In this timely episode of Mental Health Trailblazers: Psychiatric Nurses Speak Up, host Indrias Kassaye chats with the dynamic Dr. Tanya Sorrell, a leader in psychiatric nursing and advocate for culturally inclusive health care. As the Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) at the American Nurses Association hits its 50-year milestone, Dr. Sorrell dives into how the program is shaping the future of psychiatric nursing.

Dr. Sorrell shares her incredible journey from being the only Black student in a Baton Rouge Gifted and Talented program to becoming a trailblazer in her field. She reveals how a life-changing encounter with a scorpion sting in Arizona led her to explore Mexican traditional medicine, ultimately transforming her approach to mental health care.

But it’s not just about her personal story—Dr. Sorrell tackles the stigma around mental health and how those influence decisions to enter the behavioral health workforce including psychiatric mental health nursing and offers fresh perspectives on the profession. She discusses the misconceptions that often deter students from entering the field and emphasizes the rewarding nature of helping people heal and thrive. Dr. Sorrell also explores innovative pathways for young professionals, including the use of telemedicine and AI to address health care disparities.

Beyond the personal and professional, Dr. Sorrell also addresses the emerging challenges facing psychiatric nursing today, including the impact of climate change and the increasingly polarized political climate. She highlights how these global issues are influencing mental health and the importance of preparing the next generation of nurses to navigate these complex dynamics.

This episode is packed with inspiration and actionable insights for young nurses and students. Dr. Sorrell talks about the power of community, the importance of storytelling, and how embracing cultural practices can revolutionize mental health care. She also highlights the exciting possibilities of using technology like telemedicine and AI to bridge the gap in health care disparities.

If you're passionate about making a difference in mental health, curious about the intersections of culture and medicine, or simply looking for some motivation, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to discover how you can be part of the change and help build a more inclusive future in psychiatric nursing.

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.

Learn more about Dr. Tanya Sorrell at https://emfp.org/mfp-fellows/tanya-r-sorrell