
Innovators
Pearl Rucker,
Nurse Practitioner
What was your path to mental healthcare?
I started as an RN working on a CST team in outpatient behavioral health at a community service board (CSB) while working on a medical surgical floor at a hospital. I then moved to work on an ACT team as an RN. Next, I worked as a lead nurse on a crisis stabilization unit (CSU). Later, I went back to school for my Master's Degree for my psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner degree which I obtained in 2020. I then enrolled in a DNP program at Chatham University where I attend currently
How will this scholarship help you?
This scholarship will help defer the cost of attending Psych Congress Elevate. I am currently attending Chatham University working towards my DNP degree. Attending this conference will allow me to learn best practices in evidence -based research to integrate into practice. I will have the opportunity to network with other professional in psychiatry to learn from their experiences and their stories.
What are your academic and/or career goals?
My career goals include opening a psychiatric practice that focuses on wellness and balance. I also plan to develop a start-up course for new psychiatric nurse practitioners to guide them as they begin their careers. My academic goal is to complete my DNP at Chatham University and teach at a University in their masters or DNP program online part-time.
What does “exceptional patient care” mean to you?
Exceptional patient care means applying my authentic self, personal knowing, aesthetic knowing, and evidence-based practice to each patient and the unique dynamics of their situation, background, supports, and level of literacy. It is assessing, monitoring, communicating, and evaluating consistently to ensure awareness and optimal care is provided during a patient encounter and as they encounter obstacles to mental and physical health. Exceptional patient care is taking the time when the patient needs me to, it is talking for 2 hours after our visit to gain insight into new approaches that may promote better outcomes for the patient. It is being intentionally exceptional as a psychiatric provider.