Sweetser News & Events

The Roles of Our Medical Staff

Posted on 06/07/2007 at 01:20 pm

Psychiatrists are physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of behavioral and mental health problems.

Registered nurses (RNs) promote and maintain health among individuals and groups, based on an assessment of health status and the establishment of a nursing diagnosis and goals.

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) provide care for maintenance of health and prevention of illness, under the supervision of a physician or RN.

Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), including nurse practitioners (NPs) and clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), are Master’s-prepared registered professional nurses who meet the advanced practice educational, licensure, and national board certification requirements.

NPs diagnose and treat illnesses and prescribe medications. After two years of supervision, NPs can practice independently as healthcare providers. Psychiatric-mental health NPs are RNs who have advanced education and clinical training specializing in primary mental healthcare. Pediatric NPs are RNs who have advanced education and clinical training specializing in the care of children and adolescents.

CNSs apply advanced knowledge, skills and experience to intervene in human responses to complex health/illness problems. The certified psychiatric CNS may independently assess, diagnose, and therapeutically intervene in complex mental health problems using psychotherapy and other interventions. Medication management may be practiced with direct supervision of a psychiatrist.