P NW
Professional Experiences and Areas of Expertise
Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work with patients facing significant mental health challenges in various settings, including psychiatric facilities and correctional centers. These experiences have greatly influenced my nursing philosophy, emphasizing the need for a compassionate, holistic approach to care. Working in psychiatric institutions has helped me understand the complexities of managing mental health conditions, including mood disorders, psychotic disorders, and substance abuse issues. In these settings, I learned the importance of providing trauma-informed care, focusing on building trust with patients who may have experienced neglect, abuse, or systemic discrimination. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), trauma-informed care is essential in treating individuals with mental health conditions, as it acknowledges the impact of trauma on behavior and promotes a safe and supportive environment for healing (SAMHSA, 2014).
In correctional nursing, I have witnessed the intersection of mental health and criminal justice. Incarcerated individuals often face compounded mental health challenges, many of which stem from a history of trauma, substance abuse, and limited access to healthcare. Studies show that prisoners experience disproportionately high rates of mental illness, and the prison environment can exacerbate these conditions (Fazel et al., 2016). This reality has reinforced my belief that nursing care in these settings must go beyond symptom management. Instead, it should encompass advocacy for systemic changes, focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration, and addressing the underlying social determinants of health (SDOH) that contribute to poor mental health outcomes in incarcerated populations (Vaughn et al., 2015).
Personal Beliefs About Nursing Practice
I believe that nursing practice must always be patient-centered, grounded in respect, and rooted in empathy, especially when dealing with vulnerable populations like those with mental health disorders. Mental health care is not just about treating symptoms but understanding the patient’s experiences, including their psychological, social, and emotional needs. My nursing practice is shaped by the belief that every patient, regardless of their background or circumstances, deserves compassionate and individualized care. According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), nurses are expected to practice with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every individual (ANA, 2015). This principle is especially crucial when working with individuals who may have experienced trauma, such as those in psychiatric facilities or correctional centers, as these patients are often more vulnerable to stigmatization and distrust of healthcare providers.
Moreover, I recognize the importance of understanding the role that the environment, culture, and socioeconomic status play in shaping health outcomes. In both psychiatric and correctional settings, many patients face systemic barriers to accessing quality care, including financial constraints, limited education, and poor social support. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the SDOH are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age, and these factors are critical determinants of health (WHO, 2020). In my practice, I aim to address not only the immediate mental health needs of my patients but also advocate for changes in the broader healthcare system that address these social inequities. Nurses, as trusted healthcare professionals, are uniquely positioned to engage in social advocacy and promote policies that aim to reduce these disparities.
Goals for Expanding Awareness and Impact
One of my primary goals is to deepen my understanding of the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) and how they impact mental health, particularly in vulnerable populations. Studies show that factors such as poverty, poor housing, unemployment, and lack of access to education can exacerbate mental health conditions, making it essential to approach mental health care with a broader, more systemic lens (Braveman et al., 2011). To expand my awareness in this area, I plan to engage in continued education on the SDOH and how these factors influence the mental health of incarcerated individuals and those in psychiatric care. As part of my commitment to social justice, I also plan to advocate for policies that address these root causes of mental health disparities, particularly in the correctional system where access to care is often limited (Fazel et al., 2016).
Additionally, I aspire to pursue leadership roles in the mental health nursing field. I believe that effective leadership is essential to creating systemic change, whether by influencing policy, improving clinical practices, or advocating for marginalized populations. Nurses who hold leadership positions can use their platform to promote evidence-based practices and policies that ensure equitable access to mental health care, particularly in correctional settings where health disparities are most pronounced. For example, programs that integrate mental health treatment with rehabilitation services can be highly effective in reducing recidivism and improving long-term outcomes for incarcerated individuals (Bogue et al., 2018). By advancing my education and skills in leadership, I hope to contribute to such initiatives and make a broader impact on the mental health landscape.
Alignment with Walden’s Mission for Social Change
Walden University’s emphasis on social change aligns deeply with my nursing philosophy and goals. Walden’s mission to foster positive social change and its commitment to advancing equity and justice resonate with my belief that healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, have a crucial role in advocating for marginalized communities. In mental health nursing, social change involves addressing not only the clinical care of individuals but also the systems and policies that shape healthcare access and outcomes. According to the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA), psychiatric nurses are uniquely positioned to advocate for patients by influencing policy, engaging in community education, and working to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health (APNA, 2019). By integrating these principles into my practice, I aim to promote mental health awareness and work towards dismantling the structural barriers that limit access to care for vulnerable populations.
In conclusion, my philosophy of nursing is grounded in compassion, advocacy, and a commitment to addressing the social factors that impact mental health. Through continued education, leadership development, and active engagement with marginalized communities, I aspire to create meaningful change in the field of mental health nursing. By aligning my practice with Walden University’s mission for social change, I am confident that I can contribute to improving the health outcomes of individuals, families, and communities, particularly those most affected by systemic inequities in mental health care.
References
American Nurses Association. (2015).
Code of ethics for nurses with interpretative statements. American Nurses Association.
American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA). (2019).
Psychiatric-mental health nursing: Scope and standards of practice (2nd ed.). American Psychiatric Nurses Association.
Braveman, P., Egerter, S., & Williams, D. R. (2011).
The social determinants of health: Coming of age. Annual Review of Public Health, 32(1), 381-398.
Fazel, S., Von Hoebel, J., & Luntamo, E. (2016).
Mental health in prison: Prevalence and impact on health and well-being. International Review of Psychiatry, 28(2), 123-132.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2014).
Trauma-informed care in behavioral health services. SAMHSA.
Vaughn, M. G., Ollie, M. T., & DeLisi, M. (2015).
Psychiatric disorders and criminal justice involvement in a national sample of incarcerated youth. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 54(3), 176-194.
World Health Organization (WHO). (2020).
Social determinants of health. World Health Organization.
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