Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurs - Adelphi Univers

Adelphi University's Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program prepares students for advanced practice roles in mental health diagnosis and treatment. The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experiences, equipping graduates with advanced knowledge of psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and holistic care. Graduates are highly sought-after in diverse healthcare settings, including psychiatric hospitals, community mental health centers, and private practices.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program at Adelphi University is a graduate program leading to a Master of Science (MS) degree.

This program prepares students for advanced practice roles in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders across the lifespan.

Objectives:

Prepare graduates to provide safe, ethical, and evidence-based care to individuals, families, and communities with mental health needs.
Develop students' critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and therapeutic communication skills.
Equip graduates with advanced knowledge of psychopharmacology and psychotherapy interventions.
Train students to collaborate effectively with other healthcare professionals within a team-based model.

Program Description:

The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experiences.
Clinical settings include hospitals, clinics, community mental health centers, and private practices.
The curriculum integrates theory with clinical practice through case studies, simulations, and role-playing exercises.
The program emphasizes holistic care, taking into account social, cultural, and biological factors influencing mental health.

Outline:

Program Content:

The program covers a broad spectrum of mental health topics, including:
Psychopathology and diagnostic assessment.
Psychopharmacology and medication management.
Individual, group, and family therapy techniques.
Psychosocial and cultural factors in mental health.
Legal and ethical issues in psychiatric care.

Structure:

The program can be completed in four semesters of full-time study or six semesters of part-time study.
Students typically take two to three courses per semester.
Courses are offered in a hybrid format, combining online learning with face-to-face sessions.
Part-time study allows for greater flexibility while accommodating work and personal commitments.

Course Schedule:

The PMHNP program offers a diverse range of courses.

They are typically divided into four categories: Core Courses: These courses lay the foundation for psychiatric mental health nursing practice, providing students with the theoretical knowledge and clinical skills essential for advanced practice.

Examples of core courses include:

Advanced Pathophysiology and Clinical Pharmacology
Advanced Psychopharmacology
Advanced Theories and Models of Psychotherapy
Assessment and Diagnosis in Mental Health Care
Clinical Research Methods for Mental Health Professionals
Health and Mental Healthcare Policy
Psychiatric Practice Across the Lifespan
Theories of Psychotherapy, Part I
Theories of Psychotherapy, Part II

Required Electives

These courses allow students to deepen their understanding of specific areas within psychiatry or tailor their program to specific career aspirations. Examples of required electives include:

Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology
Group Therapy
Integrated Care: Behavioral Health in Primary Care Settings
Trauma-Informed Care
Advanced Psychosocial Assessment

Individualized Study

Students can pursue specialized interests through individualized study options including:

Independent Study Courses
Clinical Externship in Mental Health
Research Project

Clinical Practicum

The clinical practicum is a crucial component of the PMHNP program, providing students with hands-on experience under the supervision of experienced psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners. During the practicum, students gain valuable experience in:

Conducting comprehensive psychiatric assessments
Developing and implementing treatment plans
Providing individual, group, and family therapy
Managing medication
Collaborating with other healthcare professionals

Individual Modules:

Module 1: Foundations of Mental Health Nursing

This module provides an introduction to psychiatric mental health nursing, covering topics such as:

Conceptual frameworks for understanding mental illness
History and development of psychiatric mental health nursing
Legal and ethical issues in mental health care
Professional roles and responsibilities of the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
Cultural competence in mental health care

Module 2: Advanced Psychopathology and Diagnostic Assessment

This module explores various psychopathological conditions and the diagnostic assessment process. It covers:

Classification of mental disorders
Diagnostic criteria for major mental illnesses
Differential diagnosis
Mental status examination
Risk assessment and crisis intervention
Child and adolescent psychopathology

Module 3: Advanced Psychopharmacology

This module delves into psychopharmacology, covering topics such as:

Principles of psychopharmacology
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of psychiatric medications
Psychotropic medication classes
Adverse effects and monitoring of medications
Medication selection and dosage adjustments
Special considerations in child and adolescent psychopharmacology

Module 4: Advanced Theories and Models of Psychotherapy

This module explores different psychotherapeutic approaches and models of therapy. It covers:

Theoretical foundations of individual, group, and family therapy
Therapeutic techniques and interventions for various mental health conditions
Evidence-based practices in psychotherapy
Cultural considerations in therapy
Ethical considerations in therapy

Module 5: Clinical Practice and Application

This module focuses on applying theory to clinical practice. It covers:

Developing and implementing treatment plans
Individual, group, and family therapy techniques
Medication management in the context of therapy
Case management and discharge planning
Interprofessional collaboration

Module 6: Research and Evidence-Based Practice

This module introduces students to research methods applicable to psychiatric mental health nursing. It covers:

Importance of evidence-based practice in mental health care
Introduction to research methods
Critical appraisal of research literature
Implementing research findings into clinical practice

Module 7: Professional Development

This module focuses on the professional development of psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners. It covers:

Reflective practice
Ethical decision-making
Leadership and advocacy in mental health care
Career advancement opportunities

Assessment:

Students' progress is assessed through various methods including:
Exams (written, oral, or practical)
Clinical performance evaluations
Case presentations
Group projects
Papers and assignments

Teaching:

The program employs experienced faculty with expertise in various psychiatric mental health fields.
Teaching methods include:
Lectures
Interactive discussions
Case studies and simulations
Reflective journaling
The program also utilizes Adelphi University's Clinical Education and Simulation Lab (CESiL), featuring realistic simulations, to further enhance learning.

Careers: Graduates of the PMHNP program are highly sought-after in diverse healthcare settings. Potential career opportunities include:

Psychiatric hospitals
Community mental health centers
Private practices
Primary care clinics
Schools
Correctional facilities
Substance abuse treatment centers
Telehealth platforms

Other:

The Department of Public Health offers the option of a Psychiatric-Mental Health Advanced Certificate.
Adelphi University has been recognized for its excellence in nursing education, ranking highly among nationwide professional graduate degree programs and having been acknowledged by the National League for Nursing.

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Master's Program

Program Overview