What Is Mental Health Nursing?

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Mental health nursing is a critical occupation in an enormously important field. Mental health affects every aspect of our lives鈥攈ow we think, feel, and behave in everyday situations. The National Institute of Mental Health that 1 in 5 adults in the United States lives with a mental illness. Taking care of our mental health is essential to being productive, building good relationships, handling stress well, and enjoying life.

The nurses who help care for patients with mental health issues are called psychiatric-mental health nurses. Let鈥檚 explore how they help individuals deal with mental health conditions so they can lead more fulfilling lives.

What Is the Role of Nurses in Mental Health?

In nursing, patients are the focus. Nurses care for individuals, families, and communities by offering medical assistance, emotional support, health education, and medical aid. It鈥檚 no different in mental health nursing. Mental health nurses focus on the social and behavioral influences on a person that affect their mental health and neurological disorders. Psychiatric-mental health nurses play a crucial role in caring for patients affected by mental health conditions; indeed, broadly defined, they constitute the .

Psychiatric-Mental Health Registered Nurses

help individuals, families, and communities with mental health disorders, emotional problems, and behavioral issues. PMH RNs assess, diagnose, and treat mental health and substance use disorders, as well as promote mental health advocacy and education programs. You can find these nurses in hospitals, outpatient clinics, community organizations, psychiatric facilities, and more. PMH registered nurses play a key role in helping patients and families understand conditions like depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, and substance use disorders.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses

An advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) in mental health, also known as a , is a registered nurse sharing many of the same responsibilities as PMH RNs, but with an advanced education, like a master鈥檚 or doctorate, and extensive training. A PMH-APRN may be either a (PHM-NP) or a (PMH-CNS). These advanced practice nurses work with or independently from other mental health providers to assess and diagnose mental health disorders, as well as develop treatment plans, provide psychotherapy, prescribe medications, conduct crisis intervention, and help patients in rehabilitation efforts.

Help improve patients鈥� mental health with a nursing degree from 杏吧原创.

What Are the Skills of a Psychiatric Nurse?

Mental health nurses require a to care for their patients. They should possess technical abilities like conducting assessments and administering tests. Critical thinking is crucial for mental health nurses because every patient has unique psychological needs that require a personalized approach. A successful mental health nurse must employ active listening, building and deepening trust by thoughtfully and attentively receiving patients鈥� stories, history, and thought processes. Collaboration is also essential because patients should be treated as active participants in their recovery process. Clear communication helps ensure patients understand their treatment plans, and empathy and compassion allow nurses to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel supported.

How Can You Get Started in Mental Health Nursing?

The first step in becoming a mental health nurse is earning either an associate or bachelor鈥檚 degree in nursing. Passing the NCLEX-RN exam is the next step so you become a licensed registered nurse, which allows you to work in various health care facilities, including mental health settings. Gaining experience in psychiatric hospitals, mental health clinics, and other places is essential to developing your skills and gaining employment as a PMH RN.

You should consider obtaining optional certifications such as the through the . Pursuing certifications through Excelsior鈥檚 partnership with can also prepare you for a career in mental health nursing, building your skills in programs like Mental Health Support Professional while potentially earning you credit toward your Excelsior degree. You might also consider earning an advanced degree to become a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist.

With the proper education, licensure, and clinical experience, you can start a mental health nursing career, helping patients who need sensitive, compassionate care. Psychiatric-mental health nurses can make a lasting difference in others鈥� lives and society at large.

杏吧原创 and Hudson Valley Community College Announce Expanded Partnership

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

杏吧原创 President David Schejbal (left) and Hudson Valley Community College Officer in Charge Louis Coplin (right) celebrate the institutions’ expanded partnership agreement.

TROY, N.Y.聽 鈥� 杏吧原创 and today announced an expanded partnership agreement that creates new educational pathways for Hudson Valley graduates to earn an 杏吧原创 degree.

The Capital Region-based higher education institutions have partnered since 1989 to offer seamless learning solutions for students pursuing both in-person and online degree studies. The updated and enhanced partnership agreement extends new concurrent enrollment opportunities to Hudson Valley associate degree graduates, allowing the ability to complete additional courses with Hudson Valley while enrolled in an Excelsior online bachelor鈥檚 degree program.

鈥淭his new agreement provides even more opportunities for our graduates to earn bachelor鈥檚 degrees in a format that works for them, regardless of their personal commitments and busy schedules,鈥� said Hudson Valley Community College Officer in Charge Louis Coplin. 鈥淭his expanded partnership is an excellent opportunity for graduates to continue their studies in an array of in-demand fields through the highly respected online programs of 杏吧原创.鈥�

The partnership gives Hudson Valley graduates new options for fully online undergraduate programs at Excelsior. The new concurrent enrollment program allows students to take classes at both institutions simultaneously, utilizing the extensive resources and program portfolios of both schools while saving time and money.

鈥淲hile 杏吧原创 serves a global population through its online programs, the Capital Region is our home. We are proud to partner with our neighbors at Hudson Valley Community College to provide new educational pathways to students,鈥� said David Schejbal, president of 杏吧原创. 鈥淭he evolution of this long-standing partnership is an excellent example of higher education institutions working together to meet the needs of learners.鈥�

杏吧原创鈥檚 online undergraduate programs are designed to meet working adult students where they are, academically and geographically. Excelsior provides online bachelor鈥檚 degrees in six fields of study, including programs in Business, Liberal Arts, Health Sciences, Nursing, Public Service, and Technology that directly align with Hudson Valley associate degree studies. Excelsior鈥檚 rolling admissions calendar, based on continuous eight-week terms instead of traditional semesters, offers additional flexibility for students to register for classes on a schedule that works for them.

Hudson Valley students will have access to two new degree completion pathways at Excelsior under the expanded partnership agreement:

  • The 3+1 Bachelor鈥檚 Completion program allows students who have completed an associate degree through Hudson Valley to complete additional credits with the partner community college concurrently with Excelsior courses.
  • Through the Concurrent Enrollment Nursing program, students who are enrolled in an associate degree in nursing at Hudson Valley can complete credits toward Excelsior鈥檚 N. to B.S. in Nursing program pre-licensure.

For more information on the partnership, visit /partner/hudson-valley/.

Media Contact 杏吧原创:
Jason Bonafide, communications manager
jbonafide@excelsior.edu
518-608-8446

Media Contact Hudson Valley Community College:
Dennis Kennedy, executive director, communications and marketing
d.kennedy1@hvcc.edu
518-629-8071

杏吧原创 杏吧原创
杏吧原创 is an accredited, not-for-profit online institution focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, Excelsior meets students where they are 鈥� academically and geographically 鈥� removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.

杏吧原创 Hudson Valley Community College
Founded in 1953, is the largest community college in upstate New York and offers degree and certificate programs in three schools: Business and Liberal Arts; Health Sciences; and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math; and also administers the Educational Opportunity Center for academic and career training at no cost to those who qualify. One of 30 community colleges in the SUNY system, Hudson Valley enrolls more than 19,000 students in credit and non-credit courses and is a recognized leader in distance learning and workforce development. The college has more than 90,000 alumni.

Medical Breakthroughs in Health Care

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

From Edward Jenner鈥檚 in the 1700s to Wilhelm Conrad R枚ntgen鈥檚 in 1895, medical breakthroughs have dramatically improved the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and helped improve patient health for centuries. Recent innovations in robotics and machine learning are helping to aid in complex surgeries, and augmented reality continues to help in fields like . As the field of medicine rapidly evolves, medical advances will continue to shape the future of health care.

What Are Some Recent Medical Breakthroughs?

In the past few years, science gave us many breakthroughs in medicine. Doctors discovered how to , gave a to a baby born with faulty valves, moved closer to that protects against both COVID-19 and the flu, and built evidence that a could detect Alzheimer鈥檚 disease with almost 90% accuracy, to name just a few. Let鈥檚 explore some of the other medical advances making headlines.

Bionic Limbs

Prosthetic devices have come a long way since their first known use in . Sensory feedback now allows users to 鈥渇eel鈥� textures, pressure, and temperature through their prosthesis. help to create more thought-controlled movements. is a surgical technique that connects prosthetic implants to bone. Furthermore, AI helps to adapt to prosthesis by analyzing muscle signals. is a recent innovation using the surgical technique of rerouting nerves to new muscles. Advancements in this medical specialty have significantly enhanced the comfort, functionality, and integration with the human body.

CAR-T Cell Therapy

helps a patient鈥檚 own T cells recognize and destroy cancer cells. CAR-T cell therapy can be used beyond blood cancers, in solid tumors and autoimmune diseases like lupus and multiple sclerosis. Although there are several risks to using this type of therapy, including , and clinical trials continue every day, , , and other advancements are improving the accessibility and costs while medical researchers work to make treatments safer.

Shape the future of health care with a BS in Health Sciences from Excelsior.

Gene Therapy

One of the most significant breakthroughs in gene therapy is the creation of , the first cell-based gene therapies for . Gene therapies help restore missing or inactive proteins in the body and help slow muscle decline. The gene-editing techniques are enhancing gene modification accuracy. This new therapy is also helping to treat cancer, AIDS, Alzheimer鈥檚, Parkinson鈥檚, and some infectious diseases.

Rapid Analysis of Chemical Reactions

Advancements in the rapid analysis of chemical reactions have helped enhance the speed and efficiency of reaction monitoring, particularly in drug discovery, materials science, and chemical process development. Techniques like and allow for the rapid analysis of large sample sets. allows for fast, real-time monitoring of conditions. These advancements are streamlining drug candidate screening, improving the synthesis of materials, and optimizing chemical processes.

How You Can Get Involved in the Future of Health Care

Getting involved in medical breakthroughs in the health care industry can vary, depending on your interests and education. Earning a degree in health care, like a bachelor鈥檚 in health sciences or a related field, is a good first step. With a background in science or health care, you can help contribute to research and innovation by working as a scientist, medical professional, or engineer. You could work at research institutions, universities, or manufacturing companies to help develop new medical treatments and drugs.

But suppose you aren鈥檛 interested in working directly in health care. In that case, you can help contribute to medical advances through education, fundraising, and spreading awareness about emerging innovations and health issues. Whatever your choice, you could help play an essential role in the future of health care.

IT and the Internet of Things

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Technology makes our world more efficient, safe, automated, and connected. Information technology (IT) includes using computer systems, networks, software, and hardware to store, process, and transmit data. The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of connected devices that communicate and exchange data via the internet. IoT uses information technology to operate. Let鈥檚 explore this advanced technology to see its role in today鈥檚 society and our future.

What Is the Internet of Things?

The IoT is a network of interconnected devices with sensors and software that communicate with one another via the internet. These devices can include objects from to . Here are a few of the many examples of IoT devices:

IoT devices powered by artificial intelligence are revolutionizing industries like health care, retail, and manufacturing. By using data and machine learning, they improve automation and efficiency. As these technologies evolve, they will drive more innovative, sustainable, and connected solutions.

Earn a degree in IT from 杏吧原创 to help shape the future of technology.

What Makes the Internet of Things Possible?

A combination of various technologies makes it possible for IoT devices to share information and automate processes.

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing involves using servers on a large network rather than a local server to store, manage, and process data. Smart thermostats, fitness trackers, , and all use cloud computing through platforms like , , or

Big Data Analytics

Big data analytics uses advanced tools and techniques to analyze large, complex datasets to uncover patterns and correlations. , , connected vehicles, and use big data analytics.

Connectivity

Connectivity refers to the ability of IoT devices to communicate with centralized systems (like cloud platforms or servers) and each other over a large network. Smart home appliances like smart lights and thermostats, security cameras, smart meters for utilities, and medical devices like remote patient monitoring systems all rely on connected technologies like Wi-Fi, and cellular networks.

Security

In the Internet of Things, security refers to the practices implemented to protect IoT devices, networks, and the data they generate from unauthorized access, cyberattacks, and other vulnerabilities. Technologies like device authentication, encryption, and intrusion detection help keep information safe, such as the personal health data collected by .

What Is the Role of IT in the Internet of Things?

The Internet of Things uses information technology by connecting everyday objects to the digital world, which allows them to communicate and interact with each other. This connectivity means real-time data analysis and automation can occur across various industries. The IoT can transform data use by appropriately using information technology to create more intelligent and interconnected environments.

What Is the Future of the IoT?

The Internet of Things is headed toward massive growth, thanks to advancements like 5G connectivity, , AI integration, and a focus on security. IoT devices are becoming more intelligent, interconnected, and automated, helping to improve smart homes, manufacturing, health care, agriculture, and infrastructure management.

If you鈥檙e interested in shaping the future of technology in this rapidly growing field, consider pursuing your degree in information technology. A career in IT means secure job opportunities, competitive pay, and many possibilities to make a difference in business and society.

Jeffrey Reich, Bachelor of Science in Sociology, 1987

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

Jeffrey Reich of Wildwood, Missouri, earned a Bachelor of Science in Sociology in 1987. Jeff earned his sociology degree during his Navy enlistment. He later earned an MBA and consulted executives on business travel strategy. He has just retired from the National Geo-Spatial Agency’s Office of Aeronautical Safety of Navigation, where he notably served as a strategy consultant.

 

Dr. Michael Brantley, Master of Science in Management, 2016

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

Dr. Michael Brantley of Chula Vista, California, earned a Master of Science in Management in 2016. He shares, 鈥淗ello, I am now retired from the Navy, but I鈥檇 just like to share my awesome experience while attending Excelsior (College at the time) for my Master of Science in Management program in 2016. I was due to retire in 2018 and I was looking for a graduate program to help leverage my transition into the private sector and Excelsior aligned perfectly! Attending the master’s program was crucial in my decision to later pursue a career in higher education and after, to complete my doctorate degree. The staff and faculty were awesome, and I always recommend 杏吧原创 to service members and veterans that I speak with! Juggling being a father, an active-duty service member, and pursuing a master’s degree was tough, but 杏吧原创 made the process so much easier!鈥�

Mark Stricklett, Bachelor of Science, 1997

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

Mark Stricklett of Danielsville, Georgia, earned a Bachelor of Science in 1997. He shares, 鈥淚 wrapped up my BS at Regents College, and went on for my MBA at another school. It led to many executive and leadership positions over the years. I used my online education background to begin an adjunct/associate teaching career that has led me to teaching for three online universities and one on-ground school during the past 10 years.鈥�

Nhi Ho, Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology, 2023

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

Nhi Ho of Dothan, Alabama, earned a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology in 2023. She shares, 鈥淚 wanted to take a moment to share a glimpse of my journey and my aspirations with you all. It is a journey that has been filled with twists, turns, and unexpected discoveries. My academic journey began in nursing school, driven by an unwavering passion for health care. It was a field where I saw the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, and I was eager to contribute to the well-being of others. However, life has a way of surprising us, and along the way, my interests evolved. I found myself drawn to the complexities of nuclear science and the profound impact it has on our energy future. This fascination led me to make a significant decision鈥攖o change my major to nuclear engineering. Navigating this transition while balancing full-time work as a health care professional and pursuing a full-time education in a completely different field has been no small feat. It meant late nights filled with study sessions, the delicate balancing act of meeting the demands of two worlds and pushing my intellectual boundaries further than I had ever imagined. Undoubtedly, this journey has presented its challenges, but it has also been remarkably rewarding. It has taught me resilience, determination, and the power of unwavering commitment to educational and career goals. As I move forward in my pursuit of excellence in nuclear engineering, I am excited about the possibilities and the opportunity to contribute to a field that plays a pivotal role in shaping our energy landscape. I am grateful for the support and encouragement of those around me, and I look forward to what the future holds. Thank you for being a part of my journey, and I cannot wait to share the next chapters of this adventure with you all.鈥�

George ‘Matt’ Simmons, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, 1989

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

George 鈥淢att鈥� Simmons of Palmetto, Florida, earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1989. George ‘Matt’ Simmons, class of 1989, has published and released 鈥淔ind Your Hidden Treasure Chest,鈥� a wealth building and retirement planning book aimed at helping the half of American households with no retirement savings. The book makes saving money easier by removing the sacrifice in lifestyle or take-home pay that is typically needed. Matt completed his degree with Excelsior in 1989 while spending seven years worldwide in the U.S. Navy onboard two aircraft carriers. He subsequently spent close to 30 years in the surgical device field and has successfully owned and sold one small company.聽 He currently lives in south Florida while running his second small business. George credits his degree with Excelsior as absolutely crucial to his career and accomplishments. He and his wife Carol have three successful adult children living in the southeast United States.

 

Gregory Prickett, Associate of Science in Political Science, 1986; Bachelor of Science, 1996

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

Gregory Prickett of Crowley, Texas, earned an Associate of Science in Political Science and Bachelor of Science in 1986 and 1996. They share, 鈥淚 worked as police officer and sergeant in Texas, retiring in 2010. I then obtained my JD at Texas A&M in 2014, and practiced law in Tarrant County, Texas. I was named Lawyer of the Year at Imhoff & Associates, a nationwide criminal defense firm. I am also listed as Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for 2023-2024. I also served in the Army National Guard, and Air National Guard, retiring in 1999 as a captain. Without Regents College, I would not be where I am today.鈥�