Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program a Critical Component

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program A critical component of nursing is treating a patient's psychological as well as physical needs. I have seen this again and again in my work for an intensive care unit. Every day, more and more patients who are HIV positive come through our doors. HIV can take a tremendous psychological as well as physical toll upon the individual. Additionally, although HIV and AIDS can be contained, the drug regime prescribed must be carefully followed.

For patients with ambivalence, shame or guilt about their illness, they may unconsciously sabotage themselves; for patients with deep and entrenched mental health problems outside of their HIV status, following a recommended program of drug therapy and counseling can be even more arduous. Of course, the failures of HIV treatment are not the patient's 'fault.' There is also the problem of providers who themselves are ill-equipped to deal with the psychological challenges posed by the illness.

Many nurses simply focus on the symptoms and express frustrations at the patient's behaviors: 'why didn't they use a condom/clean needles in the first place? Why don't they follow their treatment plan?' To truly understand the answers of 'why' requires an in-depth understanding of psychology, not merely medicine. Stigmatizing patients is not helpful. In my future work, I hope to use my understanding of human psychology with my knowledge of how to treat patients so I can help sufferers who are experiencing both psychological and psychiatric distress.

I wish to continue to specialize in the field of HIV treatment. I have chosen to specifically concentrate on psychiatric medicine because I believe this field exhibits the most acute need for healthcare practitioners who act with sensitivity, caring, and compassion. Patients with mental illness require a carefully designed treatment program of therapy and medication to flourish. They must also be treated by patient caregivers who understand the lengthy process of treating someone with a mental illness.

I believe I possess these qualities after honing them in my current field of practice on a daily basis. With training as a nurse psychiatric practitioner I know I can make a difference helping HIV positive and AIDS patients deal with the reality of their situation so they will be motivated as well as able to seek the resources they.