Learning about Policy & Politics in a PMHNP Program

The education for becoming a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner is not limited to the obvious role of the ARNP. Last fall, I completed a health policy, economics, and politics course at UI. It was really great timing for the course, with the election process happening. And my education was enhanced at the APNA conference where the keynote presentations included information about policies related to the mental health field, and I met some ARNPs who have been very politically involved. When I entered the PMHNP program, I did not realize the importance of being active in understanding and participating in policy shaping and politics like I am coming to appreciate. 

(Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines in August 2009)

The reason I bring up this topic is that I will be spending tomorrow in Des Moines with many of the nurse practitioners from across Iowa for a Legislative Day. I anticipate this will be a great opportunity to learn about current local & national legislative issues and about lobbying. In the afternoon, I will join Iowa ARNPs in meeting with legislators at the State Capitol building. Being from a family where politics were not discussed, I've got an awfully steep learning curve, and I am hopeful that the more I am exposed, the easier it will come!

I am curious to hear from you - how have you been politically active in nursing and mental health? What do you see as our role as psych/mental health nurses?

Cheers!

~Bonnie

Back from the Other Side of the World

I'm back now from a wonderful month India and am adjusting to the cold midwest winter. Aside from enjoying my husband's side of the family and soaking in India's amazing culture, I was on the look-out for issues related to mental health while I was on the other side of the world. I'd heard that mental health & illness are not really talked about much in Indian culture; however, I saw a few things that make me think the information is out there. Perhaps it's just not a topic people talk about much. I did see some newspaper articles about suicides in Mumbai while I was there and, in response, some psychiatry med students making a group "no suicide" contract. I don't recall reading news articles in the USA that describe how a person died by suicide.

I wasn't sure what to expect with being in Mumbai so shortly after the 26/11 attacks. I thought I may read or hear something about people dealing with post-trauma responses. I was surprised that I did not. However, when visiting the Gateway of India, right next to the Taj Hotel, I saw this sign: 

The psych nurse in me just had to have a photo. I was tempted to call the number to inquire about how these services were being utilized. I remain curious...