Kelly Holt, PMHNP, started her health care career as a certified nurse’s assistant in high school and later became an LPN, RN, and then earned a master’s degree (FNP). In 2019, she graduated with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) and her last academic program was at Illinois State’s Mennonite College of Nursing (MCN) where she obtained her post-doctoral certificate and successfully passed boards to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She has been a family nurse practitioner for the past 15 years and is currently practicing as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) and family nurse practitioner (FNP) at Carle in Mattoon.
Why did you decide to attend the Mennonite College of Nursing for your PMHNP certificate?
A colleague mentioned the PMHNP program at Illinois State while she was attending, and after researching it, I immediately applied. One of the biggest factors was that Illinois State is a well-established and well-respected school. The curriculum, cost, and online format were also great influences.
What was your experience like in the PMHNP program?
I thoroughly enjoyed the PMHNP program at ISU. The curriculum was challenging, and that is the way it should be. My favorite course was psychopharmacology, mainly because of the challenge and foundational knowledge it provided. I also cannot say enough about the faculty. They’re so helpful, kind, and knowledgeable.
What advice would you give a nurse considering pursuing a PMHNP certificate?
If psychiatry is your passion and you enjoy a challenge, go for it! I cannot imagine there is a program out there that could have prepared me any better than ISU’s did. The mental health population is drastically underserved, and knowing you are able to help fill that need and improve the lives of your patients is very fulfilling. I would do it again without a second thought.
Can you describe what a typical week looks like as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner?
Each week I see around 40 patients, some as new patient consults and others for follow up visits. I manage their medications, provide therapy, and field calls/messages regarding medications, side effects, and sometimes crisis calls. I take the time to stay up-to-date with condition management guidelines and medication recommendations.
Did you know you wanted to specialize in psychiatric mental health? What draws you to this profession?
I have always had an interest in mental health, even early in my nursing career. Specifically, I have always been drawn to the link between mental illness and substance abuse/addiction. Once I began studying psychiatry, I found that there are so many more aspects of it that I love.
What is your favorite aspect of your career?
Knowing that I am helping an at-risk population live higher quality and more productive lives is one of my favorite aspects of the PMHNP profession. One of the best things is seeing a patient in follow-up and hearing how much better they feel and how that has affected them, their families, and their lives. It is such an honor to be a trusted professional during the most vulnerable moments in my patients’ lives.
I’m assuming at times this career could take a toll on your own mental health. How do you fight burnout and practice self-care?
Unfortunately, burnout in health care is very real. I try to follow the advice that I give to my patients and practice self-care. I engage in therapy two to three times per month, practice grounding and relaxation techniques, and take time to engage in hobbies such as sewing, cooking, and reading.
What does it mean to you to provide exceptional patient care?
So many things go into providing exceptional patient care, and it isn’t just prescribing the right medications or diagnosing people with the right conditions. Being a caring and compassionate person is a requirement to build a strong, trusting relationship with your patients. Providing patient-centered care and allowing conversation that fosters shared decision-making really helps the patient feel involved in the management of their health.
Do you have a collaborating physician? If so, what do you look for in a collaborative relationship?
Even though I do have full practice authority in the state of Illinois, I have a wonderful collaborating physician. He has been a mentor to me for years and encouraged me to pursue my PMHNP because he knew my interest in mental health was strong. What I look for in a collaborative relationship is someone who is not only knowledgeable, but supportive, approachable, and patient. I was fortunate to find all of those things and more in my collaborator.
What do you see yourself doing in 5-10 years?
At some point in the next 8-10 years, I would like to be practicing psychiatry remotely and/or in private practice. Virtual medicine is gaining popularity due to the flexibility it offers to patients, and it affords us the opportunity to have more control over our time, which improves job performance and satisfaction. I would like to be able to travel and continue to serve the mental health population as I approach retirement.
