APNA Members' Corner May 2019

President's Message: Celebrating Human Connections
As psychiatric-mental health nurses, May is our month. Between Mental Health Month and Nurses Week, is there any population better suited than us to May's festivities? Our practice incorporates the crucial mental health care that so many individuals need while also providing the unique perspective of nurses, the nation's most trusted profession. (Read More)

Nurses in Action: Jeannine Loucks Improves Behavioral Health Care in Emergency Department
By standardizing routine procedures, a team including emergency department and psychiatric-mental health nurses in California was able to improve quality of patient care for persons with psychiatric-mental health needs, among other benefits. They shaved 38 minutes from the average time it takes to evaluate behavioral health patients and order medication, earning praise from a national emergency nurses’ organization. (Read More)

Member News
Tierria McGlothin joins Lakeland Mental Health Center; Huilbrie Pieters participates in study on therapeutic effects of gardening for psychiatric patients; Krista Scorsone receives Carol A. Lindeman New Researcher Award for 2019; Brenda Stallbaum welcomed to HFM Behavioral Health; Anne Thatcher profiled by the University of Missouri - St. Louis; Kathy Tierney speaks to Richmond Magazine about her passion for nursing. Learn More
 

The Pivotal Role of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses
As the need for mental health professionals in the US grows, psychiatric-mental health nurses are ready to fill the gaps in the system. In a new APNA report, the opportunity for psychiatric-mental health nurses to use their training, skills, and compassion to increase access to care is detailed. Read the report and see how you can spread the word here. 

APNA Annual Conference Program Sneak Peek
It's almost time to register for the APNA 33rd Annual Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana on October 2-5! Get jazzed about the premiere event for psychiatric nursing with a sneak peek of the conference program.  Start browsing sessions now.
 

APNA Elections
Make your voice heard by voting in this year's APNA elections! By casting your vote for the APNA Board of Directors and 2020 Nominating Committee, you can help shape the future of your profession. Click here to access the online election guide. The deadline to vote is July 1. Vote now!

Featured Resource: Mental Health Month
As Mental Health Month draws to a close, check out a variety of resources to support you and your practice. From tip sheets for new nurses to a free CE webinar, we are celebrating your role as the whole health connection this month.  (View)

Resource Roundup

• APNA Advocacy: Letter to House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and related agencies requesting support for healthcare and research
• Medication Updates: FDA releases updated Drug Safety Communication about opioids

New Members: 979 New Members since March!