In this episode of Mental Health Trailblazers: Psychiatric Nurses Speak Up, host Indrias Kassaye is joined by Alice Dressler, a doctoral fellow in the Minority Fellowship Program (MFP), as they discuss her journey to becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner. This conversation takes place in the context of the 50-year anniversary of the MFP at the American Nurses Association, offering a unique perspective from a current fellow on the continuing importance of the program in addressing unmet behavioral health needs in underserved communities.

Alice shares her story of immigrating to the U.S. in 2017 and how her early life experiences, being born under China’s one-child policy and adopted as an infant, shaped her commitment to healthcare. Initially trained as a civil engineer, Alice decided to pursue nursing after witnessing the mental health struggles of patients and healthcare workers during the pandemic. Now working in Colorado, she serves low-income women and children from minority backgrounds, focusing on mental health care for those with significant trauma histories.

In a particularly powerful segment, Alice reflects on how the rise of anti-Asian sentiment during the pandemic marked her first experience with racism. This personal encounter profoundly deepened her empathy for patients who face racism regularly, giving her a new understanding of how racial discrimination impacts mental health. Her insights underscore the critical need to consider these factors when providing care to underserved populations.

Alice also highlights how the Minority Fellowship Program has been instrumental in her professional development, providing a sense of community and support that reignited her passion for nursing. The program has empowered her to think beyond direct patient care, inspiring her to consider research and policy work aimed at reducing mental health disparities in marginalized communities.

This episode offers a thoughtful exploration of how personal experience, cultural competence, and programs like the MFP are essential in addressing the behavioral health needs of underserved populations. Alice’s journey provides valuable insights for healthcare professionals and advocates alike.

Learn more about Alice Dressler at https://emfp.org/mfp-fellows/alice-dressler

Bonus: Earn Free CNE Credits!

Nurses can earn Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) credits by listening to this episode.

CNE information:

An email will be sent to you at a later date with instructions on how to claim CNE credit.

The American Nurses Association is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

In the season 4 finale of Mental Health Trailblazers, Psychiatric Nurses Speak Up! host Indrias Kassaye sits down with two pivotal figures behind the Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) at the American Nurses Association: Janet Jackson, Project Director, and Samuel Suraphel, Digital Program Manager. Often working behind the scenes, Janet and Samuel are the program's driving force, tirelessly steering its mission to support psychiatric mental health nurses from underrepresented backgrounds and advance psychiatric mental health care for diverse communities.

Throughout this engaging and heartfelt conversation, Janet reflects on the personal stories that connected her to MFP’s mission and shares how she helped transform the program from a state of disarray to a thriving support system for behavioral health nurses. Samuel offers his unique insights into the program’s evolution, highlighting the growing interest among young nurses in psychiatric mental health and the shift in perceptions within the field. Together, they celebrate MFP’s achievements and lay out an ambitious vision for the future, including expanding outreach to high schools, building career pathways, and enhancing digital engagement to reach broader audiences.

Join us for this inspiring episode that not only honors the MFP’s remarkable 50-year legacy but also looks ahead with optimism to the next generation of mental health care providers. As Janet, Samuel, and Indrias celebrate this milestone, they leave us with a powerful reminder: mental health care is essential, and the mission continues.

Listen in to this uplifting conversation and discover the dedication, heart, and leadership propelling MFP’s mission forward.

Free CNE Credits available for listening! Don’t miss this chance to earn continuing education credits while learning from influential voices in nursing today. Tune in to this and all episodes of season 4, celebrating “50 Years: Reflect & Project!” and the lasting impact of the SAMHA Minority Fellowship Program at the American Nurses Association.

CNE information:

An email will be sent to you at a later date with instructions on how to claim CNE credit.

The American Nurses Association is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.