Challenges Faced By New Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Prescribers

One of the main challenges that psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMNHP) students experience is preparing to prescribe medications by demonstrating psychopharmacological competency. To examine the challenges as they relate to this issue, self-reflective journaling narratives were evaluated from two cohorts of PostMaster's PMHNP program graduates, across each of two semesters of pediatric and adult clinical experience. The most prominent challenges reported by students were in regard to medication treatment adherence, decision making, and monitoring symptom-related outcomes. The narratives also demonstrate that reflection, combined with faculty- and preceptor-supported clinical education, assists PMHNP students in developing psychopharmacological competency. All PMHNP students described in this article were nurse practitioners before they began the program. By seeking to augment their competencies and through continued self-reflective learning and practice, they will improve access to mental health care for the populations they serve.