Hello, I am Patricia Harrison, Unit Nurse Educator at Emory Wesley Woods Inpatient Psychiatry Hospital. My Mental Health career began in 1996 as a home care manager and later as a social worker in Nottingham, England. I supported clients as they transitioned for long-term hospital setting to community living under transitional housing and supported living system. I migrated to the United States in 2002, and nursing became my third career.
My nursing practice is highly influenced by theorists such as Peplau, Orem, and Roy. I remain cognizant that patients' emotional and mental needs are often compounded by their health concerns, and always seek ways to get both addressed to promote wellness and resiliency. I believe knowledge is the foundation for change and an instrument for aiding in the reduction of stigma associated with mental illness. Since I embarked on my nursing journey, I have undertaken clinical and leadership roles in nursing at various institutions. I was instrumental in collaborating and implementing the first Versant RN Residency Program in Behavioral Health, at one of Georgia's metropolitan hospitals, which is now on its third cohort of residents. I have led the successful implementation of Unit-Based Practice Councils for which I received First Followers Award in 2016. Additionally, I received the Outstanding Preceptor Award in 2016 and numerous Daisy Award Nominations. I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse as well as a Certified CPI Instructor. I hold a Diploma in Social Work from Leicester De Monfort University, UK, Bachelors Degree in Nursing and Sociology from the University of Missouri Kansas City and a Masters Degree in Nursing with an emphasis on Nursing Education from Grand Canyon University. I enjoy traveling and spending time in the outdoors.