Understanding Veteran Suicide Risk and Mitigation Strategies During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

U.S. Veterans experience a significantly higher risk for suicide compared to the general population. Understanding the challenges associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) enables providers to mitigate the risk of suicide among Veterans. Evidence supports access and utilization of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) mental health services as they are a protective factor associated with lower suicide rates. During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the VA has worked to further decrease deaths by suicide in the Veteran population by rapid expansion of current interventions and implementation of new evidence-based interventions. These interventions include mental health and coaching applications, consistent use of measurement-based care across multiple disciplines, and greater use of telehealth services. Through these efforts, despite increased risk for suicide due to additional stressors from COVID-19, suicide rates among Veterans are decreasing. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 60(12), 25-29.].

An Innovative Approach for Graduate Education for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners.

A major transformation in nurse practitioner (NP) education is the emergence of post graduate residencies; their foci include (a) educating NPs in population health; (b) increasing clinical proficiency; and (c) incorporating quality and safety into practice. We describe a psychiatric NP residency program supported by an academic-practice partnership, known as the Veterans Affairs Nursing Academic Partnership for Graduate Education (VANAP-GE) between the Birmingham Veterans Administration Medical Center (BVAMC) and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Nursing (SON) for a population of Veterans with complex mental and physical health needs. Topics which are covered include risks of suicide among Veterans, post-traumatic stress disorder, depressive and anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders. During this one-year traineeship during the first year after NP certification, residents engage in development of crucial skills for improving the future of U.S. health care. All residents are newly licensed PMHNPs, but some are also pursuing DNP degrees. For residents who are simultaneously enrolled in BSN to DNP programs, the additional clinical training afforded by NP residency education provides a natural laboratory for their projects with foci of quality and safety, leadership, and clinical scholarship. Reduction in NP turnover as well as cost savings of orientation and recruitment are significant benefits for the practice partner with zero vacancies since the partnership's inception. These multiple successes predict increased establishment of residencies as viable post graduate pathways for NPs.

Original Research: Suicide Among RNs: An Analysis of 2015 Data from the National Violent Death Reporting System.

BACKGROUND: Suicide is now the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. Suicide rates for health care providers are thought to be higher than for people in other occupations because of job strain and burnout. Despite the National Academy of Medicine's Action Collaborative on Clinician Well-Being and Resilience, which focuses on reducing stress and preventing suicide, a shortage of data limits our understanding of nurse suicide. Neither employers nor professional nursing associations track suicide data. PURPOSE: To determine the number of suicides and estimated rate of suicide among RNs, using data from the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS). METHODS: We extracted data from the NVDRS, which is based on death certificates, coroner reports, and law enforcement reports, for the year 2015. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's Industry and Occupation Computerized Coding System was used to code the data. Industry and occupation coding experts reviewed the coding for accuracy. RESULTS: Analysis of 2015 NVDRS data from 17 states showed that among civilian employed nurses ages 16 to 64 years, the estimated suicide rates for female and male nurses (11.4 and 29.3 per 100,000 nurses, respectively) were each higher than the rates for the comparable total population (8.2 and 26.1 per 100,000 people, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that RNs may die by suicide at higher rates than the total employed population in the 16-to-64-year age range. Implementation of evidence-based approaches to prevent suicide are warranted.

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Residents Improve Quality and Mental Health Outcomes for Veterans Through Measurement-Based Care.

INTRODUCTION: Measurement-based care (MBC) is commonly used to manage medical illness, whereas only about 20% of psychiatric care providers use MBC. One aim of the partnership between the Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center (BVAMC) and the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing (UAB SON) is to provide MBC to Veterans. The goal is to describe the efficacy of MBC in the treatment of Veterans by psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) residents. PURPOSE: By teaching PMHNP residents evidence-based assessment, they gain tools to shorten time to remission of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder. METHODS: Residents administered the Patient Stress Questionnaire (PSQ), an MBC tool that assesses depression, anxiety, trauma-related symptoms, and alcohol use, to patients of the Residency Continuity Clinic (RCC). Patient Stress Questionnaire scores from March 2016 to May 2018 were analyzed using paired t tests. RESULTS: Analysis revealed a downward trend in PSQ scores over time, suggesting improvement in psychiatric symptoms. Depressive and anxiety symptoms decreased significantly. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: This quality project highlights the utility of MBC by PMHNP residents in an RCC. Measurement-based care tools can be quickly and easily administered with little impact on workflow. Use of validated screening tools can enhance care, engage patients, and improve patient outcomes.

Engagement in Psychotherapy Improves Outcomes for Veterans.

The longstanding partnership between the Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center (BVAMC) and the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing inspired the establishment of one of the country's first psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) residencies and subsequent formation of a Resident Continuity Clinic (RCC). Within the RCC, PMHNP residents deliver evidence-based care that is informed by measurement-based care (MBC) to improve patient outcomes and reduce time to recovery. Determined by the BVAMC Institutional Review Board to be a quality improvement project, PMHNP residents administered the Patient Stress Questionnaire (PSQ), a MBC tool that uses four independently validated screening tools to measure the behavioral health symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma, and alcohol use. Additional clinical variables of interest included patient use of illicit substances, participation in psychotherapy, and use of psychotropic medications. PSQ scores were reviewed retrospectively via descriptive statistics and nonparametric tests. Analysis demonstrated statistically significant improvements in depression and anxiety. Data also revealed that patients engaged in psychotherapy demonstrated greater improvements on all PSQ screening tools compared to patients not involved in psychotherapy. The results reinforce the value of MBC in psychiatric care and highlight the importance of engaging Veterans in psychotherapy to improve outcomes. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 57(6), 30-38.].

Measurement-Based Care in Psychiatry.

Measurement-based care (MBC) uses patient-reported rating scales in conjunction with evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to provide an objective assessment of patient progress over time to guide a more precise plan of care. Use of MBC is routine in medical disease management. Unfortunately, MBC is not standard practice in psychiatric care. The current nonsystematic approach to the delivery of mental health care has created considerable variability in practice and may stall recovery. Although MBC has proven benefits, there are perceived barriers to its implementation. Greater research is needed to standardize psychiatric measures and clinical practice guidelines and determine the most effective implementation strategies. A review of the literature was conducted to (a) provide an overview of MBC and relevant screening tools; (b) examine the clinical use of MBC, including its relevance to evidence-based clinical guidelines and empirical support; and (c) detail the benefits and challenges of MBC implementation. As mental health care moves in the direction of value-driven incentives, it will be important for providers and organizations to consider MBC as an evidence-based framework to reduce variability in psychiatric treatment and improve patient outcomes. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 55(11), 30-35.].

Adolescent Psychosocial Assessment: The HEEADSSS.

Adolescence should be a time of healthy growth and development. Indeed, it is a critical period with significant physical, emotional, and mental changes. Despite robust physical health, adolescent risky behaviors may result in lifelong consequences as well as increased morbidity and mortality. The HEEADSSS review of systems is a tool to understand adolescent behavior and assess risk-taking behaviors to provide appropriate interventions. Using the HEEADSSS review of systems is an effective way to engage in dialogue with teens and address many of the challenges faced by this age group. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 55(5), 24-27.].

Improving Quality Outcomes in Veteran-Centric Care.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Nursing and the Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center (BVAMC) created a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Residency Continuity Clinic tasked with providing Veteran-centric mental health outpatient treatment informed by measurement-based care (MBC) to provide quality outcomes. Approved by the BVAMC, the UAB Institutional Review Board also approved and exempted the project as quality improvement. PMHNP residents administered the Patient Stress Questionnaire (PSQ)-an MBC tool that incorporates validated tools for assessing depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress, alcohol use, and pain-to each Veteran from March to August 2016. Patient outcomes focused on depression and anxiety. PSQ scores were reviewed retrospectively via descriptive statistics, paired t tests, and Wilcoxon signed ranks tests. Analysis showed improvement in depression and anxiety that approached significance, and in several national Veterans Affairs mental health performance measures, reinforcing the importance of using MBC in psychiatric assessment. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 55(1), 37-44.].

Clinical residency training: Is it essential to the Doctor of Nursing Practice for nurse practitioner preparation?

BACKGROUND: The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree positions nurse practitioners (NPs) and other advanced practice registered nurses, with clinical competencies similar to other disciplines requiring doctoral education (medicine, physical therapy, psychology, and pharmacy). In addition, all these disciplines also offer residencies. However, nursing is the only discipline that does not require a doctoral degree and/or have a systematic approach to residency training for advanced practice roles. The authors posit that there are critical policy issues to resolve within the nursing profession to clarify the role that clinical residencies should play in transition to DNP practice specifically related to NPs. PURPOSE: The purpose of this article was to (a) describe the context of NP residency models within NP curricula that strengthen the DNP Essentials with an emphasis on Essential VIII and a focus on distinctive clinical specialization, (b) describe the history and policy implications of NP residency programs as well as existing programs that assist transition to practice, and (c) recommend policies for consideration related to DNP NP residencies. METHODS: Literature on nurse practitioner residencies was reviewed. DISCUSSION: While nurse practitioner residencies continue to grow, research is needed regarding outcomes of job satisfaction, clinical competencies, and patient satisfaction. CONCLUSION: The first year of practice for nurse practitioners is a critical period of professional development. It is important to further clarify the need, direction, and program standards. Academically affiliated residencies will facilitate the development and standardization of curricula and competencies to enhance clinical rigor. The partnership between academic units and clinical agencies will pool resources and strengthen nursing in both settings.

Irritability in Childhood and Adolescence.

Irritability is common among children 5 and younger and is defined as a marked predisposition to anger. Irritability in childhood is associated with later psychopathology, suicide, and financial instability. Its persistence through later childhood may be associated with mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Assessment of irritability and psychiatric nursing implications are discussed. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 54(12), 28-31.].

Suicide in Childhood.

Suicide by children younger than 11 is a sad and tragic occurrence. Indeed, suicidal ideation and behavior has been documented in children as young as ages 3 to 7. The current overview provides a discussion of the frequency of suicide in children and associated predisposing conditions, such as depression and abuse. In response to these tragic events, nursing interventions are also proposed. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 54(10), 27-30.].

Update on Substance Use in Adolescence.

With alarming frequency, an individual's first substance use occurs in childhood or adolescence. However, the use of many types of substances among individuals younger than 18 has been gradually declining over the past 6 years, and our understanding of risk factors for youth substance use has improved. Risk factors identified as possibly contributing to a young individual's first encounter with cigarettes or alcohol include parents' own substance use or mental health problems. Mental disorders of children have been implicated in substance use as well. Screening and interventions are available to reduce the frequency and intensity of adolescent substance use and are suggested in the current article. Nurses are in a position to identify adolescents who are at risk for substance use disorders and link the family system to effective intervention. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 54(8), 24-27.].

Update on Anxiety Disorders in Childhood and Adolescence.

Despite significant progress in understanding anxiety disorders in youth, affected children are often unrecognized and never receive adequate treatment recognition. Although common among children and adolescents, many parents and health care providers do not realize anxiety disorders in youth predict anxiety disorders in adulthood. The history of anxiety disorders in childhood and their continuity into adolescence and adulthood are discussed. Treatment options and best practices for psychiatric nurses are also explored. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 54 (6), 25-28.].

Adolescents Who Self-Injure.

Children and adolescents engage in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) at a much higher frequency than parents and caregivers may estimate. This form of self-injury has long been distinguished from suicide, with distinct risk factors and comorbidities for each behavior. Although the outcome of NSSI is less devastating than suicide, adolescents who self-injure are suffering. Adolescents live and move within a particular context and view the world from a unique developmental perspective. Treatment should proceed from alliance with the patient and an understanding of the context in which he/she lives. Modifiable risk factors have been identified and several treatments are shown to reduce frequency of self-injury. Some interventions have been shown to actually increase distress. Nurses are in a position to identify adolescents who self-injure and connect the whole family system to appropriate effective intervention.

Mental Health of Young Refugees.

Children and adolescents exposed to violence and upheaval of war and relocation are at high risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. Rates of PTSD among refugee children may exceed 50%. Additional stressors encountered while adjusting to host cultures add another layer of difficulty. Most refugee children struggling with symptoms of PTSD or depression are never linked with appropriate mental health care resources. Psychiatric nurses can serve a critical function in the identification and treatment of refugee children experiencing PTSD and depression.

Binge Eating Disorder and Youth.

Children and adolescents who eat unusually large amounts of food, feel guilty about it, and try to hide their overeating may be struggling with binge eating disorder (BED), a condition associated with suicidal ideation and other eating disorders. Although BED is new to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the syndrome is becoming increasingly recognized. The study of BED in children and adolescents is in its natal phase, but the importance of recognition and possible treatment strategies are discussed in the current article along with psychiatric nursing implications.

Adverse Childhood Experiences and the Mental Health of Veterans.

Many U.S. Veterans have experienced the burdens of mental illness and suicide. The current article focuses on Veterans who served from 2001-2015. Although combat exposure and suicidal ideation are linked, approximately one half of all suicides among Active Duty service members (who have served since 2001) occurred among those who never deployed. Researchers who sought additional risks for suicide found that Veterans have greater odds of adversities in childhood than the general population. Adverse childhood experiences are stressful and traumatic experiences, including abuse and neglect, as well as witnessing household dysfunction, or growing up with individuals with mental illness or substance abuse. Further, childhood physical abuse has been shown to be a significant predictor for posttraumatic stress disorder and suicide. Adverse childhood experiences confer additional risk for the mental health of service members. Psychiatric nursing implications include the importance of assessing early childhood adversity during psychosocial assessments. Providing trauma-informed strategies for treatment is an essential element of psychiatric nursing care.

Update on autism spectrum disorder: vaccines, genomes, and social skills training.

Despite making significant progress in understanding autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and its genetic underpinnings, controversy remains regarding ASD and its historical, erroneous association with vaccines. This controversy includes the latest anti-vaccine movement that caused a recurrence of the almost vanquished measles and mumps diseases. The history of ASD, complexities of research involving ASD genetics, and benefits of social skills training are explored.