Studies show all healthcare providers, wherever they are practice, regularly see people with mental health problems who need professional help and care. There is a real and growing need for nurses to identify more frequently seen mental health issues, such as depression, and know when to bring someone in with more expertise. This first part of a two-part online series builds a strong case for nursing students, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels, to learn how to identify, assess, treat and refer patients who are mentally ill. Given the “right tools” of a solid theoretical knowledge base, clinical exposure and experience, and specialty integration, they can successfully and confidently care for these patients. Part two focuses on programs nationwide that support mental health RNs and nurse practitioners. Despite bedside challenges, severe shortages of mental health providers in rural areas and preconceived notions about mental illness, nurses engaged in mental health practice understand that treating mental health conditions is no different than treating other health problems. And it’s usually through education and training that nurses also realize mental health issues are widespread and that those who suffer from them deserve the same compassion and respect as any other patient.
