What is the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA)?
The American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) is a professional organization that represents psychiatric-mental health nurses (PMHNs). APNA is dedicated to advancing the profession of psychiatric-mental health nursing and advocating for the needs of PMHNs and their patients.
What is the purpose of an APNA position paper?
APNA position papers are official statements of the association’s position on a particular topic in psychiatric-mental health nursing. Position papers are developed to:
- Promote the highest standards of psychiatric-mental health nursing practice
- Advocate for the needs of PMHNs and their patients
- Educate the public about psychiatric-mental health nursing
- Guide research and policy development in psychiatric-mental health nursing
How are APNA position papers developed?
APNA position papers are developed through a rigorous process that involves input from PMHNs, other healthcare professionals, and the public. The following steps are typically involved in the development of an APNA position paper:
- A topic for a position paper is identified by APNA members or the APNA Board of Directors.
- A task force is appointed to develop the position paper. The task force is typically composed of PMHNs with expertise in the topic area.
- The task force reviews the literature and consults with other experts to develop a draft position paper.
- The draft position paper is circulated to APNA members and other stakeholders for feedback.
- The task force incorporates feedback into the final draft of the position paper.
- The final draft of the position paper is submitted to the APNA Board of Directors for approval.
- Once approved by the APNA Board of Directors, the position paper is published on the APNA website and in peer-reviewed journals.
A brief history of APNA position papers
The first APNA position paper was published in 1973. Since then, APNA has published over 50 position papers on a variety of topics in psychiatric-mental health nursing. Some of the most influential APNA position papers include:
- Position Paper on Seclusion and Restraint (2014)
- Position Paper on Cultural Competency in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing (2015)
- Position Paper on the Integration of Mental Health and Physical Health Care (2017)
- Position Paper on Mental Health Nursing Education and Research (2019)
- Position Paper on Mental Health Nursing Workforce Issues (2021)
APNA Position Papers on Key Topics
APNA position papers cover a wide range of topics in psychiatric-mental health nursing, including:
- Mental health nursing standards of practice
- Psychiatric-mental health nursing ethics
- Advocacy for mental health nursing
- Mental health nursing education and research
- Mental health nursing workforce issues
Some specific examples of APNA position papers include:
- Position Paper on Seclusion and Restraint (2014)
- Position Paper on Cultural Competency in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing (2015)
- Position Paper on the Integration of Mental Health and Physical Health Care (2017)
- Position Paper on Mental Health Nursing Education and Research (2019)
- Position Paper on Mental Health Nursing Workforce Issues (2021)
Examples of APNA Position Papers
Here are some examples of APNA position papers and their key takeaways:
Position Paper on Seclusion and Restraint (2014)
- Seclusion and restraint should only be used as a last resort and when there is an imminent danger of harm to the patient, others, or the environment.
- When seclusion and restraint are used, they should be done in a safe and humane manner.
- PMHNs should advocate for the elimination of seclusion and restraint from psychiatric care settings.
Position Paper on Cultural Competency in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing (2015)
- PMHNs should be culturally competent in order to provide effective care to patients from all backgrounds.
- Cultural competency involves understanding and respecting the patient’s cultural values, beliefs, and practices.
- PMHNs can develop cultural competency through education, training, and experience.
Examples of APNA Position Papers
Position Paper on the Integration of Mental Health and Physical Health Care (2017)
- Mental health and physical health are inextricably linked.
- PMHNs should work with other healthcare professionals to provide integrated care to patients with both mental and physical health needs.
- Integrated care can improve patient outcomes and reduce costs.
Position Paper on Mental Health Nursing Education and Research (2019)
- PMHNs should be educated to the highest standards.
- Mental health nursing research is essential to advancing the profession and improving patient care.
- APNA supports the development of high-quality mental health nursing education and research programs.
Position Paper on Mental Health Nursing Workforce Issues (2021)
- There is a shortage of PMHNs in many parts of the world.
- APNA supports policies and programs to increase the number of PMHNs in the workforce.
- APNA also supports policies to improve the working conditions of PMHNs.
How to Access and Use APNA Position Papers
APNA position papers are available on the APNA website and in peer-reviewed journals. They can also be accessed through professional organizations and other websites.
PMHNs can use APNA position papers to:
- Inform their practice
- Educate patients and the public
- Advocate for mental health nursing
- Guide research and policy development
Conclusion
APNA position papers are important resources for PMHNs and other stakeholders in psychiatric-mental health care. They provide guidance on the highest standards of practice, advocate for the needs of PMHNs and their patients, and educate the public about psychiatric-mental health nursing.
How to Get Involved in the Development of APNA Position Papers
APNA members can get involved in the development of position papers by serving on task forces or submitting feedback on draft position papers. To learn more about how to get involved, please visit the APNA website.
FAQs
Q. What is the difference between an APNA position paper and a white paper?
A white paper is a persuasive, authoritative, in-depth report on a particular topic. It is typically written by an expert in the field and is designed to educate and inform readers about the topic.
An APNA position paper is a formal statement of the association’s position on a particular topic in psychiatric-mental health nursing. Position papers are developed to promote the highest standards of practice, advocate for the needs of PMHNs and their patients, educate the public, and guide research and policy development.
Q. How often are APNA position papers updated?
APNA position papers are typically updated every five to seven years. However, they may be updated more frequently if there are significant changes in the field of psychiatric-mental health nursing.
Q. How can I submit feedback on an APNA position paper?
APNA members can submit feedback on draft position papers by emailing the APNA position paper coordinator at [email protected]
Q. How can I use APNA position papers in my practice?
PMHNs can use APNA position papers to inform their practice in a number of ways. For example, they can use position papers to:
- Develop practice guidelines
- Create educational materials for patients and staff
- Advocate for resources and support
- Guide their research and scholarly activities
