About Nurse Practitioners

Scope of Practice
or
"Just What is a Nurse Practitioner?"

• As Nurse Practitioners, we are RNs with Master's Degrees in our specialty. We have specialized education in prescribing and managing medications.


• We also are trained in a variety of mental health therapy techniques. I am certified in EMDR, a technique helpful in resolving trauma associated with grief and loss.


• We are licensed by, and accountable to, a State Board of Nursing (in my case, Oregon). We provide comprehensive care to people suffering from mental health problems.



• We are licensed to prescribe medications (in some cases, dispense those medications) relating to mental health care.
  
  This autonomy, and advanced practice nursing in general, is a wonderful opportunity to positively impact the delivery of health care.



• The state licenses us in independent practice.

  Advanced practice nursing is different from the practice of medicine. While We are practice independently from physicians and psychologists, we enjoy a collegial relationship and participate in a team approach to health care.




• We evaluate, diagnose, plan and implement care, and assess results of treatment in cooperation with our clients.

About Our Mission

• We are dedicated to improving quality of life for all people, especially those who have been diagnosed, or struggle undiagnosed, with mental health conditions.

  Our expert help can provide significant relief in anxiety, panic disorders, and other severe mental illnesses. We also do counseling and encourage personal growth.




• We are passionate about education for our clients and the public regarding the nature of mental health problems.



• We advocate for quality of life, comfort and respect for the mentally ill. The expert help of Nurse Practitioners can significantly improve quality of life for many.

  The waiting lists for appointment with psychiatrists continues to grow .




• We use the autonomy of advanced practice nursing to promote variety in quality mental healthare.



• We support parity or equality (with so-called "medical treatment" ).

  This is the practice of equal treatment by insurance companies whether the problem is medical or psychiatric. In many areas, psychiatric treatment is now limited in number of allowed visits.

About My Education and Experience

• RN Regina General Hospital, Regina, Saskatchewan (1966)



• RN previously licensed in Alberta and Saskatchewan, Canada, in California and currently in Oregon.



• Staff RN and Assistant Nurse Manager in emergency room.



• Similar positions in medical and surgical departments, and psychiatric units, both public and private.



• Nurse Manager, Ambulatory Surgery for seven years.



• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (1994) and a Master's in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing (1996) from Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, Oregon.



• Advanced education as a nurse practitioner permits me to deliver excellent quality care including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I am certified in this therapy at Level One and Level Two.



• Continuing professional education in mental health, medication management, grief and loss.


• Medication management and mental health evaluation consultation to public mental health and college health services.



• Past courtesy member of the local hospital Medical Staff.


• Private practice as Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner since January of 1996.