Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Resources

A collection of resources curated for psychiatric-mental health nurses: From toolkits to graduate school listings, the APNA Resource Center is your first access point for information on topics across the spectrum of psychiatric-mental health nursing.

Scroll down to browse through the resources, filter the resource library down to a specific topic by selecting one of the topics, or simply use the search bar to search by keyword.

APNA Resource Library

APNA Position Papers

White papers that advance PMH nursing by discussing topics of vital interest to the profession and advocating for solutions or potential paths to address concerns.

APNA Issue Statements & Reports

APNA publications addressing issues of important to PMH nurses, including nurse well-being, workforce, DEI, workplace violence, and more.

APNA Essentials of Caring for Persons Who Are Diagnosed with Personality Disorders

Recovery-based resource to assist nurses in caring for those who meet the criteria for a personality disorder diagnosis, as well as help nurses avoid judgment and decrease stigma. Created

Sexual & Gender Minority

APNA Care of Sexual & Gender Minority Individuals Info & Resources

An overview of disparities, care considerations, and available resources to support care of this population.

APNA Guidance Regarding Precepting and Mentorship

The American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) receives periodic inquiries seeking advice on the procurement of preceptors and mentors, as well as what role APNA plays in the process. Below is

APNA Graduate Education Faculty Toolkit

Organized by the domains of the AACN Essentials (2021), this toolkit provides in-depth resources, best practices, and key insights to help faculty foster critical thinking and advanced skills in

APNA Ketamine Infusion Therapy Treatment Considerations

Over several decades, research has shown that ketamine has antidepressive properties. Ketamine is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the induction and maintenance of anesthesia,

APNA Key Components of Safety

A collection of resources selected by the APNA Council for Safe Environments to help psychiatric-mental health nurses define safe environments, identify their key components, and implement strategies within their

APNA Mental Health Advocacy Toolkit

Adapted from Neuroscience Nurses AANN Advocacy Toolkit (2014) As trusted healthcare professionals, your voice is important in influencing and empowering the members of Congress from your state. Without your expertise

APNA Nursing Competencies for Treating Tobacco Use Disorders

TUD competencies that are consistent with the nursing scope of practice.

Criminal Justice System

APNA Persons with SMI In the Criminal Justice System Resources

Provides an overview of the issue, current practices and recommendations, transitioning from incarceration to the community, and recommendations for incarceration alternatives.

APNA Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Essential Competencies for Assessment and Management of Individuals at Risk for Suicide

These 9 APNA competencies outline the role of the PMH nurse specific to suicide prevention, which includes both systems and patient level interventions.

APNA SBIRT Pocket Card for Nurses

From APNA and Opioid Response Network - Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) Pocket Card for nurses. Share with your nursing colleagues!

APNA Seclusion and Restraint Standards of Practice

APNA professional standards of practice related to the use of seclusion and restraint.

APNA Self Care Tips for Nurses

A booklet of tips collected from psychiatric-mental health nurses for practicing self care as a nurse.

Telemental Health

APNA Telemental Health Toolkit

This toolkit offers telemental health pearls and resources around national policy considerations; issues of equity, inclusion, and access; measuring outcomes; logistical concerns; and education strategies.

APNA Undergraduate Education Faculty Toolkit

For nursing faculty looking for ways to engage students via virtual learning, this toolkit offers a wide array of resources, worksheets, and activities that will help nurse educators provide students

APNA Workforce Reports

APNA reports on the psychiatric-mental health nursing workforce, based on its national survey data.

Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (JAPNA)

A bi-monthly peer-reviewed journal that publishes scholarship that contributes both to knowledge development and continuum of care, from mental health promotion and mental illness prevention, to psychiatric treatment

PMH Nurse-Vetted Resources from a Variety of Sources

MIND-TD Questionnaire

from Neurocrine Biosciences

AAP Blueprint for Youth Suicide Prevention

American Academy of Pediatrics and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention resource to support health professionals in identifying strategies and key partnerships to support youth at risk for suicide. Endorsed by

Telemental Health

APNA Telemental Health Toolkit

This toolkit offers telemental health pearls and resources around national policy considerations; issues of equity, inclusion, and access; measuring outcomes; logistical concerns; and education strategies.

Practice-Based Guidelines: Buprenorphine in the Age of Fentanyl

May 2023 guidance from Providers Clinical Support System (pdf download)

Guidelines for Successful Transition of People with Mental or Substance Use Disorders from Jail and Prison: Implementation Guide

Provides examples of the implementation of successful strategies for transitioning people with mental or substance use disorders from institutional correctional settings into the community.

Criminal Justice System

Impact of a Prison Therapeutic Diversion Unit on Mental and Behavioral Health Outcomes

2021 study published by the American Journal of preventative medicine that discusses and examines the effects of restrictive housing and Therapeutic Diversion Units on infractions, mental health, and self-harm

Criminal Justice System

Prisons: The New Asylums

A 2020 article by the Harvard review that includes an overview of mental illness in the prison system as well as current alternative interventions.

Mental Health Standards for Virginia’s Regional and Local Jails

Minimum standards for behavioral healthcare in local and regional jails generated by a collaborative workgroup in August 2018.

Criminal Justice System

Mental health Care and Treatment in Prisons: A New Paradigm to Support Best Practice

February 2017 research article that provides and overview of research backed key areas that could be utilized in order to further develop comprehensive care for mentally ill individuals in prison.

Criminal Justice System

Practice Profile: Rehabilitation Programs for Adult Offenders

National Institute of Justice summary of practices aimed at improving the behaviors, skills, mental health, social functioning, and educational and employment opportunities for adult offender.

Criminal Justice System

Interventions for Adults With Serious Mental Illness Who Are Involved With the Criminal Justice System

September 2012 study that provides an overview of treatment of those with serious mental illness as well as a comparison chart of typical treatment in prisons, jails, forensic hospitals, incarceration-

Criminal Justice System

Identifying Needs Related to Managing Seriously Mentally Ill Individuals in Corrections

A 2020 National Institute of Justice workshop conducted by experts from various field that focused on identifying needs related to managing individuals with serious mental illness within the justice system.