An Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) in mental health is a registered nurse who has undergone further training in psychiatric-mental health nursing, typically obtaining a master's or doctoral degree. These professionals work in diverse environments like hospitals, clinics, schools, and private practices, providing essential services such as assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of mental health disorders. They offer patient-specific care while coordinating with other healthcare experts like psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers for comprehensive patient support (Cooper, 2017).
ANPs perform a range of functions. They evaluate patients' mental health statuses, utilizing interviews, assessments, and medical history reviews
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Their work in various settings, including rural areas, can improve access to mental health services for individuals who face challenges accessing traditional services. Furthermore, their services are often more cost-effective compared to psychiatrists, as ANPs have lower overheads and can manage more patients daily. Studies have indicated that ANPs provide better patient outcomes due to their ability to deliver comprehensive, tailored care (Cooper, …show more content…
Equipped with broad training in both nursing and medicine, NPs offer a wide array of services from diagnosing and treating illnesses, prescribing medications, to preventative care (Harris, 2014).
Numerous studies have supported the IOM's recommendations. A 2013 National Bureau of Economic Research study showed decreased preventable hospitalizations in states with a high NP presence. A 2014 Rand Corporation research also indicated NPs could manage patients with chronic conditions as effectively as physicians (Harris, 2014).
As the U.S. population ages and chronic disease rates rise, the demand for NPs will increase. Their qualifications, cost-effectiveness, and capacity for superior care position them to meet this escalating need for health services (Cooper, 2017).
The IOM's specific suggestions for NPs include enabling them to practice in accordance with their education and training, which includes prescribing medications, interpreting tests, and patient admission and discharge. It also recommends eliminating state restrictions on NP practice, advocating for their increased involvement in leadership and decision-making roles, and their active participation in health policy formation (Harris,