The Walden MSN program has many specialties, including Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Adult-Gerontology Acute-care, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. In this specialty comparison, I would compare two nursing practices that I have been involved with, namely Family Nursing Practice and Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). I would also explain the influence that led to me undertaking the PMHNP at Walden.
Family Practice Nurses can work independently or under the supervision of a doctor. The scope of practice for FPNs depends on the state due to the variations in legislation. FNPs have a broad practice spectrum in terms of the age groups that they serve. Importantly, FPNs are capable of performing physical examinations, diagnosis, and prescription of medicines in addition to other medical processes. Noteworthy, FPNs do not have specialized competence in the field of medical illness. Nevertheless, in collaboration with psychiatric professionals, they are useful in ensuring the availability of psychotherapy when it is needed for patients within their care. Both FNPs and PMHNPs possess the prerequisite knowledge and competencies for the assessment of mental health disorders.
The critical difference between FPN and PMHNP lies in the depth of their education and training concerning their capacity to undertake assessments for mental health problems. PMHNPs have an in-depth understanding of psychiatry essential for assessing mental health patients. Resultantly, it is important to note that FNPs and PMHNPs have distinctiveness about the roles that they play in handling mental health problems. PMHNP has an almost unlimited capacity to offer psychotherapy. In most cases, they can work independently, whereas FNP must work in collaboration with psychiatrists.
I chose to get into the PMHNP program due to the inherent desire to assist people affected by mental health problems. I was also affected by the lack of satisfaction while working as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and FPN. At the start of my career, I worked in underserved communities, where I realized the plight of people with mental health problems. Many youths require mental health help, but there is a lack of prerequisite resources and practitioners. Statistics indicate that the need for mental health services between 2011 and 2015 increased by 28 percent in the United States (). Most importantly, the need for mental health services is more entrenched in the minority groups.
I was also influenced by the positive recommendations that I got from friends and colleges regarding the PMHNP program. Most of them who were already practicing in this field reported the satisfaction derived from the practice, especially for practitioners who have a passion for helping people who are plagued by mental health problems.
My preferred professional nursing body is the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA). Being an active member of APNA is possible through application via the internet or phone. APNA membership can be a full-time student or regular affiliate (Membership Types and Dues. (n.d.).T