If you are a psychiatric nurse at any level, APNA is your association. APNA provides the resources, education, and dynamic collaboration that you need to provide the best possible care to those you serve. APNA is the only PMH nursing organization whose membership is inclusive of all PMH nurses: associate degree (ADN), baccalaureate (BSN), and advanced practice (APRN – including clinical nurse specialists (CNS), psychiatric nurse practitioners (NP), and nurse scientists and academicians (PhD and DNP)). Members practice in a variety of settings, such as inpatient, community, academic, research, private and public health institutions, and high level administrative positions at state and federal levels.
Guided by a strategic direction and governed by its Board of Directors, APNA is committed to the practice of psychiatric-mental health nursing, health and wellness promotion through identification of mental health issues, prevention of mental health problems, and the care and treatment of persons with mental health disorders. APNA champions psychiatric-mental health nursing and mental health care through the development of positions on key issues, the dissemination of current knowledge and developments in PMH nursing, and collaboration with stakeholders to promote advances in recovery-focused assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation of persons with mental health disorders.
The American Psychiatric Nurses Association is a professional association organized exclusively for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes. It provides leadership to promote psychiatric-mental health nurses, improve mental health care for culturally diverse individuals, families, groups, and communities, and shape health policy for the delivery of mental health services.
APNA is governed by a voluntary Board of Directors who is elected by the membership. The APNA Strategic Direction guides the board in their strategic decision-making for the organization as they carry out the objectives and purposes of the association. Under the oversight of the board, a network of councils, committees, task forces, and chapters maximize member involvement in addressing issues of importance to psychiatric-mental health nursing.
Connect With Your Local Chapter
As an APNA member, you automatically have access to your local chapter. There you can connect with other PMH nurses in your region and talk about the matters that impact you with people who understand your daily frustrations and joys.
Get on APNA Member Bridge to connect with nurses and other psychiatric-mental health experts from across the country. Ask questions, share information, and talk about what matters most to you as you provide crucial mental health care.
As an APNA member, you can play a key role in the organization’s direction through involvement in councils, committees and task forces. Impact psychiatric-mental health nursing administration, education, practice, and research through volunteering your expertise with APNA.
Learn more about your association of professionals.
Connect with fellow psychiatric-mental health nurses, be the first to know about evidence-based resources and programs, and participate in exclusive opportunities to advance the care and treatment of those with mental health & substance use needs.
