When psychiatric-mental health RNs and advanced practice nurses (PMHRN, PMHNP, and PMHCNS) talk about the value of APNA membership, their stories share a common theme:
connection, growth, and support that shapes their work.
“Membership isn’t just about resources; it’s about not being alone.”
Elizabeth Archer-Nanda still remembers her graduate professor’s advice: “Join your professional organization.”
For her, that advice has been transformative!
“Being a member of APNA has given me a foundation of support. When I need the most up-to-date, evidence-based information, I know exactly where to go. And with a network of over 15,000 members, there’s always someone who has faced the same challenges I’m dealing with.”
Instead of reinventing the wheel, Elizabeth goes to her APNA peers.
“APNA helps me leverage the expertise of others so I can focus on creating new solutions. Membership isn’t just about resources; it’s about not being alone. It’s about having a community to lean on so you can keep moving forward.”
“That’s what APNA is: meeting people I never would have met otherwise and together making each other and our health systems better.”
Cornelius was curious about how psychiatric-mental health nurses could play a role in behavioral emergencies on hospital floors. But, he wasn’t sure where to begin.
“I’d always worked on inpatient psych units and emergency rooms, but I believed there was real value in having psych nurses in these spaces. I just didn’t know where to start.”
That changed when he attended the APNA Annual Conference.
“I sat down next to a member, and when I told him what I was working on, he said, ‘I know someone who’s doing that.’ He connected me to a nurse in California, and suddenly I wasn’t alone. I had someone to learn from.”
And, his network only grew from there.
“Now I’ve helped implement behavioral emergency response roles in four hospitals. Nurses from Arizona to Alabama reach out to share ideas and ask for advice. That’s what APNA is: meeting people I never would have met otherwise and together making each other and our health systems better.”
“The education, mentorship, and connections you’ll gain are invaluable at every stage of your career.”
Kerry Peterson’s APNA journey began in graduate school.
“I started out as an APNA Board of Directors Student Scholar, and from there I got involved with committees, councils, and leadership at the state and national levels. I truly feel that I owe much of my career growth to APNA.”
She’s now received national recognition for her innovative work in nursing education.
“Receiving an APNA award was incredibly meaningful. My career is where it is today because of the support, guidance, and opportunities I’ve had through this organization.”
Today, Kerry encourages all psychiatric-mental health nurses to join APNA at the start of their career.
“I always tell my students: Join APNA. The education, mentorship, and connections you’ll gain are invaluable at every stage of your career.”
From Cornelius’ story of career-changing connections, to Elizabeth’s foundation of support and expertise, to Kerry’s journey from student to leader, the benefits to you are clear! APNA Membership:
Most importantly, APNA ensures you are not alone in your psychiatric-mental health nursing journey.
Join APNA today to access education, community, and opportunities that will support you throughout your psychiatric-mental health nursing career…and start your story!
Connect with fellow psychiatric-mental health nurses, be the first to know about evidence-based resources and programs, and participate in exclusive opportunities to advance the care and treatment of those with mental health & substance use needs.
