Building Resilience as PMH Nurses: Community is the Key

How can we build a resilient community?

“The word community has a strange power to it; it provides a sense of stability that is related to togetherness and a sense of positive regard through shared stories and experiences. A thriving community is a resilient community. And when people are part of a resilient community, they thrive.”

— Allyson Matney Neal, APNA President, from her JAPNA President’s Column “The Power of Community: Resilience.”

For Nurses and Mental Health Awareness Month this May, APNA is sharing FREE CE for members with the session “Supporting Nurses to be Resilient and Navigate Secondary Traumatic Stress in an Inpatient Psychiatric Setting.” It highlights the everyday ways to build resilience by increasing confidence, safety, and community among nurses on inpatient units.

In this video, presenter Stacy Horowitz introduces the session and gives insight into what you’ll take away:

Prepare to:

• Explore interventions designed to help PMH nurses anticipate and navigate secondary traumatic stress, including peer support, clinical supervision, and practical stress-reduction resources.
• Hear about the types of support PMH nurses find most meaningful, from debriefing opportunities to peer mentorship and wellness-focused resources.
• Gain insight into strategies identified for recognizing warning signs of compassion fatigue and supporting one another through stressful experiences.
• Learn how teamwork, mentorship, reflective clinical supervision, and supportive check-ins from colleagues and superiors can strengthen resilience, promote professional development, and foster stronger team dynamics in inpatient psychiatric settings.

As PMH nurses and APNA members, you each can help the profession thrive. Remember: Every contribution is a step toward a resilient community.

Know a member doing an outstanding job? Nominate them for an APNA Award when the time comes. Want to ensure your association gains thoughtful and courageous leaders? Vote in the APNA Elections when polls open. Have an innovation or story that is sure to inspire your community? Share your news with APNA. Looking to create a network of trusted and like-minded colleagues within your association? Attend the APNA Annual Conference and make lasting connections. Have a passion for guiding and want to take the rising PMH nurse generation under your wing? Sign up to be an APNA Mentor in the Mentor Match Program. Start a discussion in the Member Forum to encourage your colleagues through conversation and connection. Or even join a committee or council to play a key role in APNA’s direction and policies. 

Sometimes all it takes to uplift one another is a small moment of recognition and connection. Checking in after a difficult shift, acknowledging a colleague’s calm presence during a challenging moment, or simply reminding someone they are doing meaningful work can have a lasting impact.

“My career is where it is today because of the support, guidance, and opportunities I’ve had through this organization.”

— Kerry Peterson, APNA Member

Feeling inspired but unsure where to start? Register for the session and complete the evaluation. You’ll earn FREE CE, and leave feeling inspired to contribute to your community of resilient colleagues.