đź©ş Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Interview
“I didn’t always know what nursing would give me—but now, I know it gave me purpose, strength, and the privilege to make a difference.” — Dr. Ola Yemi
INTRODUCTION
Q: Can you introduce yourself—your name, title, and where you work?
My name is Dr. Ola Yemi. I’m a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner at Klaatsubibira Health Care, a county hospital in Oregon. I hold a doctorate in nursing and multiple degrees in family practice and psychiatry.
Dual Certified Family Medicine NP + Psychiatric Mental Health NP + (Doctorate of Nursing Practice DNP—not specified)
BACKGROUND
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in healthcare?
I grew up watching my stepmother, a nurse, care for children in our neighborhood with compassion. That image stayed with me. Though my first degree was in accounting—because in my home country, nursing wasn’t highly regarded—I switched paths when I came to the U.S. and saw how respected and impactful the profession was.
Q: What did your educational path look like?
I started with an associate degree in nursing, then earned my bachelor’s, followed by a master’s in family practice. Later, I completed a post-master’s in psychiatric care and finally earned my doctorate. It was a long journey, but each step deepened my skills and purpose.
Began with a degree in accounting, transitioned to Bachelor's in Nursing, Master's in Family Practice, Post-Master's in Psychiatry, Doctorate in Nursing
Started with an Associate Degree in Nursing, completing prerequisites in subjects like pharmacology, chemistry, and biology.
Bachelor's Degree program focused on practical nursing skills necessary for independent practice.
Master's Degree prepared for provider roles, allowing care when doctors are unavailable.
Post-Master's specialization in psychiatric care for mental health patients.
Doctorate degree aimed at leadership roles in healthcare.
THE JOB ITSELF
Q: What does a typical day look like for you?
I assess patients, provide therapy, make diagnoses, prescribe medications, and coordinate follow-up care. Psychiatry involves a lot of listening and counseling—much more talking than in family practice.
Assess and diagnose patients during appointments.
Provide therapy and counseling, focusing on communication and understanding.
Prescribe medications and develop follow-up care plans.
Emphasize the importance of active listening and patient interaction in psychiatric care.
Q: What’s something people misunderstand about your job?
Many think nurses just take orders, but in reality, we’re decision-makers, advocates, and leaders in patient care. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I perform many of the same duties as a psychiatrist, including diagnosing and prescribing.
Many believe nursing is merely following doctors' orders; however, nurses play a critical role in patient care and decision-making.
Nurses often identify issues that require physician attention, acting as vital support in healthcare teams.
REFLECTIONS
Q: What’s one patient story that’s stayed with you?
I once cared for a man awaiting a heart transplant. For six months, I provided him with emotional support and medication for anxiety. One day he was gone—he’d finally received a new heart. Months later, he returned just to thank me. That moment reminded me of the deep human connections we build in this field.
Q: How do you stay grounded during emotional or chaotic moments?
I breathe deeply, actively listen, and make sure I’m well-rested and mentally prepared before each shift. We can't pour from an empty cup.
Q: Why did you specialize in psychiatry?
While working with veterans in family practice, I saw many struggling with mental health issues. I felt helpless and wanted to offer more. That’s what drove me to pursue psychiatric training—to truly support the whole person.
ADVICE SECTION
Q: What advice would you give to students considering nursing or medicine?
It’s a wonderful, flexible, and rewarding field. You can work in hospitals, schools, tech, or from home. Nursing offers career growth, stability, and great pay. There’s a place for everyone.
Nursing offers flexible schedules and diverse career opportunities.
Emphasize the importance of networking and maintaining relationships in the field.
Highlight the rewarding nature of the profession and its potential for positive impact.
Q: What do you wish you knew earlier in your career?
The importance of networking. I underestimated the power of relationships with mentors and colleagues. Those connections can open unexpected doors.
The importance of kindness and compassion in patient care.
Personal experiences that shaped the practitioner's view on healthcare and the significance of treating others with respect.
Q: Did you have to make sacrifices to get where you are today?
Yes. I left my home in Houston to take a rural VA job in Midland, Texas. It was hard, but the experience shaped my career and gave me confidence.
PERSONAL
Q: Has any moment changed the way you think about healthcare or life?
Yes. A former supervisor once blocked my promotion. Years later, she became my patient. I treated her with kindness, and she recognized me. That moment reminded me to always act with grace—because life comes full circle.
Q: Have you ever had a disagreement with a team member?
Once, I refused to discharge a suicidal patient despite pressure from a colleague. Months later, the patient did take her life. That experience taught me to trust my instincts—even when it’s hard.
Discussed a situation involving a disagreement over discharging a suicidal patient, emphasizing the importance of following instincts and prioritizing patient safety.
Q: Have you made a tough call without a clear answer?
Yes. A non-responsive patient was brought in with signs of a psychotic episode. I secured a court order to begin treatment. Her mother later arrived and thanked me—she got better within a week. It reaffirmed the importance of acting when someone can’t advocate for themselves.
Q: What non-medical skill has helped you the most?
Active listening. It builds trust, de-escalates crises, and helps me see the person beyond the symptoms. Also—patience. Especially in psychiatry, you need to be deeply patient.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Q: If you could change one thing about healthcare, what would it be?
I would amplify compassion. Whether you’re a provider or not, kindness changes lives. My profession has taught me how powerful care can be—both giving and receiving it.
The healthcare profession is fulfilling and impactful, providing opportunities to make a difference in patients' lives. Continuous learning and adaptation are essential in the evolving field of healthcare.
