College of Nursing graduates largest cohort of mental health professionals

Since 1949, May has been recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, and, according to Mental Health America, the organization’s focus for this year is “Turn Awareness into Action.” While awareness around mental health has increased in recent years, there is still necessary work that needs to be done.

The Augusta University College of Nursing has been working to address this critical issue through its Doctor of Nursing Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Post-Masters Certificate programs. Since 2020, more than 30 students have graduated from these programs with a 100% certification exam pass rate. On May 8, the College of Nursing turned awareness into action by graduating a record 15 Doctor of Nursing Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner students.

“We are so proud of this particular cohort as the largest ever that we have graduated,” said Caroline McKinnon, PhD, program coordinator and associate professor.

Addressing workforce capacity is critical in the state of Georgia, where approximately 72% of counties are considered areas with mental health professional shortages.

McKinnon noted how psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners are especially beneficial to the mental health workforce, and CON “explicitly trains our students to address mental health concerns of patients and families across the entire lifespan.”

Although most program graduates remain in Georgia, this year’s cohort is poised to make an even broader impact.

Shanieca Taylor, DNP, has been accepted to a nationally recognized Veterans Affairs PMHNP Residency Program.

“With the growing shortage of mental health providers, I’m proud to be part of the next generation working to expand access to quality care,” Taylor said. “This milestone reinforces my purpose – to be a source of healing, support and change for individuals and families affected by mental illness.”

Fellow graduate Kishauna Reid, DNP, chose to pursue the PMHNP to be an advocate and trusted resource for her patients whose health needs are often overlooked or misunderstood.

“Graduating during Mental Health Awareness Month is a meaningful reminder of the impact this profession has,” Reid shared. “It symbolizes my commitment to serving a community that deserves greater awareness, compassion and support.”

Sun-Yi Hoyt, DNP, has been helping veterans through mental health issues her entire adult life, feeling compassion for those often ignored by society.

“There are not enough prescribers to help combat the need that is out there,” Hoyt said. “PMHNPs can provide medications, referrals and supportive therapy. I truly believe that if Georgia gave nurse practitioners full practice authority, this mental health provider shortage could be addressed.”

AU’s College of Nursing is dedicated to addressing topical issues in health care, including the nursing shortage, the mental health crisis and more. The college will continue its goal of producing exceptional nurses and prepared practitioners for years to come.