Breakout Thinkers
Ashley Mitcham,
Nurse Practitioner
What was your path to mental healthcare?
I pride myself in the very round-about career path that led me to the world of mental health. I have been a nurse since 2010, and have spent most of my time working with the cardiovascular disease population. It was very early in my career that I noticed that the mental health needs of my patients were brushed under the rug, taking a back seat to a very textbook approach to the treatment of heart disease. Many of these patients were hurting in ways that did not appear in any lab test, imaging, or reflection of vital signs. I landed in cardiac rehabilitation, the first specialty that took a special interest in the mental health needs of this population. I led the stress-resilience class for my program. I was so proud of my patient's vulnerability in discussing their experiences, hurts, successes, and failures. Additionally, I noticed how these patient's thrived after they were given an outlet for their pain and a referral to the proper resources. I vowed to never exclude or ignore mental health concerns in any population.
Since my time in cardiac rehab, the world of mental health has continued to present itself to me in new and fascinating ways, opening my mind to the many, and currently unmet, needs. I have taken a personal interest in eating disorders, postpartum depression, and mental illness in the veteran population. I am so excited to make my mark in this world as a supporter of the unsupported, making every patient feel valued, heard, and uplifted. My ultimate joy comes from watching someone that may seem hopeless to others come through and thrive as their best self.
How will this scholarship help you?
Psych Congress Elevate describes it's scholarship winners as those who are "eager to take on new challenges in diagnosis and treatment, and be at the forefront of their field." This statement resonates with me. If chosen, I will take every opportunity available to learn, connect, and grow as a future PMHNP. I fully intend on working at the forefront of my field, and what better time to start than the present?
What are your academic and/or career goals?
I feel that one of the greatest opportunities we have as providers lies in our ability to connect with others who share a common goal. Each individual brings strengths that will help move the world of mental health forward. In saying this, networking with others and recognizing my own weaknesses is always a goal I strive for in academia and in life.
Another primary goal I strive for in practice and in life is to maintain an open mind. As I reflect on my career, I notice that the times I maintained an open, inquisitive mindset, I was led me to the most impactful, meaningful, and incredible experiences. I do not yet know my intended area of practice following graduation, but I know through experience that if I maintain an open mind to all of the possibilities that lie ahead, I will navigate my way to the population that most needs my unique strengths, and will continue to grow in my ability to truly make an impact.
What does “exceptional patient care” mean to you?
I love that exceptional patient care is defined by each individual in a different manner. To me, I provide exceptional patient care by showing kindness, being a good listener, maintaining a clear understanding of the ultimate goal, and always putting my patients needs first. This often requires self sacrifice, clear boundaries, and an unyielding commitment to the profession. I recognize that this may look different to the acute care patient who had a hip replacement than for a patient on a crisis stabilization unit following suicidal ideation. Exceptional patient care is maintaining flexibility in the approach to what the patient truly needs while allowing them to feel respected and validated.