Will We Be Ready? Preparing Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses for Future Practice

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing
• Healthcare Workforce Development

Background:

• The psychiatric-mental health (PMH) nursing workforce faces challenges in meeting future practice demands.
• Current educational models require adaptation to prepare PMH nurses effectively.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review challenges and issues in PMH nursing education.
• To analyze the current educational milieu and identify urgent priorities.
• To provide recommendations for PMH nursing education and clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of a 40-plus-year career in PMH nursing education, clinical practice, and research.
• Comprehensive review of existing literature on PMH nursing education.
• Examination of undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate, and continuing education for PMH nurses.

Main Results:

• PMH nursing education must integrate nontraditional and traditional clinical settings.
• Simulation and telehealth/digital/mobile platforms are essential for content delivery.
• Developing diverse, qualified faculty and preceptors is critical.
• Methods to define, teach, and evaluate PMH nursing competencies are needed.

Conclusions:

• PMH nursing education requires evolution and transformation.
• Attracting and preparing students for practice is paramount.
• Addressing the need for qualified practitioners, faculty, and preceptors is essential.