Health & Fitness

Why mental health nursing is more vital than ever

Mental health nurses work with some of the most vulnerable people in society, their patients are often stigmatized and may struggle to have their own voice. These health professionals show compassion for their patients and always view them as individuals, regardless of their illness. We live in an era when, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, tens of millions of US citizens suffer from a condition that negatively impacts their mental health. For these people, nurses can make all the difference to the lives of sufferers and their families.

Mental illness can be isolating

We live increasingly busy lives and it’s not always easy for people to find someone to talk to about their feelings. This is further complicated by preconceptions about mental health and a lack of understanding when it comes to those affected. Trained professionals can step in at any stage, nurturing a therapeutic relationship with their patients and delivering quality care.

Psychiatric nurses are strong for people in their darkest times

Nurses assist people who are at their lowest point, to cope, they will need emotional resilience and self-reliance. Learning online requires a high degree of independence and this skill is directly transferable to working in the field of mental health. As the Wilkes University Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner program reviews show, online students are prepared for a role in the industry through clinical placements and supported learning. To smooth their path, Wilkes has a student success advisor who offers ongoing assistance. Learners must be self-motivated, but they can access help from the moment they enroll, right up to when they graduate. 

Mental health nurses are presiding over a period of change

Psychiatric nurse practitioners are part of a massive shift in the provision of mental health care, keeping people out of rehabilitation wards and helping them to enjoy life in the community. It is often the case that with the right medication and expert support, patients can eventually live independently and become productive members of society. Furthermore, with an aging population and ever-increasing life expectancy, there is an increasing need for nurses who can care for people with various forms of dementia. 

Nurses deliver adaptable care

If they work in the community, mental health nurses manage a caseload of people whose care they help to coordinate. Rather than keeping their patients at arm’s length, these healthcare providers strive to establish a relationship with them as individuals. This makes it easier to spot changes in a person’s mental health and the tell-tale signs of a relapse. Even if the patient is attempting to cope or conceal their feelings in front of their friends or family, mental health nurses are trained to identify their triggers. As professionals, they are ready to assess a person’s wellbeing and step in with the right level of support. From managing a crisis to simply listening to a person’s concerns, a mental health nurse will adjust the input they offer depending on the patient’s needs.

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