Online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate

This course is designed to focus on the health promotion and disease prevention of the aggregate (individuals, families, groups that make up a community and/or a society). It provides the student a different and wider perspective related to the incorporation and the application of the theoretical knowledge into the aspects of clinical practices. The course will address: the foundation of the meaning of population within the context of health promotion and disease prevention, the goals of the national health plan, health indicators, health determinants at the individual and societal levels, health behavior and the challenge to change people's behavior. This will include applying concepts of health behavior theories, health disparity, human genetics, environmental health, and chronic disease control and prevention. Additionally, students will apply epidemiological principles to identify populations at high risk of preventable illnesses. The course will explicitly address the health promotion and clinical/disease prevention activities that are culturally responsive and appropriate.

The course focuses on theories of physical assessment across the life span.  Theoretical frameworks from nursing and other disciplines will be used to develop a patient database in primary health care practice settings. This course will introduce Family Theory as a critical foundation for effective communication and care delivery. Concepts of the synergy model that address patient resiliency, vulnerability, and stability will be incorporated throughout the course.

(Includes 25 hours on-campus residency and 50 precepted hours)

Etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical manifestations of disease process will be presented within the framework of the Synergy Model. The interaction between patient vulnerability and patient resiliency will be emphasized in explaining major pathophysiological conditions across the life span. The effects of complexity and predictability on patient outcomes will be highlighted when appropriate. This approach will enhance nurse competencies to assess and evaluate physiological changes, presence or absence of complications, and the extent to which the desired outcome of care and or treatment are attained. Most importantly, this approach will facilitate ongoing learning.

A foundation for the application of pharmacology relevant to advanced nursing practice is provided throughout this course. The process involving medication selection by advanced practice nurses for various diseases states and patient populations is discussed, as well as considerations pertaining to potential risks and benefits associated with pharmacotherapy. Expected adverse effects, monitoring parameters, and drug interactions for specific medications and medication classes will be reviewed.

Human phenotypic expression of neuropsychiatric dysregulations is studied with attention to genetic, physiological, and environmental factors, with correlating diagnostic criteria across the lifespan. Behaviors are linked to diagnostic criteria, as well as somatic interventions including pharmacologic, complementary/alternative and other emerging treatments.

Individual risk for mental health resilience, problems and illnesses is inherited and/or acquired over the lifespan. Critical population, cultural, individual, family and situational factors are explored with attention to at-risk periods. Appropriate assessment, diagnosis and interventions in the primary, secondary and tertiary levels of mental health care are explored with attention to consultation, advocacy and collaborative roles of the PMH Advanced Practice Nurse.

The essential foundations for the nurse psychotherapist role are examined with a focus on knowledge and skills of trauma-informed, recovery-oriented perspectives. An overview of therapies for care of persons, groups and families across the life span with mental health challenges and disorders are studied, with emphasis on therapeutic communication, supportive,cognitive and select manualized therapies. Family systems and family therapies are studied.Knowledge and skills for self-refection and supervision are developed.

Clinical participation in the assessment, case formulation, diagnosis and collaborative treatments of persons with mental health disorders across the lifespan in clinical settings. Emphasis is on appropriate prevention, screening, diagnosis, somatic and non-somatic therapies and documentation of care in a for mood and attention disorders. Didactic component of course includes case analysis incorporating best practices for care in therapeutic communication,assessment, diagnosis and evolving treatment of the individual with emphasis on attention and mood disorders. Recovery oriented care and change is emphasized as well as concepts of case supervision.

Interventions required to meet more complex mental health needs of individuals and groups across the lifespan are explored relating to abuse, trauma, addiction, and temporary and permanent cognitive changes. Evidence based practices to preserve mental health capacity and support recovery are emphasized, with integration of mental health, family, significant others,and community resources. Policy and legal implications of care are explored.

Care of persons with treatment –resistant disorders, multiple relapses and/or complex mental health needs requiring multimodal approaches is the course focus. PMHNP students engage in trauma informed, recovery- oriented and family approaches to care in multiple clinical and community settings.Students provide care independently and collaboratively to individuals and groups across the lifespan through assessment, case formulation, diagnosis and treatments of persons with mental health disorders. Assessment, diagnosis and evolving treatment of complex mental health needs including attachment disruptions, thought disorders and substance use disorders. Relapse prevention, group and family interventions, and recovery-oriented care are emphasized.

Care of persons with complex mental health disorders contributing to interruptions in independence of activities of daily living is course focus. PMHNP students engage in recovery- oriented, case management and family/group/community approaches to care. Students participate in the assessment,case formulation, diagnosis and collaborative treatments of persons with serious mental illnesses across the lifespan in clinical settings. Didactic component of course includes case analysis of best practices for care of complex mental health needs with emphasis on disorders of attachment, thought and cognition.Interventions for exacerbations, group interventions, caregiver support and recovery oriented care are emphasized. Considerations of medical-legal aspects of mental health care are emphasized.

This course will focus on the synthesis of role theory, the transitioning to independent practice, business concepts, and issues unique to the role of the family nurse practitioner. Professional issues, models of health care delivery and practice in the evolving health care environment will be discussed. The independent and collaborative roles of the family nurse practitioner in primary care will be emphasized. Overview of the Consensus Model, preparing for national certification, and applying for licensure and prescribing privileges at the state level will be addressed. Concepts of the Synergy Model that address patient resiliency, vulnerability, and stability will be incorporated throughout the course.