Jami Van Brocklin
With 19 years of experience as both an LPN and RN, my nursing journey has spanned various areas, mostly focusing on psych, mental health, and addiction/detox. Recognizing the significant demand for mental health providers and fueled by my passion for mental health, I chose to pursue my MSN-PMHNP to contribute to addressing the shortage.
In my area, the wait time for a psychiatrist is about 12-18 months, while a PMHNP can offer assistance within 3-12 months. No one should endure such lengthy waits for mental health care, and I knew I could make a significant impact on patient’s lives by becoming a mental health provider.
The flexibility of online courses allowed me to balance studies with weekend work seamlessly. Despite being an online program, my connections with the Kenosha campus staff proved invaluable. They guided me and fostered a supportive environment where I could ask for help when needed.
Securing clinical placements post-pandemic posed a challenge, as many places refused students or restricted placements to employees only. Thankfully, I was able to locate a job with a mental health/detox hospital organization that guaranteed clinical placement. I was hired on an 18-month obligation and worked every weekend. Since they had several locations, I was able to gain diverse and valuable clinical experience.
This summer, we'll be relocating to Arizona. Post-graduation, I plan to take my board exam within 4-8 weeks and work temporarily as an RN until I earn my PMHNP license and necessary credentials to fully work in the field.
Even at 44 with a family, I managed full-time school, clinicals, and weekend work, and emerged successfully! I made it to the end and can’t wait to see where the future takes me!
