There are many reasons why graduating psychiatric nurse practitioners should consider joining professional organizations. Even if you are still enrolled in a degree program, now is a good time to consider joining and reaping the many rewards.
Faster access to relevant information regarding nursing and healthcare
The medical world is always advancing and changing. It is important for nurses to stay up-to-date with what is going on in their profession, particularly advanced care nurses in higher-level positions. Nursing organizations are among the first to know and widely distribute information on new policies, regulations, advances in treatments, technology, and more.
Nursing associations send out regular newsletters, emails, and more to keep nurses informed about important issues. Opportunities for continuing education classes and credits may also be sent out.
Networking and support
It is important to network as a nurse or nurse practitioner. Nursing organizations offer bountiful opportunities to network with other medical professionals. Collaborations, career opportunities, research projects, and more can result from networking.
It is also good to have a support network in the healthcare industry. It can help alleviate some of the stress that can occur when trying to provide a high level of care to many patients. Friends that you can talk to about medical topics and the healthcare worker lifestyle can be nice to have throughout your career. As an advanced practice nurse, you can also offer mentorship and support to other nurses working towards their own career goals and research projects.
Discounts on certifications and continuing education classes
Members of nursing organizations enjoy discounts on some continuing education classes and certifications that can help their careers. It alone can more than pay for any required membership dues. All nurses must gain a specific amount of continuing education credits to continue to hold their license, no matter their degree or level of experience. It ensures that nurses stay up-to-date on medical trends and practices throughout their careers.
Gaining additional certifications can be helpful to nurses at any stage in their career because it increases the credentials and specialized skills they can offer their patients. Gaining certifications can help you obtain specialized positions and meet career goals faster.
Meetings and conventions
Local and regional meetings and conventions are great places to not only learn but also socialize with others in your profession. Members get special attendance rates and may be eligible for other perks, like discounted hotel rooms for larger events.
Meeting colleagues and networking in person is a different experience than just interacting online. Occasionally, any professional should attend an event in person. Many opportunities can arise when you choose to make the effort and be more involved in the advancement of your profession.
American Psychiatric Nursing Association (APNA)
Sometimes, it is nice to be part of an organization dedicated to your specialty, especially when it is one like mental health nursing. The mental healthcare needs of others are always changing. The APNA offers networking, support, and continuing education classes for mental health nurses. They are an excellent resource for keeping up to date on the constantly changing treatments available to treat serious mental illness.
American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
This organization is for those who have advanced to a nurse practitioner in any specialization. They are dedicated to improving access to good health care for everyone, regardless of background. They are active in policy matters on a national level. With more than 121,000 members and growing, AANP has a lot to offer, including continuing education classes, seminars, local and regional branches, and more.
American Nurses Association (ANA)
The ANA is one of the largest and oldest organizations of professional nurses in the United States. The organization is heavily involved with national healthcare policies and the rights of nurses and other healthcare workers. In addition, they support other nursing groups. Many nursing students and first-year nurses choose to join the ANA as their first professional organization.
Do you have what it takes to be a psychiatric nurse practitioner?
Psychiatric nurse practitioners are in higher demand than ever before. Rockhurst University’s online MSN-PMHNP degree for RNs in good standing. In just two years, you can become a nurse practitioner and be on your way to helping meet the mental health care needs of countless Americans.
If you are wondering, “what is it like to be a successful psychiatric nurse practitioner”, a good summary is that psychiatric nurse practitioners are in charge of performing psychiatric evaluations to determine the full range of a patient’s mental health care issues. This assessment may consist of a variety of screening questions and going over a patient’s full health history, including that of immediate family members. Studying in a reputable program such as Rockhurst University’s Master of Science in Nursing – PMHNP program means your placement services are included with tuition. Only one immersive campus visit is required, and if you prefer a part-time program, you can graduate in 2.7 years. Regardless of what you choose, there has never been a better time to get started on your next career move.
Conclusion
Making mental healthcare more accessible to people from all backgrounds is important to building strong communities and allowing people to have a higher standard of living.
Nursing associations can help psychiatric nurses advance their careers and stay up-to-date on what is going on in their profession. Nursing organizations can provide opportunities for collaboration, friendship, jobs, internships, and more. With the growing demand for mental health care, now is a good time to consider a career as a psychiatric mental health nurse.