by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Feb 3, 2026 | Career Advice
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, one of the most stressful parts of the job can be the fear of missing something important. A new provider in our Mental Disorders Crash Course community recently shared how she often worries she’s not doing enough. She’s in...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Jan 29, 2026 | Career Advice
Around my house, I’m known for two things: My lack of talent for cooking.And my ability to reduce stress treating mental disorders. While I won’t pretend I’ve got a lasagna recipe worth sharing, I do have some resources that I do stand behind—especially if you’re a...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Jan 20, 2026 | Career Advice, Clinical support resources
You know those moments early in your career that make you cringe a little when you look back? If you’re a new grad psych NP—or even an RN—you’ve probably had a few moments like that too. When I started as a psych NP, I made several mistakes that I now view as valuable...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Jan 6, 2026 | Career Advice, Transition into Practice Tips & Resources
I remember my first day as a psych NP like it was yesterday. After accepting a job in community mental health, I was given my very own office for the first time. It should have felt exciting. But mostly? I was terrified. My very first patient was a young woman with an...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Dec 25, 2025 | Career Advice
I’ve had patients request to see a physician instead of me. I’ve had days where I saw little improvement in my patients and doubted myself as a result. I’ve had days when I left work wondering why I chose this profession. Can you relate? These moments have...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Jul 31, 2025 | Career Advice
When Psychiatry Gets Complicated Back to basics in psychiatry is often the most helpful mindset when clinical cases become complicated. Patients aren’t always straightforward, and even seasoned PMHNPs can be thrown off track by unexpected presentations. You...