mental health condition

Please respond to the following discussion post using at least two references and APA format

( Respond to at least two of your colleagues’ posts by sharing your thoughts on their specialty, supporting their choice or offering suggestions if they have yet to choose )

Choice of a Nursing Specialty

The alarming mental health condition among young individuals in the United States necessitates significant consideration. Recent data suggests that around 13-20 percent of children in the United States have been diagnosed with a mental, emotional, or behavioral condition (Kumar et al., 2020). This concerning figure underscores the pressing demand for competent and empathetic mental health practitioners, and it serves as a significant motivator for my selection of psychiatric nursing as my area of specialization within the nursing curriculum.

The elevated incidence of mental health disorders in young folks is a matter of apprehension, necessitating focused endeavors to assist this susceptible demographic (Limone & Toto, 2022). As a prospective psychiatric nurse, my main motivation is positively impacting young people’s mental well-being. I aim to offer them guidance and support to help them overcome any obstacles they may face. I contend that implementing early intervention strategies and providing comprehensive mental health treatment can yield substantial positive outcomes in the lives of young individuals, hence facilitating their development of enhanced emotional and psychological well-being throughout their transition into adulthood.

I became interested in psychiatric nursing because I saw how closely physical health and overall wellness are related to mental health. The interplay between mental health disorders and physical health can yield significant consequences for individuals, necessitating a comprehensive healthcare approach that resonates with my professional ethos as a nurse (National Library of Medicine, 2021). I possess a strong desire to investigate the complex interconnections between mental and physical well-being and to apply comprehensive healthcare approaches that foster optimal results for the individuals under my care.

During my nursing education, I have been introduced to a range of components within the field of mental health care, encompassing therapeutic communication, de-escalation strategies, and psychiatric medication. The experiences above have validated my inclination and proficiency in the domain of mental nursing, hence strengthening my conviction that this discipline is congruent with my aptitudes and capabilities as a healthcare professional. I am intrigued by the intricate nature of mental health disorders and the prospect of participating in empirically supported interventions that can benefit the well-being of individuals and their families.

Nevertheless, I have met several challenges in arriving at this decision. One prevailing difficulty is the persistent social disapproval and discrimination associated with mental health. Despite advancements in mental health awareness, prevailing beliefs and unfavorable attitudes toward those afflicted with mental health issues persist (Rathod et al., 2017). In my role as a psychiatric nurse, it is plausible that I may encounter instances when certain persons exhibit resistance or skepticism towards the significance of mental healthcare, potentially due to a lack of comprehensive understanding. Addressing the negative perception surrounding mental health and advocating for the importance of mental healthcare will provide a persistent obstacle throughout my professional trajectory.

The American Psychiatric Nurses Association is an example of a professional organization associated with psychiatric nursing (Health eCareers, 2022). The APNA is a prominent nationwide institution committed to promoting and enhancing psychiatric-mental health nursing practice, education, and research. Joining APNA provides many advantages, such as utilizing evidence-based materials, engaging in networking activities, and pursuing ongoing educational opportunities. As a registered participant, I will be granted privileges to access a wide range of scholarly publications and academic journals that offer up-to-date advancements and exemplary methodologies in psychiatric nursing. In addition, I get the opportunity to partake in APNA’s yearly conference and engage in webinars and seminars, which augment my expertise and proficiencies within the discipline.

In conclusion, my decision to pursue psychiatric nursing as my specialty is rooted in the urgent need to address the mental health challenges faced by young individuals in the United States. I am passionate about positively impacting their well-being and providing compassionate care to those with mental health issues. Despite the challenges of stigma and emotional demands, I am dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and advocating for comprehensive mental healthcare. Joining the American Psychiatric Nurses Association will give me access to valuable resources and opportunities to improve my knowledge and skills in this field.

References

Health eCareers. (2022, November 2). Get to know the American psychiatric nurses association. healthecareers.com. https://www.healthecareers.com/career-resources/nurse-career/know-american-psychiatric-nurses-associationLinks to an external site.

Kumar, A., Kearney, A., Hoskins, K., & Iyengar, A. (2020). The role of psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners in improving mental and behavioral health care delivery for children and adolescents in multiple settings. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 34(5), 275-280. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apnu.2020.07.022Links to an external site.

Limone, P., & Toto, G. A. (2022). Factors that predispose undergraduates to mental issues: A cumulative literature review for future research perspectives. Frontiers in Public Health, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.831349Links to an external site.

National Library of Medicine. (2021, May 11). Supporting the health and professional well-being of nurses – The future of nursing 2020-2030 – NCBI bookshelf. National Center for Biotechnology Information. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK573902/Links to an external site.

Rathod, S., Pinninti, N., Irfan, M., Gorczynski, P., Rathod, P., Gega, L., & Naeem, F. (2017). Mental health service provision in low- and middle-income countries. Health Services Insights, 10, 117863291769435. https://doi.org/10.1177/1178632917694350Links to an external site.