Assignment 2: Week 7 Practicum Journal: Checkpoint for Certification Plan

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Practicum Journal Entry: Certification Plan

Mental health nurse practitioners play an important role in providing care that meets the needs of the vulnerable in the society. They work with other healthcare providers in assessing, planning, implementing, as well as evaluating the effectiveness of the interventions used to promote the mental health of their patients. A wide range of regulations that guide the practice of mental health nurse practitioners exist. However, they vary across states. For instance, some states require mental health nurse practitioners to be certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center while others do not. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine the practice of mental health nurse practitioners in my state (Texas) in comparison with that of Arkansas. It also investigates the clinical practice issue a new PMHNP has to consider in the relocation process alongside a checklist for passing the national certification exam.

PMNHP Practice Environment in Texas

My state (Texas) recognizes the critical role that the PMHNP play in the provision of safe and quality care in mental health. However, the practice of nurse practitioners in Texas is restricted. There is also the reduction in membership to medical staff in the state. The prescribing authority is also reduced for the nurse practitioners in Texas (Barton Associates, 2020). Therefore, the autonomous role that the nurse practitioners play in healthcare is reduced in Texas, hence, the close similarities with the environment in Arkansas.

PMNHP Practice Environment Comparison

A comparison of the practice of nurse practitioners is made with the State of Arkansas. There exist some similarities and differences in the practice of APNs in my state and that of Arkansas. The practice of advanced practice nurses is reduced in Arkansas. The state law dictates that nurse practitioners and physicians must enter into an agreement for them to practice some elements of their professional roles. The state demands that some of the roles played by the nurse practitioners should be undertaken under the supervision of a physician. The nurse practitioners also have reduced practice in relation to prescribing drugs. These restrictions imply that the autonomous role of the nurse practitioners in the state is reduced (Buppert, 2017; Defibaugh, 2018). However, nurse practitioners have the freedom to join medical staffs.

Professional and/or Clinical Practice Issue

One of the professional issues that a new PMHNP must consider and address with the certification process in my state is that one must be licensed by the state registered nurse licensure. A new nurse with an RN license is required to make an RN application using the Endorsement Application. There is also the requirement that the new PMHNP must be certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. The licensure will provide the nurse with the opportunity to provide mental health services in the state (De Golia & Corcoran, 2019). The nurse is also expected to belong to a professional organization that is related to the area of specialization. This is important since it aids in the personal and professional advancement of the nurse.

Checklist for Passing the National Certification Exam

Mental health nurse practitioners must be prepared adequately for the certification by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. One of the checklists that one must consider is time. Adequate time is required for preparing for the examination. There is also a need to invest money in purchasing relevant revision materials. The PMNHP is expected to demonstrate proficiency in a wide range of areas related to their practice. Thus, it demands intensive revision of the relevant content. The members of the American Nurses Association are expected to pay $270 when compared to $395 that non-members pay. Lastly, the duration of preparing for the certification exam varies among individuals. However, it is recommended that a minimum of three months is needed for one to be prepared adequately for the examination.

Conclusion

PMNHP play an important role in the promotion of the mental health and wellbeing of the public. However, their autonomous role is reduced in my state. PMNHP nurses are expected to be licensed by the relevant professional bodies for them to practice in my state. Therefore, it is important that nurse practitioners prepared adequately to be certified by the relevant professional bodies guiding their roles in healthcare.

References

Barton Associates. (2020). Nurse Practitioner Scope of Practice Laws. Retrieved on 7th March 2020 from https://www.bartonassociates.com/locum-tenens-resources/nurse-practitioner-scope-of-practice-laws

Buppert, C. (2017). Nurse practitioner's business practice and legal guide. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Defibaugh, S. (2018). Nurse practitioners and the performance of professional competency. Palgrave Macmillan,

De Golia, S. G., & Corcoran, K. M. (Eds.). (2019). Supervision in psychiatric practice: Practical approaches across venues and providers. American Psychiatric Pub.