Enhancing Transition to Nursing Practice: The Mental Health Immersion Experience
Anita L Peters1, Lisa A Weber, Nancy Cichra
1About the Authors The authors are employed by the Department of Nursing Education, Veterans Administration Northeast Ohio Healthcare Systems, Cleveland, Ohio. Anita L. Peters, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, is nurse educator for mental health nursing. Lisa A. Weber, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, is nurse educator for the community living center. Nancy Cichra, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, is chief nurse, education, simulation, and safe patient handling. Laura Goliat, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, ANEF, FAAN, is program director for the Post-Baccalaureate Registered Nurse Residency Program. The content of this article is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the Department of Veterans Affairs or Office of Academic Affiliations. We would like to thank our stakeholders for their participation in and support of this project. For more information, contact Dr. Goliat at laura.goliat@va.gov .
Abstract:
The number of people facing mental health issues continues to grow in the aftermath of COVID-19. Nurses are challenged with providing care for an increasing number of patients, including veterans, with complex mental health needs across healthcare settings. Of concern, many students transitioning into practice feel they lack the necessary confidence, education, and skills to competently care for patients with mental health illness. This article discusses an innovative mental health immersion experience strategically integrated within a new-nurse residency program.
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