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 | Nov 18, 2025 | Clinical support resources
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...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Oct 14, 2025 | Clinical support resources
As we move into autumn, many of us feel an almost Pavlovian urge to learn, read, and grow. I know I do. This natural inclination for some of us likely stems from the ingrained “back-to-school” season, even if we’re no longer students. If you’re an NP...
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 | Oct 7, 2025 | Best practices
Let’s be real—no one wants to get sued. As a nurse practitioner, the fear of liability can pop up when it comes to prescribing, documentation, or unexpected outcomes. But the good news is: you can take steps to minimize malpractice risk and practice with more peace of...