nurse practitioner blog
Explore a wide range of topics from evidence-based
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Helping you stay informed and confident in your practice, whether you’re navigating the challenges of starting out in the field as a new psychiatric nurse practitioner or looking for more insights to enhance patient care, the Stress Free Psych NP Blog offers practical advice, expert tips, and a supportive community dedicated to your professional growth and success.
5 A’s of Bipolar Disorder Every PMHNP Should Know
Bipolar disorder is one of the most challenging conditions to accurately diagnose—especially when it doesn't present in textbook form. Over the years, I’ve found one simple yet powerful tool to be especially helpful in clinical interviews: the 5 A’s of bipolar...
Why Diagnosis Is Everything in Psychiatry
Early in my career as a psych NP, I constantly asked myself, “What medication should I be prescribing?” I was treating highly complex patients in community mental health, and I often felt like a fraud—uncertain of how to move forward with confidence. It took time (and...
Prescription Assistance Programs for Patients Struggling with Medication Costs
Psychotropic medications aren’t always budget-friendly, and for some patients, that price tag becomes a serious barrier to getting the treatment they need. When affordability blocks access to care, prescription assistance programs can be a game changer. I once worked...
Baseline Labs for Schizophrenia: What PMHNPs Should Order
As a psychiatric provider, ordering the right baseline labs for schizophrenia is essential to assess your patient’s overall health and safely prescribe medications. Before starting treatment, labs help rule out medical conditions that might mimic or worsen psychiatric...
Diagnosing ADHD in Females: What Providers Need to Know
As a provider who primarily treats adults, my experience with ADHD diagnosis and treatment has been limited. Over the past few years, I’ve been learning more about diagnosing and managing ADHD, especially in the adult population. What’s become clear is just how much...
Cytochrome P450 Made Simple for PMHNPs
“All I know is that I know nothing.” — Socrates We’re not diving into philosophy here, but Socrates had a point. In clinical practice, especially as a PMHNP, it often feels like the more we learn, the more we realize we still need to review. This is especially true...
Claire’s depth of knowledge and personal experiences have made her an invaluable resource for our listeners. She consistently delivers practical, actionable advice that empowers mental health providers to overcome the challenges of the profession.
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