Psychiatric nurse practitioners are preferred over physicians for some patients. Why?
Nurse practitioners yield just as good or better health outcomes than doctors. Period.
Do you know that around 50 million Americans suffer from some mental health issue? Unfortunately, over half (54.7%) of these adults with a mental illness do not receive treatment, leaving à significant gap. In such a critical scenario, psychiatric nurse practitioners play a crucial role.
They dedicate themselves to improving the mental health of patients, bringing much-needed peace and stability to their lives. If you or your loved one is struggling with a mental illness and are unsure whether to consult a physician or a psychiatric nurse practitioner, we have you covered.
This article will discuss why patients prefer psychiatric nurse practitioners over physicians. Let's dig in!
Reasons to Prefer Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners
Psychiatric nurse practitioners have specific medical knowledge that helps people from the start to their mental illness recovery. They are preferred over physicians as they are good listeners, also help with non-medical treatments, and adopt a personalized and comprehensive approach to patient care.
Here are some reasons that further highlight the amazing role psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNP) play in improving patient’s mental health:
Good Listeners
Many times, people fall victim to mental health issues due to the absence of an avid listener. They don't have anyone to share their happiness or grief with, and the frustration piles up. This can result in issues like anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. A famous quote by Stephen R. Covey states:
“People don’t listen to understand. They listen to reply. The collective monologue is everyone talking and nobody listening.”
However, psychiatric nurse practitioners take care of this situation. They are amazing listeners, as proven by their track record. 80% of PMHNP patients report that their nurse practitioner listens carefully, compared to only 50% of patients seeing a professional physician.
Psychiatric nurse practitioners become the ear you never had. They listen to all concerns with empathy so patients can let out all the pent-up emotions and feel lighter, which is necessary for better mental health.
Break Down Medical Knowledge
Mental health patients already struggle with a lot of tension, and the complex medical terms will only overwhelm them. They might feel confused or even make wrong decisions regarding their health due to inadequate understanding. However, this isn't the case with psychiatric nurse practitioners.
They break down medical jargon into simple, understandable language so patients fully understand their condition and its reason. They also discuss a variety of treatments that may be effective, explaining the pros and cons of each option. This way, patients can comprehend everything without feeling rushed and pressured.
Favor Non-Medical Treatments
No one wants to be sick, and especially with the stigma surrounding mental health issues, patients often avoid going on medications. They don't want others to treat them differently or feel judged. Psychiatric nurse practitioners totally get this! That's why they work with patients to come up with an effective treatment that the patient approves of.
For instance, the PMHNP will bring a list of conservative or non-medical treatments, such as:
Therapy and Counseling: Patients can engage in different types of therapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), to address and manage their symptoms.
Lifestyle Changes: PMHNP will also recommend that patients change their diet, sleeping, and exercise habits to improve overall health and well-being.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Patients may also need to practice yoga as well as meditation to reduce stress and anxiety.
Psychiatric nurse practitioners respect patient preferences and work collaboratively to find the best treatment approach. Therefore, patients feel comfortable and supported in their mental health journey.
Prioritize Patients Health
People often assume that psychiatric nurse practitioners are somewhat lower than traditional physicians when it comes to prioritizing patients' health. This isn't the case.
Psychiatric nursing practitioners are fully committed to taking care of patients' mental health. Whether patients are struggling with addiction or disturbed due to family trauma, PMHNPs will take immediate and effective measures to ensure they are healthy.
A study by NIH highlights that nurse practitioners are either on par with or exceed physicians when it comes to patient care:
Researchers followed 406 adults—some of whom saw physicians and others NPs—for six months. They stayed in touch with them for two years after the treatment and monitored their health status, physical abilities, and use of ER or inpatient services.
Surprisingly, there were no differences between those treated by physicians and NPs. Both groups showed quite similar outcomes in terms of health and satisfaction with care, indicating that nursing practitioners aren't any less.
Save Money
Inflation is on the rise, and the high cost of mental health treatments can deter people from going on their healing journey. They are often afraid of the costs associated with physician visits, including medications and, in some cases, ER visits.
Fortunately, psychiatric nurse practitioners understand this concern and help patients save money. For instance, they often prescribe little to no medications, significantly reducing costs.
These nurses suggest exercises and meditation practices that patients can easily try at home without assistance or extra expense. As a result, patients can manage their mental health effectively without worrying about additional costs.
Deals in Different Categories
One of the best things about opting for a psychiatric nurse practitioner over a physician is that they deal in different categories. This means patients can easily contact the nurse whose expertise best aligns with their mental health issues, ensuring a more personalized treatment experience.
They also feel more satisfied under the observation of a specialized NP than a physician who deals with a variety of patients with dynamic health issues.
Here are a few types of psychiatric nurse practitioners patients can find:
Addiction Disorder PMHNP: As the name suggests, patients who suffer from addiction, be it drugs, food, substance abuse, or gambling, require the expertise of Addiction Disorder PMHNP to make their lives better.
Geriatric PMHNP: The geriatric population, which involves people aged 65 or older, often suffers from feelings of distress, grief, and loneliness. They also fight with the fear of death that impacts their relationships with everyone. Geriatric PMHNP takes care of such people and helps them escape despair. These nursing practitioners also collaborate with patient families for better treatment.
Child Adolescent PMHNP: These professionals work closely with young patients suffering from various behavioral disorders. They typically focus on addressing mental health issues like ADHD, autism, depression, bipolar personality disorder, anxiety, or eating disorders.
Accessible
Psychiatric nurse practitioners often have more flexible schedules and shorter wait times for appointments. They also serve in a variety of settings besides the traditional hospital or clinical area. For instance, patients can easily find them in detoxification centers, halfway houses, and addiction recovery centers. This enhanced accessibility means patients can get the help they need more promptly, which is crucial for mental health.
Continuous Support
The best part of choosing psychiatric nurse practitioners over physicians is that they don't just treat patients but also educate them. PMHNPs provide ongoing therapy sessions, follow-ups, and adjustments to the patient’s treatment plan whenever needed. This continuous support helps individuals with mental illness stay on track with mental health goals and navigate challenging times more smoothly.
FAQs
What Type of Mental Health Issues Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners Handle?
Psychiatric nurse practitioners handle almost all mental health issues that a traditional registered nurse seldom encounters. These range from depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and autism to serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. So, it doesn't matter what mental health issue you have; you can always rely on a psychiatric nurse.
What Does a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Do?
A psychiatric nurse practitioner can do many things, including conducting thorough physical and mental health assessments, providing psychotherapy, designing treatment plans, and prescribing antidepressants. They also educate patients and communities on the importance of mental health to create a better environment.
What Qualities Does a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Have?
A psychiatric practitioner nurse has excellent communication skills that help them efficiently discuss patients' mental health needs and build trust. They are also warm and empathetic and engage patients in a supportive manner, creating a safe space where everyone feels heard.
Are Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners Highly Qualified?
Yes, qualifying as a psychiatric nurse practitioner involves acquiring a current and active RN license and a graduate degree from a top-notch and accredited adult psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner program.
They must also complete at least 500 supervised clinical hours and provide proof of completion of required graduate coursework. Most nurse practitioners also participate in post graduate fellowship supervised by physicians.
This shows that psychiatric nurse practitioners are highly educated and care capable of providing care but are often not given the respect they deserve.
Conclusion
Mental health is a serious issue that shouldn't be taken lightly. If you or any of your loved ones are suffering from a mental illness, it's important to seek treatment timely. Peace of Serenity Psychiatry is the best solution in this regard.
We have board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioners who help you address all types of issues, including Mood Dysregulation, ADHD, ASD, and Anger Issues. Our ultimate goal is to ensure mental health treatment is accessible to everyone without any cost barrier.
So don't wait. Book a session with us today to embrace the journey of healing and betterment.
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