Allyce K. Jones, DNP, MSN, PMHNP-BC, APRN, CNE, NCMP, PMH-C, is the new program director for the post-master’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate (PMHNPC) program at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP). Jones enjoys teaching students and improving their assessment, diagnostic, and comprehensive treatment planning skills. As the program director, Jones will be able to bring these skills and her experience to impact student educational opportunities.
Jones received a Master of Science degree in nursing education (MSN) in 2015. Before entering into academia, however, she decided to pursue doctoral and postdoctoral education. “Once I was comfortable working as a PMHNP, I applied to be an adjunct faculty member at RMUoHP,” said Jones.
After working as an adjunct faculty member for several years, Jones was promoted to the position of program director. “Several roles and experiences have helped prepare me to be the program director,” said Jones. “From being the charge nurse on a psychiatric unit, completing a fellowship in public and community psychiatry, creating and running my own business, and then working as an adjunct clinical faculty member in the PMHNPC program.”
Jones shared why the program is important and the benefits of RMUoHP’s program in particular. “The diversity of the PMHNP(PMHNPC) program from faculty to students is one of the greatest assets of the PMHNP program,” said Jones. “We have students and faculty from around the country with different work and life experiences that add to the program. Small class sizes, admitting students three times a year, and no required on-campus visits are other things that set the RMUoHP program apart from other PMHNPC programs.”
Part of what makes the PMHNPC program important, according to Jones, is the contributions its graduates make in their communities. “There is a great need for mental healthcare in many communities throughout the United States,” said Jones. “It can take months to get into a therapist in some places and even longer to meet with a psychiatric prescriber.” The PMHNPC program at RMUoHP meets this need.
For those who are considering joining the program, Jones advises students to talk to several psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners to see their practice and what they consider to be the best and worst parts of their jobs. “See what needs there are in your community for mental healthcare and if these specific areas interest you; for example, pediatrics, homeless, substance use disorder treatment, etc,” said Jones.
For Jones, the key to success can be summed up in a quote displayed at her local gym: “Goals are dreams with deadlines.” She adds, “I set goals for the day, week, month, year, and decade,” said Jones. “I even have a list of 40-year goals. I review my goals often to be sure I am on my way to accomplishing them.” As the new program director for the RMUoHP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program, Jones is ready and prepared to help current and future nurse practitioners find success in their careers and in their communities.
