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Psychaitric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Residency Program

By Sherley Belizaire posted 10-19-2015 04:22 PM

  

We are currently accepting applications now through APRIL 29, 2016 for the Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Residency Program at the VA Boston Healthcare System.

The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Residency (PMH-NPRP) is partnered with the Boston College William F. Connell School of Nursing. The VA Boston Healthcare System (BHS) and William F. Connell School of Nursing support evidence-based nursing education, research, and practice. Together, we foster a supportive learning environment for academic, professional, and personal success.

The PMH-NPRP is a 12-month program designed to provide clinical and academic experiences for new graduate Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MHNP) transitioning into the professional role of MHNP.

Program Structure

 This is a 12-month residency.

 Clinical rotations are supplemented with didactic sessions, Grand Rounds, Journal Club and other learning experiences.

 The program includes integrated didactic sessions weekly with the Harvard South Shore Residency Training Program.

 Clinical Rotations: Inpatient Psychiatry; Outpatient Psychiatry; Addiction Psychiatry; Psychiatric Emergency; Medicine; Geropsychiatry; Psychiatric Consultation-Liaison Team; and Homeless Outreach Program.

 Residents are assigned a mentor to act as a resource and provide support as they transition to autonomous and competent mental health nurse practitioners.

 Upon successful completion of the residency, a certificate of completion is awarded.

 Candidates who successfully complete the residency training program will be given the opportunity to apply to available vacancies at the VA BHS.

 

Applicant Qualifications

 U.S Citizens

 Graduate of Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited psychiatric nurse practitioner programs.

 Recent graduate within the past 12 months.

 Hold a Master’s degree or Doctorate and be licensed, nationally board certified through the ANCC and credential as a nurse practitioner with a specialty in Psychiatric-Mental Health.

 Proficient in written and spoken English.

 Background & Security Investigation required.

 Pass pre-trainee physical examination.

 Random Drug Testing required

 

 

Submit completed application requirements to: Nurse Recruiter

VA Boston Healthcare System

940 Belmont Street (118)

Brockton, MA 02301

or

FAX: 774-826-1115

or

E-mail: BostonVANurse@va.gov and CC: sherley.belizaire@va.gov

Hard copy of application postmarked no later than APRIL 29, 2016

 

Application Requirements

 Curriculum vitae

 Official graduate school transcripts in a sealed envelope.

 Personal Statement: What personal, professional, educational and clinical experiences have led you to choose nursing as a profession, and the role of a mental health nurse practitioner as a specialty practice? What are your aspirations for a Residency program? Please comment upon your vision and planning for your short and long-term career development. Maximum: two (2) pages

 Three (3) letters of recommendation: (one must be from faculty member or graduate program); in sealed envelopes or emailed directly from the individual writing

 

 

APPLICATION DEADLINE: APRIL 29, 2016

Accepting applications now through April 29, 2016

 

RESIDENCY START DATE:  JULY 2016

 

 

 

Any questions please contact:

Dr. Sherley Belizaire , DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC

Program Director

Phone: 774-826-3411

E-mail: sherley.belizaire@va.gov

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07-08-2017 02:52 PM

The academic preparation of the professional nurse has changed considerably over the past 10 years.  Historically, we could anticipate that a newly-minted PMHNP would have 3-5 years of clinical experience obtained professionally between each level of academic progression (ADN-to-BSN-to-MSN).  Today, the front-end-loading of education and direct pipelines to doctoral education mean more APRNs have high levels of academic achievement, but less experiential knowledge.  While our academic path has come into closer parallel with the medical model, our ability to achieve paid training opportunities is severely limited when compared to medical residents/fellows.  
I am encouraged that partnerships between academic and healthcare delivery organizations are increasing in number to support new APRNs in achieving high standards of care delivery!  As the VA now grants full practice authority to APRNs, our outcomes will continue to be compared in equivalence to that of our physician partners (who DID receive residency training opportunities).  Kudos to this program for equipping APRNs with the tools they need to compete and be successful!

02-09-2016 02:35 PM

Observations through my long career, graduated BSN in 1980, I have noted the nursing profession consistently shooting themselves in the foot by creating complicated obstacles for people to enter and practice in the Advanced Practice capacity. Now we have added a residency component to make life that much more complicated. New Graduates currently are not required to do this, and can at their leisure learn what they feel they need. Why someone would subject themselves to yet another educational hurdle is counterproductive. Currently, the educational system and nursing leadership has missed the boat, as it is we can't meet the needs of the markeplace and the employers are finding other resources. Pretty soon they won't even advertise for Nurse Practitioners and will just skip right over us as an option. Anyone note, our placement in Business Week as an up and coming profession?? Wasn't good. Guess what profession was listed as having a bright future?? Check it out, Physician Assistants, were listed much higher as a career option. Insurance companies are happy to accept the output as equivalent. Perhaps we need to focus on graduating enough people instead of slowing the process??

12-08-2015 10:55 AM

I wish there would have been an opportunity like this when I graduated in 2002. This sounds like a wonderful opportunity for new NP grads. Best wishes to those enrolled in the residency and to the faculty/staff.