by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Oct 9, 2025 | Transition into Practice Tips & Resources
One of the more stressful aspects of being a nurse practitioner that I certainly didn’t feel prepared for during my MSN program was managing patient medication requests. Especially when patients demand specific medications or try to dictate the course of treatment....
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Jun 26, 2025 | Career Advice, Thoughts and Reflections
I have a very clear memory of a time I felt completely out of place in my nurse practitioner role. And surprisingly, it didn’t happen in my first few weeks on the job—it was nearly a year into practice when a patient reminded me just how tough it can be when patients...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Sep 12, 2023 | Best practices
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a pattern of instability in mood, behavior, functioning, self-image, and relationships. Clinically, BPD may manifest in frequent self harm or suicide attempts. BPD is estimated to exist in ~ 1.6% of the general population and...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Mar 11, 2022 | Career Advice, Transition into Practice Tips & Resources
When you begin your career as a nurse practitioner, or even several years in, you are likely eager to do your best, work your hardest, and give 110%. You might mull over difficult patient cases after leaving work for the day. You might even chart at home after hours...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Nov 19, 2021 | Career Advice
The past two years have been incredibly difficult for healthcare workers. We were struggling with burnout before the pandemic, but the exhaustion and stress are only worsening. We are required to see more patients, sicker patients, for no extra compensation and what...