Women's Mental Health

[Camillo]

I'm in the process of writing a program grant that would combine the specialties of psychiatric mental health with women's health in a masters degree program. Nurses would graduate and be able to take certification exams in both of these areas.

As a women's health practitioner for over 20 years, I know that having psych mental health expertise would make a HUGE difference for many women! If the women's health practitioners in OB-GYN offices could better help women with PMS, Post Partum Depression, Panic Disorder, eating disorders etc - that would really help! And if the psych mental health folks could understand the role that hormones could play - while also being able to provide needed preventive care for women in mental health facilities - that would also be great.

My question to the folks on this list is:

What do you think about this?

Would you ever consider a masters degree that combined these specialties?

Would you be interested if it was entirely offered on line?

I would love to hear what you think!

Thanks!

[seewhiterabbit]

If I was interested in OB-GYN then yes I would be interested in women's mental health and so forth, but I am not really interested in OB-GYN. I don't think I would be interested in taking it online.

[Pronurse]

I think this is an excellent idea, combing women's health and mental health. As a psychiatric RN/Primary Therapist, if you are working in psych, you MUST look at what is happening from a wholistic perspective. I am questioning whether the online courses are credible, but overall, I think this is an excellent opportunity to address and raise awareness to the needs in women's health!! Go for it!

[KarenAR]

What do you think about this?

A fantastic idea to combine these specialties!

Would you ever consider a masters degree that combined these specialties?

Absolutely!

Would you be interested if it was entirely offered on line?

Maybe, but leaning more toward "no" than "yes." I took several online classes in nursing school and did not find that to be an effective way to take a course. HOWEVER, if it were offered through a reputable school and if it meant I could get that masters from afar, I would consider it.

Good luck, and keep us posted! (If you get it off the ground, do we get tuition discounts for having served as "consultants"? ha ha! :chuckle )

[colleen10]

I'm currently a first year nursing student and have really enjoyed my OB experience and have been interested in women's health for a while. I'm not sure if I definately will go into women's health when I graduate but I feel the program you are describing would be very interesting. If I were to go into women's health I would definately consider taking your courses. I am currently doing my ASN on line so I would be open to taking more classes online as well.

[gij1]

That is exactly the kind of program i am looking for. I such a strong interest in the psychiatric aspect of nursing, yet this program would give me the benefit of both areas. Please let me know when the grant comes through. Good luck with your writing of the grant. Not an easy task.

[teeituptom, BSN, RN]

women and mental health

boggling idea