Sometimes you have to go where you're called and needed most. Right now, I think the biggest impact I can make in my professional life is through helping those who suffer from mental illness and advance psychiatric care. This is why I'm so excited to introduce my newest endeavor: Conquest Health, an outpatient practice in Haymarket, Virginia, where I’ll be specializing in psychiatric medication management and substance abuse treatment.
The road leading here has been atypical… a critical care nurse practitioner with a passion for psychiatry? Well actually, this really couldn't have worked out any better. My decision to change focus has been influenced by experiences in both my personal and professional lives.
I've directly cared for patients who have been hospitalized as a result of poorly controlled mental illnesses: people who have been victims of violent crimes, people with depression who have neglected their chronic medical problems and suffered from a stroke or cardiovascular disease, people with devastating organ failure from their addictions to alcohol or other substances, and people who have both attempted or completed suicide.
I have also unfortunately experienced loss and devastation from mental illness in my personal life, just like many of you. These experiences have deeply influenced my desire to help others and fueled my passion for mental health awareness. I hope that by combining science, forming trusting relationships, and offering my own unique perspective I can help restore hope and quality of life for my patients.
Changing focus and learning a new speciality has been a very welcomed challenge. I've taken a deep dive into pathophysiology, pharmacology (disease processes and the way medications work in the body) and training with some of the most brilliant minds in medicine. Initially, I had thought that I might have to leave behind some hard-earned medical experience and knowledge that I've acquired from treating patients in the hospital, but I couldn't have been more wrong. It turns out my experience in the hospital has helped me to build a unique and strong foundation that will enable me to better care for patients in my outpatient practice.
My newest set of letters (nursing loves long, confusing acronyms) is PMHNP or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I earned this acronym by completing Masters level coursework and nearly 900 clinical hours in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I was very fortunate to be able to learn and train with some of the best. I have since worked to build a strong network of skilled therapists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and psychiatrists. I have even teamed up with an experienced psychiatrist who will serve as my personal advisor, or ‘collaborating physician’, to provide guidance on potential complex cases.
Each year, an estimated 8 million (or ~14%) deaths are estimated to be attributed to mental illnesses across the world. Suicide is making its way into the top 10 causes of death in the US, up 37% in the past 20 years. In Virginia, there has been a public health emergency since 2016 due to addiction-related deaths. Despite these shocking numbers, mental illness and substance abuse continue to be underreported, stigmatized and not paid the attention they deserve. I want to do my part to help change these statistics.
Today, I feel ready and excited to open the doors to Conquest Health and expand access to mental health care in our local community. I look forward to welcoming referrals from colleagues and friends I’ve made over the years, including the first responders, hospital workers, and those who sacrifice so much to better our community. For those of you who know someone who could use support or are struggling yourself, please know I’m here to help however I can. Happy New Year!