In this episode of Mental Health Trailblazers, Psychiatric Nurses Speak Up, host Indrias Kassaye welcomes Dr. Willa Doswell, a distinguished Associate Professor in the Department of Health Promotion and Development at the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing. As one of the earliest fellows of the Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) at the American Nurses Association, Dr. Doswell shares her inspiring journey into psychiatric mental health nursing—a path she was drawn to by a profound experience that highlighted the critical importance of mental health care.

Reflecting on 50 years of the MFP, Dr. Doswell discusses the evolving landscape of mental health care for communities of color, highlighting the persistent challenges and the program's significant impact in preparing nurses to address these issues. She also delves into her personal and professional experiences, offering insights into the importance of mentorship, the ongoing need for diversity in nursing, and the crucial role nurses can play in policy discussions to advocate for underrepresented communities.

Dr. Doswell also shares a deeply personal story about her granddaughter’s challenging pregnancy, which brought her face-to-face with the complexities of reproductive health care in today’s political climate. This experience reinforced her commitment to advocating for compassionate and culturally sensitive care, particularly in maternal mental health.

Join us for a compelling conversation as Dr. Doswell offers a candid look at the past, present, and future of mental health nursing, sharing her thoughts on the legacy of the MFP and the vital work that still lies ahead, including nurturing pathways to the profession for students from underrepresented racial and ethnic minority communities.

This episode is a must-listen for nursing students, professionals, and anyone interested in understanding the intersections of mental health, race, and advocacy in 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. Doswell at https://emfp.org/mfp-fellows/willa-m-doswell

For more information on how to encourage high school students to consider nursing school, visit https://nursejournal.org/articles/ways-high-school-students-can-prepare-for-a-career-in-nursing/