by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Mar 19, 2026 | Thoughts and Reflections
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I’ve learned that one of the most important things you can do is embrace the “I don’t know yet” mindset. This approach means recognizing the limits of your current knowledge and staying open to learning new things, which is crucial...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Feb 19, 2026 | Career Advice, Thoughts and Reflections
Every once in a while, it’s worth pausing to ask yourself: What do I actually enjoy doing? Sometimes the answer surprises you—and sometimes, it leads to your next great idea. Recently, after stopping by a local cookie shop and indulging in a classic chocolate chip, I...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Feb 5, 2026 | Thoughts and Reflections
There’s an unspoken assumption in some healthcare settings that NPs should just stick to the basics. No one may say it outright—but it can show up in subtle and not-so-subtle ways throughout your practice as a PMHNP. I recently experienced this firsthand while...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Dec 30, 2025 | Thoughts and Reflections
As we round toward the end of the year, I thought it’d be fun to do a little “year in review” — Stress Free Psych NP style. 🎉 I dug through everything I’ve shared this year to find the NP resources you downloaded, clicked, talked about, and shared the most. And wow —...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Dec 23, 2025 | Thoughts and Reflections
A recent conversation stopped me in my tracks. Someone close to me shared an experience with a renowned specialist at a top hospital—a place expected to provide exceptional care. But instead of feeling like a participant in their care, they left feeling like a...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Dec 18, 2025 | Thoughts and Reflections, Transition into Practice Tips & Resources
Every NP has had that moment—questioning their skillset, second-guessing a decision, or feeling like there’s still so much to learn. If that’s where you are now, know this: you’re not alone, and you’re likely growing in ways you don’t even realize. So, what truly...