2023 APNA Elections

President-Elect

Joyce M. Shea, DNSc, APRN, PMHCNS-BC, FAAN

Present Position
Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Professor, Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies, Fairfield University, CT

Education
DNSc, Yale University School of Nursing, CT
MSN, Yale University School of Nursing, CT
BSN, Fairfield University, CT

APNA Contributions

• Secretary, APNA Board of Directors, 2015-2020
• Elected Member, Nominating Committee, 2014
• Co-Chair, APNA Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Scope and Standards Revision Task Force, 2018-2022
• Co-Chair, Continuing Education Committee, 2013-2015
• Member, Education Council Steering Committee, 2013-2015
  • Member, Undergraduate Branch, 2012-2013
• Member, Expert Panel, Recovery Council, 2011-2015
• Member, Steering Committee, Institute for Mental Health Advocacy, 2010-2015

Other Experience

• American Nurses Association, Member, Advisory Committee, ANA Code of Ethics Revision Panel, Appointed Fall, 2013.
• American Nurses Foundation, Appointed Grant Reviewer, 2015-2017.
• International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses, Member, Integrated Care
• Position Paper Task Force, 2014- 2017.
• Sigma Theta Tau International Nurses Honor Society
  • Mu Chi Chapter, President, 2005 – 2008
  • Region 15 Representative, 2005-2008
  • Biennial Convention Delegate, November 2007

APNA members should vote for me to serve as President-Elect because these times call for strong and responsive leadership to protect the profession of psychiatric-mental health (PMH) nursing and the patients we serve. A leader’s effectiveness is only as good as the extent to which they are able to foster a shared sense of responsibility, respect, and hope among members of a team. As a leader, I have never asked more of my team members than I have of myself. I have been told that I am able to synthesize ideas expressed by others in a way that promotes unity among members who may come from very different backgrounds. I try to speak less and listen more when wrestling with a difficult issue. With this responsive leadership style, I hope to ensure that APNA remains the premier source to support and promote PMH nurses and improve mental health outcomes for all.

I can help fulfill APNA’s purpose as a scientific and education organization by: Having practiced as a board-certified PMHCNS for over 35 years, I bring to the table my experience working in Psychiatric EDs, Mobile Crisis Units, and Intensive Outpatient Programs. My research has focused on the areas of severe mental illness and recovery, integrated physical and mental healthcare, and telehealth care, preparing me to address these critical and ongoing issues. I received over $6 million in HRSA funding which supported innovative educational programs for PMHNPs. My academic roles have given me significant insights into the needs of both faculty and students and the structure needed to increase the pipeline of future PMH nurses. My 5 years on the APNA Board of Directors has enabled me to understand how our organization functions and how it has thrived over the past decade despite global events that strained all our collective resources. I was selected as APNA’s Co-Chair for the Task Force that revised the Scope and Standards for PMH Nursing, a publication to guide healthcare organizations, academic institutions, and government entities as they design policies and protocols for PMH nursing education and practice. Grounded in my cumulative experiences, it would be my deepest honor to be entrusted with the office of President-Elect.

Secretary

Constance Noll, DNP, MA, CRNP, PMHNP-BC

Present Position
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, University Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health System
Volunteer, Disaster Mental Health Manager, American Red Cross
NAMI Maryland, elected/volunteer member Board of Directors

Education
DNP, University of South Alabama, 2016
MSN, University of South Alabama, 2014
BSN, Walden University, 2012
MA, Clinical Psychology, Loyola University, 1982
BA, Psychology, University of Baltimore, 1978
Diploma, St Joseph Hospital School of Nursing, 1974

APNA Contributions

• Recovery Council 2009- present; Chair 2017-present.
• Administrative Council 2021-present.
• RN-PMH Council Advisory Panel
• Capital Chapter 2009-2014, Secretary
• Scholarly Review Committee, APNA Conference, 2009-2022
• Poster Judge, APNA Conference 2010-2022
• APNA Nurse Awards Peer Review Committee, 2011-2020
• Personality Disorder Cluster B Task Force, 2020-2022
• Yearly contributor podium & poster presentations APNA conferences 2011-2022
  • Noll, C., Brammer, S. V., & Thomas, M. (2023, May). Storytelling: A powerful tool to revive resilience and create contagious positivity in the PMH nursing workforce. American Journal of Psychiatric Nursing.
  • Jensen, M. E., Pease, E. A., Lambert, K., Hickman, D. R., Robinson, O., McCoy K., T.,…Noll, C., King, J. K. (2013). Championing person-first language: A call to psychiatric mental health nurses. American Journal of Psychiatric Nursing.

Other Experience

• BH Departmental Committees: Peer Review, Medical Review, past co-lead education, inpatient leadership, operations, violence reduction.
• Resilience in Stressful Situations (RISE) responder UMUCH, co-lead UMMC.
• Co-lead Behavioral Emergency Response Team (BERT), UMMC.
• Implemented Psychiatric Emergency Services UMMC 2006.
• Current direct clinical services as a nurse practitioner, full continuum, diverse rural area population.

APNA members should vote for me to serve as Secretary because of my personal and professional commitment to support and advance the practice of psychiatric nursing, dedication to the vision and mission of APNA, and to serve the individuals who seek our services to reach optimal health and wellness. I believe human connection is the core of healing and individual growth. Effective leadership qualities include genuineness, sincerity, being authentic and clinically competent; therefore, all PMH nurses are leaders who provide role modeling for effective communication, managing difficult situations and people, and managing stress. I have been an enthusiastic lifelong learner, relying on formal and informal education, mentoring and collegial relationships, and networking opportunities; all of which are core to APNA. In my career, I have sought to improve the delivery of services through education, mentoring, and policy development/implementation.

I can help fulfill APNA’s purpose as a scientific and education organization by continuing involvement in policy development and implementation, performance improvements in psychiatric nursing practice. The essence of psychiatric nursing involves competent, therapeutic, relationship-based care, and systems which facilitate best practices. Striving for evidence-based practices and the scientific foundation of nursing as a science would fulfill APNA’s organizational goals. I have had the privilege of functioning as a diversity facilitator at an academic medical center and fully understand that diverse input is essential and healthy, humility and teamwork facilitate the accomplishment of goals. I am an optimist, a proponent of Margaret Mead’s statement that small groups of thoughtful people can change the world; an essential antidote in facing the challenges implicit in the changing, crisis filled environment of health care. I am a strong champion of the Recovery model as foundational for services across the continuum of care.

Member-At-Large

Carol Essenmacher, DNP, PMHCNS-BC

Present Position
Assistant Professor of Nursing at Saginaw Valley State University

Education

2014 Doctor of Nursing Practice
2007 Master’s Degree in PMH Nursing
2004 Master’s Certificate in Special Programs in Alcohol and Drug Addiction
2001 Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing
1983 Associate Degree in Nursing

APNA Contributions

• APNA Distinguished Service Award Recipient – 2021
• Addictions Council
  • Immediate Past Co-Chair
  • Current Chair of the Tobacco Dependence Branch (2014-present)
• Education Council – Pre-Licensure Branch
• Research & Scholarship Council – Advisory Panel
• Chair, Nursing Competencies for Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence (2018-2021)
• APNA Annual Conference Presenter
• Michigan Chapter President – 2014 to 2019
• Michigan Chapter Conference Presenter
• Awards Reviewer – 2015 & 2017-2019
• Continuing Education Reviewer
• JAPNA Manuscript Reviewer
• Scholarly Review Committee
• Community Outreach Task Force – 2018
• Motivational Interviewing Task Force – 2017
  • Created and wrote and recorded a 3-hour continuing education session (available on the Resources pages) that has been downloaded and completed over 24,000 times.
  • Currently putting finishing touches on full overhaul of with updates being guided by member feedback.
• APNA’s Virtual Nursing Academy of APNA Champions for Smoking Cessation – 2013
• APNA Representative on the National Partnership on Behavioral Health & Tobacco Use/SCLC. Co-chair of Interventions Committee – 2018 to Present

Other Experience

• Southwest Michigan Psychiatric Nurses Council (Co-Chair 1/2009-1/2010)
• National Partnership for Behavioral Health & Tobacco Use (Co-chair 2019-present)
• Organizer and Leader of VA Committee to develop VHA Directive on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (6/2014-6/2015)
• Appointed to Veterans Health Affairs Office of Nursing Service Mental Health Field Advisory
• Committee for the National Nursing Clinical Practice Program (lead publishing of manual and Voice-over training using the manual) – 2010-2018
• Lead Chair of Battle Creek VAMC Nurse Professional Standards Board 2009-2014, resumed 9/2015 to 3/2017 – 2009-2015
• 2015 Update: VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Substance Use Disorders (VA appointed workgroup member)

APNA members should vote for me to serve as Member-at-Large because it is my mindset and habit to approach challenges as being solvable and containing opportunities for improvements. The challenge of the adoption of increased clinical hours and the need for preceptorship is one such example. There may not be a “one-size-fits-all” resolution to finding enough preceptors but there are opportunities here to create practice competencies. A multitude of other challenges that PMH nurse face are exciting opportunities for improvement.

I can help fulfill APNA’s purpose as a scientific and education organization by getting the latest and best evidence-based knowledge translated into the educating and training for all members of APNA. While there are some commonalities of learning types, there are no “one-size-fits-all” fairy-tale cures. And there are no magical methods of educating each other as professionals. Lifelong learning is an alchemy made up of the stardust of hard work, gracious enlightenment, misery, humor, learning from failures, sacrifice, and so much more. But when the stars align opportunities are ripe for innovation and nurses are ready, willing, and able to try calculated risk to improve mental health care.

2024 Nominating Committee

Cornelius Metili, BSN, RN, PMH-BC

Present Position
I currently serve as a Psych Resource Nurse in the Psychiatric Consult Service Department at Children’s Health Medical Center in Dallas, Texas.
Additionally, I am proud to be a nurse on the Behavioral Emergency Response Team (BERT) at John Peter Smith (JPS) Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas.

Education
Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing – Salem State University, Salem Mass. *Commencement address speaker at graduation

APNA Contributions

• APNA Texas Chapter
  • 2022-2024: Chapter President
  • 2020-2022: Member-at-Large
  • 2018-2023: Numerous podium/poster presentations

Other Experience
With extensive experience in various roles as a psychiatric nurse (RN), I have gained a unique understanding of the delivery of psychiatric nursing in today’s healthcare landscape (Inpatient/Outpatient psych, ECT, and Psych ED). My contributions and dedication to the profession have been recognized through honors and awards, including the D Magazine’s Leadership Award, the Daisy Award, and by being named one of DFW’s Great 100 Nurses. These accolades reflect my dedication to the nursing profession and showcase my ability to contribute meaningfully at the front lines of nursing. Over the past few years, I have focused my efforts on improving mental health care for culturally diverse populations. My most significant contribution has been the successful implementation of Behavioral Emergency Response Teams (BERTs) in several medical hospitals. These teams are committed to delivering patient-centered and recovery-oriented care during mental health crises, thereby reducing stigma, and enhancing access to quality care for individuals of all backgrounds. Drawing from my diverse experiences, I bring an innovative and outside-the-box approach to problem-solving and collaboration. I am enthusiastic about leveraging this perspective to collaborate with others and find creative solutions that will continue to drive the psychiatric nursing profession forward.

APNA members should vote for me to serve on the Nominating Committee because I bring a combination of experience, dedication, and fresh perspectives to the table. I understand the unique challenges and opportunities faced by our profession. My commitment and experience demonstrate my ability to think outside the box and find creative solutions. By voting for me, members can trust that I will bring valuable insights, advocate for diverse perspectives, and contribute to the continued success of APNA, its members, and the mission to drive positive change in the field.

I can help fulfill APNA’s purpose as a scientific and education organization by: In today’s society and digital age, where mental health is increasingly recognized as essential, I see opportunities to engage nursing students, nurse residents, and newer nurses in shaping the future of psychiatric nursing. Leveraging social media platforms through informative and inspiring content, we can effectively connect with the next generation of nurses who are passionate about mental health. As a member of the Nominating Committee, I will collaborate with other committee members to help shape APNA’s strategic direction, ensuring that the organization remains at the forefront of scientific and educational advancements in psychiatric nursing.

2024 Nominating Committee

Nita A. Magee, PhD, NEA-BC, PMHNP-BC, RN

Present Position
Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Nursing Faculty

Education
PhD, Nursing Leadership, 2013
Post-Master NP Certification Program, 2002
Master of Science in Nursing, 1999
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, 1994
Biology Pre-Med, 1992

APNA Contributions

• Conference Presenter
• Expert Content Reviewer
• APNA JAPNA Reviewer
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee – Advisory Panel
• Personality Disorder Cluster B Task Force – Advisory Panel
• Seclusion & Restraint Task Force – Advisory Panel

Other Experience

• American Association of Critical-Care Nurses – Diversity Leadership Institute, 2022 Cohort
• PMHNP Nurse Manager, 2013 – 2022
• NAMI – Co-Chair (2022) – Central Mississippi Chapter, 2022 to Present
•  American College of Healthcare Executives – Mississippi Chapter Secretary for Inaugural DEI Committee, 2021 to Present
• Jackson VA Medical Center – IRB Chair – 2016 to Present

APNA members should vote for me to serve on the Nominating Committee because my years of mental health experience, both as a direct care provider and leader, have helped increase my awareness of key characteristics found beneficial to promote advocacy for the internal and external customers we encounter. The multiple years have also allowed me the opportunity to develop relationships with numerous leaders, which have been helpful in recognizing or recommending others for open positions. I hope to continue tapping into my large and wonderful bank of colleagues I consider to be great leaders. It would be a great honor to serve in the capacity of a Nominating Committee member where I would have the opportunity to assist with selecting candidates who provide a unique set of values to APNA. I am ready to commit to this role and relish the challenges it will bring. I look forward to such an opportunity to demonstrate my strong passion, dedication, and accountability in the selection of strong leaders who share my passion about the standards of our profession and the power of advocacy we have as a group.

I can help fulfill APNA’s purpose as a scientific and education organization by promoting mental health advocacy for psychiatric-mental health nurses through working with policy leaders at different levels. The roles of a psychiatric nurse and nursing faculty will allow me the opportunity to continue serving as a mentor and supporter for students and fellow professionals.

I will continue to share with the students and staff how to sharpen skillfulness and accountability when working with the mental health population as well as stakeholder engagement. I feel passionate about raising awareness and encouraging communication not just when a crisis presents in our health care industry. This passion can be beneficial in engagement with the professional community as I work with the APNA members to promote the daily improvement of mental health care for culturally diverse individuals, families, groups, and communities.

I will continue to influence organizational cultural competency as well as promote policies regarding health disparities we may encounter in our individual workplace community. I can continue to work with diversity and inclusion committees – from giving lectures on health care needs to discussing how to improve health care delivery for various groups.

2024 Nominating Committee

Nicole Rozek Brodrick, DNP, PMHNP-BC

Present Position
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Student Health Center, Colorado School of Mines
Golden, Colorado

Education

• 2015 Post-Graduate Certificate Program: Certification: Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Across the Lifespan, University of Colorado- Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
• 2010 Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): University of Minnesota-Twin Cities-Minneapolis, Minnesota
  • Content Area: Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialists’ Utilization of a Tobacco Assessment in an Electronic Medical Record
• 2002 Master of Science (MS). Nursing; Geriatrics (minor): University of Minnesota-Twin Cities-Minneapolis, Minnesota
  • Content Area: Secondary Data Analysis Related to Parent Satisfaction in Parent Support Groups
  • Certifications: Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist; Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• 1996 Bachelor of Science (BS). Nursing University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire, Wisconsin

APNA Contributions

• 2023, 2022: Research Grant Review Committee
• 2022: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee – Advisory Panel
• 2013: Virtual Nursing Academy of APNA Champions for Smoking Cessation
• Annual Conference Presenter
  • 2022 Oral Presentation: Being civil in an uncivil environment: Stopping nurses from eating their young.
  • 2020 Poster Presentation: Evaluating the Outcome of a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training Intervention on College Student Mental Health Attitudes and Behaviors, E. Depalma, PMHNP; N. Brodrick DNP PMHNP (role: advisor).
  • 2017 Poster Presentation: Use of education and coping agreement questionnaire to reduce physical holds in aggressive adolescent inpatients, J. Frausto, PMHNP. Role: Advisor.
  • 2016 Poster Presentation: “Integrating Psychiatric Simulation into Undergraduate Nursing Curriculum”
• 2016 – APNA Innovation Chapter Award – Chapter President for this award period.
• APNA Colorado Chapter
  • President – 2016 – 2017; Treasurer (2013-2015)
  • 2017 Oral Presentation: Integrated Care, APNA Colorado Chapter Conference
• 2010 APNA Janssen Scholar

Other Experience

• 2016-present: Trainer for Mental Health First Aid

APNA members should vote for me to serve on the Nominating Committee because I align myself with APNA’s mission and vision, which is one of the primary reasons I have been an APNA member since 1999. I feel it is important for psychiatric nurses across all spectrums to be at the table to discuss critical issues that affect mental health professionally as well as the patients we serve. As part of the Nominating Committee, I will continue to advocate for psychiatric nurses to share their voice and to be heard loud enough to make an impact.

I can help fulfill APNA’s purpose as a scientific and education organization by being active in clinical practice to continue to disseminate current evidenced based practice including recent research so other members are informed on a variety of arenas specific to mental health nursing. In addition, I can help direct members where to find that information within the APNA platform.