Psychopharmacologic Approaches to Treatment of Psychopathology

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CHECKPOINT CERTIFICATION PLAN 8

Checkpoint for Certification Plan

This checkpoint builds on the previous one submitted and has as its core focus to keep me on course for my eventual certification as a psychiatric mental healthcare nurse practitioner (PMHNP). The recent pandemic continues to exert an influence on my time, and similar to those actions taken by others in the healthcare field, I have had to juggle numerous responsibilities and obligations. Despite these constraints, mostly associated with time factors, I remain on track to have a successful experience with the licensing examination upcoming. This checkpoint summarizes the current status of my progress and indicates any additional challenges and obstacles, either existing or that could arise, to stall or alter my plans.

So far, all tasks indicated on my timeline have been completed and are up to date. I have completed the 160 hours and met with the 80 patients as required on my timeline. Furthermore, I have become more familiar with the New Jersey board requirements regarding the application for a mental health license. State law requires that all candidates have an advanced degree (Master’s level or higher) and have finished an advanced course in pharmacology (NJDCA, 2017). As pharmacology is a difficult sphere, I originally planned to dedicate about 4-8 hours per week to its study. The overtime work that I have been putting in has made this challenging, but I have met the 4-hour minimum weekly. In addition, the steps regarding registration and submission of required fees are on course. There are no other interruptions to report regarding the plan.

In summary, my progress is on track and has been good despite the recent events with COVID-19 and its associated ramifications on healthcare personnel. One thing that I have reflected on has been what Chapman et al. (2019) echoed: PMHNPs could help ease the strain on the mental healthcare infrastructure. Certainly, the events of the past year have shown the crucial need for more such professionals to enter the workforce. This reality has motivated me even more to stick to my plan and take all necessary actions to compete this course successfully.

References

Chapman, S., Toretsky, C., & Phoenix, B., J. (2019). Enhancing psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner practice: Impact of state scope of practice regulations. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 10(1): P35-43. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2155-8256(19)30081-X

New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs (NJDCA). (2017). New Jersey Board of Nursing Advanced Practice Nurse Certification. https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/nur/Pages/APN-Certification.aspx