Bridging gaps between mind, body, & spirit. Healing the whole person

Fifty percent of visits of primary care providers are for psychiatric problems making it desirable to screen for mental, addictive, or behavioral disorders at the level of primary care. Psychiatric/mental health nurses prepared at the master's level to practice in the blended clinical specialist/nurse practitioner role are well placed to treat or collaborate in the treatment of people who present with symptoms of physical or psychological problems. The role of the clinical specialist/nurse practitioner is evolving in response to changes in health demographics, epidemiology, scientific and technological advances, and changes in managed care. Advanced practice nursing education must continue to anticipate and meet on-going changes and challenges.