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!

[lucianne]

There were a couple of WHNPs in my psychopharm class. Maybe I should clarify--one is already a WHNP and is getting her PMHNP while the other one is a student in the WHNP program and wanted to learn about psych meds. So yes, I think there's interest. I'm not sure if it's a combination I personally would be interested in (except where it is pertinent to adolescent girls), but making it an online program would certainly make it more attractive.

good luck

luci

[pattyjo, MSN, RN]

Pat: Interesting idea. I think the tragedy of the Andrea Yates case prompted a lot of discussion of these exact issues, so I definitely think there is interest. How would you balance out the differing experience levels, ie, students coming in with high exp. in psych, but little in women's health and vice versa?

Online would certainly make it more attractive, and more accessible to a wider base.

Good luck,

Patty

[Karina212]

I think this would be a useful and interesting program as many women are plagued with mental health issues for a variety of reasons. An online class would be very appealing to many students. Good luck!

[powmol]

This is a great idea!!! If a program was available I certainly would be interested in learning more about it!!!!!!!

[Jupiter]

i know this is a really old post, but i just want to add that i think this is an excellent idea, and i would definitely be interested in a program like this! please let me know if it happens (or has already happened!)

thanks & good luck!

[TXHorns]

I too am posting late, but I would be EXTREMELY interested in a program such as this. I will be graduating in 12/04 and plan to either do psych or women's health. More than likely psychiatric nursing, however, if there were such a thing that combined both, I would jump at the chance. Particularly, online.

[Osorry1]

I know a Psych NP that works at an OBGYN medical practice to aid in the combination/care provision for these types of patients, so I know the need is there.

[Osorry1]

I know a Psych NP that works at an OBGYN medical practice to aid in the combination/care provision for these types of patients, so I know the need is there.