychiatric mental health and adult psychiatric mental health. The student chooses the desired concentration when beginning the clinical courses Nu 810 Psychiatric Nursing I, Nu 812 Psychiatric Nursing II and Nu 814 Psychiatric Nursing III.
Post Master's Certificate Options:
- Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Specialist
- Child/Adolescent Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Specialist
- Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Faculty Commitment
The faculty believe that graduate, advanced practice nursing builds on the basic knowledge and competencies of a baccalaureate nursing education. Graduate nursing education focuses on the triad of theory, research and practice. Learners refine critical thinking and diagnostic-reasoning skills, as well as leadership, management, and teaching abilities. Further, the faculty believe that health care is a multi-disciplinary effort. As such, master's prepared advanced practice nurses must foster interdisciplinary collaboration. This is accomplished through the contribution of expert advanced nursing knowledge and practice, as well as interpersonal relations and communication skills. The faculty believe the needs of health care consumers require access to practitioners having clinical excellence. This access is particularly important to those in locations which have been underserved by traditional medical resources. The graduate curriculum fosters the development of advanced practice nurses who can effectively meet diverse health care needs in various community locations. Mission
The Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing (APPN) track is consistent with Husson University's mission and the mission of the Husson University Family and Community Nurse Practitioner track. The purpose of the APPNP is to educate advanced practice nurses at the master's degree level who can cost-effectively provide improved access to mental health care. This increased access is especially important in areas which are medically underserved. Believing that principles of psychiatric/mental health theory and practice are essential in the planning and delivery of quality mental health care, the program is committed to providing course and clinical experiences that promote this perspective. Opportunities to practice in health care agencies with psychiatric client populations provide insight into the unique rural community needs which must be addressed by advanced practice psychiatric nurses to deliver realistic and comprehensive health care. Objectives
Upon completion of the track, graduates will be expected to - Utilize a biopsychosocial perspective in assessing, planning, intervening and evaluating clients' mental health care.
- Incorporate relevant theories and specialized knowledge into clinical practice.
- Provide primary mental health care to clients within diverse practice settings.
- Analyze research used for improving health outcomes.
- Contribute to the improvement of mental health care by influencing health policy of the underserved living in rural communities.
- Influence psychiatric/mental health nursing practice by exhibiting competence in leadership, case management and education.
- Assume responsibility for continued professional growth and development.
If you are interested in pursuing psychiatric nursing at the MSN advanced level, we hope this website will answer some of your questions about this innovative educational APPN track. Please feel free to contact us at (207) 941- 7166, if you have more questions.
Sincerely,
Teresa W. Steele, Ph.D., A.P.R.N., B.C.
Director, Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing Click here for application information for the Master of Science in Nursing - Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing. |