8 Professional Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Organizations & Associations
Written By:
Kasee Wiesen
Kasee Wiesen DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Kasee Wiesen is a practicing family nurse practitioner. Her nursing background includes emergency medicine, pediatrics and peri-op. She started her health career as a nurse’s aid while pursuing her bachelor’s in nursing degree in a hospital setting. Education is a passion of Kasee’s, and after working as a BSN prepared nursed, she obtained in master’s in nursing education and began teaching adjunct for a local university. Read Full Bio »» DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners are in demand in many nationwide communities. According to Mental Health America, 19% (or 47.1 million) of people live with a mental health disorder. This is a significant proportion of the population, indicating a strong need for competent practitioners who deliver high-quality, evidence-based care.
One way to help ensure this care is available is through the support and education of nurse practitioners, specifically psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners. One tool that can help do this are organizations and associations directed toward psychiatric nurse practitioners. So, what are the top psychiatric nurse practitioner organizations and associations? Below you will find a list of the top professional psychiatric nurse practitioner organizations and associations.
What are the 3 Major Benefits of Joining Professional Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Organizations/Associations?
There are many benefits of joining a professional psychiatric nurse practitioner organization or association. Below you will find a list of three significant benefits of joining a PMHNP organization, but these will only begin to scratch the surface of what these top PMHNP organizations offer.
1. Continuing Education:
Access to continuing education units (CEUs) is a great benefit of joining a professional psychiatric nurse practitioner organization or association. CEUs are needed to maintain their RN and APRN licenses—and having access to CEUs in your specialty of interest is very important. Many of these organizations and associations will give you access to CEUs for free or, at a minimum, at a discounted price. These CEUS can include webinars, online education, and conferences.
2. Networking:
Most of the top PMHNP organizations provide networking opportunities with other APRNS and healthcare providers working in a psychiatric mental health setting. This benefits career growth and professional development as it may open doors to new jobs and learning opportunities.
3. Access to Evidence-based research:
Access to evidence-based research is another significant benefit of joining one of the top psychiatric nurse practitioner organizations. This is often in the form of research articles—and by having the organizations or associations provide access to this, the quality of care for patients will improve.
What are the Top Professional Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Organizations & Associations in the Nation?
There are many professional psychiatric nurse practitioner organizations and associations throughout the nation. Below, you will find information on 8 of the top psychiatric nurse practitioner organizations.
About:
The American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) is one of the top PMHNP organizations. To begin is for all psychiatric mental health nurses—and it is one of its kind in its inclusiveness of all psychiatric mental health nurses. The organization strives to provide evidence-based research to its members to ensure they provide high-quality nursing care to their patients.
How to Become a Member:
There are different types of membership options for those who want to be a member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association.
• Regular
• Affiliate (non-RN)
• International
• Military
• Retired
• Student
Benefits Of Joining:
There are many benefits of joining the APNA, including opportunities for CEUs and professional growth and development. You will also get to network with other health care professionals who share a similar passion and access to information, including research, APNA news, and the Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association. Becoming a member of APNA will also get you access to their conference at a discounted cost, free downloads of articles from their Journal, and many other benefits.
About:
The Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses is a professional organization for advanced practice psychiatric nurses in Washington. It is comprised of 300 members who desire to enhance their practice, advocate for their specialty and build connections with other advanced practice psychiatric nurses.
How to Become a Member:
There are four different ways to become a member of the Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses.
• Clinical Member
• Out-of-State Membership
• Emeritus Member
• Student Membership
Benefits Of Joining:
There are many benefits of joining the AAPPN such as a sense of community which includes admittance to Facebook groups, eGroups, chapter and specialty group meetings and access to the membership directory. You can expand and build upon clinical skills through CEUs, monthly newsletters and the ability to look at job openings. The AAPPN also advocates for APRNs in Washington.
About:
The International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses (ISBN) was founded in 1999 with a mission to support advanced-practice psychiatric-mental health nurses through education, scholarship, and community. The ISBN also aims to promote advanced practice psychiatric-mental health nurses to deliver care and education to patients across their lifespans and to strengthen their voices regarding standards of care, curriculum, and policy.
How to Become a Member:
There are three ways to become a
member of the ISBN.
• Full Membership
• Student Membership
• Retired Membership
Benefits Of Joining:
There are many benefits of joining the ISBN, including free access to webinars and CEU opportunities. You are also invited to the annual conference, business meeting, and member e-list. You will also get the newsletter, access to resources, a members-only area, and many other benefits.
About:
The Massachusetts Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses (MAAPPN) is a professional organization with a primary goal to advance and support the role of the psychiatric nurse practitioner through legislative advocacy and peer support.
How to Become a Member:
There are three different ways to become a member of the MAAPPN.
• Regular
• Student
• Retired
Benefits Of Joining:
Benefit of joining the MAAPPN is to belong to a community of other advanced practice psychiatric nurses. The MAAPPN provides networking and educational opportunities through conferences and meetings, educational opportunities, and information to stay current and involved in legislative changes throughout Massachusetts.
About:
The Society of Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses is an organization that was founded to support advanced practice psychiatric nurses—including nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists. This organization continues to advocate for advanced practice psychiatric nurses through advocacy and policy reform. The Society continues to support advanced practice nurses in practicing to their fullest scope of education while upholding high standards and providing excellent care to their patients, family, and community.
How to Become a Member:
There are three ways to become a member of the Society of Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses
• Clinical Member
• Student/Associate member
• Lifetime Membership
Benefits Of Joining:
Regardless of your membership status, becoming a member will provide you access to CEU credits, networking and mentoring opportunities, and participation in different APRN networks. You will also have access to meetings, conferences, and forums, along with updates on legislative and current practice issues. You will also have full voting rights and a web presence if you are a clinical member.
About:
The Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses (PAPN) of Texas was developed to support psychiatric mental health APRNs in Texas. They do this through peer and professional support with an ultimate goal to promote the delivery of excellent care and advance the role of the psychiatric mental health APRN as clinical providers, educators, and community leaders.
How to Become a Member:
To become a member of PAPN Texas, you must reside in Texas, be a psychiatric mental health NP or clinical nurse specialist, or be a student in either of these two programs.
Benefits Of Joining:
There are many benefits of joining PAPN Texas, including opportunities to develop leadership skills, professional growth, and a sense of community. You will also be able to advocate for your profession, be knowledgeable about policy issues, and remain updated on practice trends and policy changes. Lastly, the psychiatric mental health APRN has endless networking opportunities and resources.
About:
The Society of Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses of New Jersey is an organization for nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists specializing in psychiatric nursing. A primary goal of the Society is to advocate for psychiatric mental health nurses in practice to their full scope of practice. The Society was founded to support psychiatric APRNs and aid them in providing high-quality care to their patients, families, and communities.
How to Become a Member:
There are three different ways to become a member of the Society of Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses of New Jersey
• Clinical Member
• Associate Member
• Retired Member
Benefits Of Joining:
There are many benefits to becoming a member of the Society of Psychiatric Advanced Practices Nurses of New Jersey. To start, you will gain access to education programs with the opportunity for CEUs. You will also have networking opportunities, access to meetings and conferences, updates on legislative and current practice issues, along with many other benefits.
About:
The Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses of Houston is a branch of the Psychiatric Nurses of Texas. The Organization provides education, networking opportunities, and a commitment to delivering high-quality, safe mental health care.
How to Become a Member:
To become a member of the Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses of Houston, you must be an advanced practice registered nurse specializing or having a strong interest in psychiatric and mental healthcare. You can also be a student to receive a discounted price. You are also strongly encouraged to practice in Houston, Texas.
Benefits Of Joining:
Benefits of joining the Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses of Houston include access to numerous networking opportunities and support from those who work in a similar field. You are also invited to bi-monthly business meetings, the newsletter, and the annual conference. Lastly, you will be able to be more involved by joining a committee and further shaping the Organization.
My Final Thoughts
After reading the above, can you now answer the question: What are the top psychiatric nurse practitioner organizations and associations? I hope the above list of top professional psychiatric nurse practitioner organizations and associations was helpful in you directing you towards resources that will benefit your daily practice.
Kasee Wiesen DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Kasee Wiesen is a practicing family nurse practitioner. Her nursing background includes emergency medicine, pediatrics and peri-op. Education is a passion of Kasee’s, and she has taught BSN, RN-BSN and DNP students, and has enjoyed every moment of it!