Goal Statement

Throughout my nursing career I have had the privilege of working with clients in varied disciplines
and settings. Having experience in both inpatient and outpatient environments provides a valued
opportunity to participate in client care across the care continuum; as well as, witness and take
part in the many changes, challenges and innovations of an evolving healthcare industry. It is my
goal to utilize and build on my professional experience, enhance my knowledge and proficiency;
and increase my productivity as a member of the collaborative health care team. My desire is to
continue academic study and complete graduate studies in an online Psychiatric Mental Health
Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program.
Mental health and well-being are fundamental for growth. Psychiatric mental health nursing
provides a holistic approach to care for both mind and body. It not only fulfills my personal desire
for continued growth and self-improvement, it allows me the treasured opportunity to aid others
in improving their own lives by promoting health and preventing disability. It offers promise to
improve not just individuals, but communities and humanity as a whole.
After graduating high school I was accepted into nursing school and proudly received my diploma
degree from Community Hospital School of Nursing. I began my nursing career in pediatrics and
medical-surgical nursing at a local rural hospital to establish my nursing abilities. I later moved
to a large urban hospital to further enhance my skill and gain experience within a more diverse
set of disciplines, notably the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and as House Float being
assigned to nursing units with the greatest need.
My practice in the NICU helped to develop my assessment and diagnostic skills; as well as my
technical skills, assisting with procedures and working with an array of medical equipment. Time
spent listening and offering guidance to fearful, often grieving parents, helped to enrich my
communication skills and ability to empathize. As House Float I gained vast and varied
knowledge and ability working with different patient populations and diverse cultures in a

multitude of disciplines; each new assignment helped to improve my adaptability, capacity to

problem-solve and ability to work collaboratively with a variety of healthcare professionals.
My psychiatric mental health nursing career began in 1998 on the Child and Adolescent Inpatient
Psychiatric Unit; upon invitation from the Medical Director to join her private practice I
transferred to the outpatient environment in 2000. In my current position I am afforded the
privilege of working with an exemplary psychiatrist who challenges and encourages my growth,
personally and professionally.

It has also provided unique insight into a vulnerable and

underserved population and the challenges mental health consumers face in accessing care due
to limited resources and providers.
While I have remained committed to lifelong learning, through research articles and attending
seminars, symposium and workshops; it was my return to the academic environment to complete
my Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) that renewed my motivation and passion for formal
education. The knowledge and experience obtained through my recent participation in the BSN
program enabled me to look beyond the task-oriented focus of the diploma degree I previously
held; while offering insight into the progressive changes and future trends taking place in
healthcare. Having raised my family, I now have the freedom to pursue personal and professional
goals; to give back to my community and eventually reach out to those beyond it with future
goals of working with the Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders.
Science and research continue to illuminate and redefine our understanding of mental illness.
My firm belief in science, along with a strong interest in nutrition, fitness and environmental
issues, provides ample resources for educating clients on evidence-based practices for mental
and physical well-being.

My goal is to assist clients and families in making informed-decisions

that facilitate adherence and ensure that clients reach their optimal level of wellness. Upon
completion of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program I will not only have
increased accessibility to clients, I believe I will have a more powerful voice on behalf of
consumers and the communities we serve. I believe it is a triumph in life to help others
experience it with a smile.