Jeanne

Why did I return to school for a PMH-NP? A few years back I moved to New Mexico and began working with children at an in-patient psychiatric unit. My background was adult, I had completed the CS program at Rush about 10 years ago. Once in New Mexico, although I completed additional course work which allowed me to prescribe, I still could not treat children. I needed a specific training with children. The options were to return for a child/adolescent CNS or to do the Family PMH- NP. When I began to look at programs, Rush was quick to respond to my requests and user-friendly. Plus I have a great fondness for Rush, having worked there and completed my master’s degree at the college.

What are my tips for balancing work and school? Well it’s hard. I bring my school work to my job and study anytime I have a cancellation. I am much less of a housekeeper. But I have done this all before, working and pursuing graduate education. I know it is just for a finite degree of time so I can live with it. 

After graduation I plan on staying here in New Mexico. I will probably stay in the system I work in. It is one of the best in the area and I like the people I work with. We opened up a new urgent care, which is very busy. The future? I tell people if I start talking doctorate to club me over the head. But we’ll see.