In this inspiring episode of Mental Health Trailblazers: Psychiatric Nurses Speak Up, host Indrias Kassaye chats with Dr. Thomas Sargent, a two-time Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) alumnus, whose journey from an unexpected nudge into nursing to becoming a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is nothing short of remarkable. Dr. Sargent shares his personal story of breaking through the barriers of a predominantly white, female-dominated profession as an African American male nurse practitioner.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Sargent reflects on his experiences—never seeing Black male nurse educators during his studies—and how that absence motivated him to push harder and reach higher. He also dives into his groundbreaking work in addressing workplace violence in healthcare. His research reveals how trauma-informed care and cultural humility are critical to reducing incidents of violence and creating safer environments for healthcare providers. With healthcare workers facing an alarming rate of workplace violence, Dr. Sargent's efforts are not only timely but essential.

Dr. Sargent also opens up about the deeply personal connections he forms with patients, including Black men who find comfort and trust in seeing a provider who understands their unique experiences. His work in treating underserved populations, breaking down the stigma around mental health, and advocating for cultural competence in care is both inspiring and vital.

Whether you're a healthcare professional, a student, or someone passionate about diversity in healthcare, this episode offers an inside look at how one nurse is making a difference. Dr. Sargent also shares his experiences as an educator, helping shape the next generation of nurses and the vital role the MFP played in his success.

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.

Learn more about Dr. Sargent at https://emfp.org/mfp-fellows/thomas-sargent

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 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/

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

Throughout the episode, Dr. Boston-Leary delves into the transformative journey of the MFP, discussing its pivotal role in addressing disparities in underserved communities and its evolution as a model for inclusive care. She also explores the broader context of nursing history, the ongoing challenges of equity and inclusion within the profession, and the vital importance of sustaining and expanding programs like the MFP to foster a diverse and culturally competent workforce.

Tune in to hear Dr. Boston-Leary's reflections on the future of the MFP, her vision for continued progress in health care equity, and her inspiring advice for current and future fellows navigating the complex landscape of nursing and mental health care. This episode offers a compelling look at the past, present, and future of the MFP, emphasizing the enduring need for dedicated efforts to support and uplift minority communities within the nursing profession.

Key Topics:

• The 50-year legacy of the Minority Fellowship Program
• The role of the American Nurses Association in promoting diversity and inclusion
• Historical and ongoing challenges in nursing related to equity and representation
• The unique impact and importance of the MFP in supporting underserved communities
• Future directions and opportunities for the MFP and nursing profession

Don't miss this engaging conversation with Dr. Katie Boston-Leary, filled with valuable insights and powerful reflections on the journey towards a more equitable and inclusive nursing profession.

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 this third episode of "Mental Health Trailblazers, Psychiatric Nurses Speak Up!" host Indrias Kassaye speaks with Dr. Mary Lou de Leon Siantz, a distinguished alumna of the Minority Fellowship Program at the American Nurses Association. As the podcast continues to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the SAMHSA Minority Fellowship Program, Dr. Siantz offers a compelling historical perspective on mental health and substance use disorder care for Latino communities over the past five decades.

Dr. Siantz provides an in-depth look at the unique challenges faced by Hispanic populations, emphasizing the critical need for culturally tailored mental health services. She discusses the evolution of community-based care models and the importance of interdisciplinary partnerships in improving mental health outcomes.

Listeners will gain valuable insights from Dr. Siantz's personal journey, her pioneering work with the Migrant Head Start program, and her impactful research on the mental health needs of migrant children and families. This episode highlights the resilience of immigrant communities and the ongoing efforts to bridge gaps in mental health care.

In addition, Dr. Siantz shares her inspiring vision for the future of nursing, which includes the integration of advanced technologies and genomics in mental health care, and even envisions nurse researchers traveling to space to address mental health needs in extraterrestrial environments. Her passion for innovation and commitment to culturally competent care exemplify the transformative potential of the nursing profession.

Join us for a powerful conversation that underscores the importance of culturally competent care and the transformative impact of the Minority Fellowship Program in shaping the future of psychiatric nursing.

Bonus: Earn Free CNE Credits! Nurses can earn Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) credits by listening to this episode. For more details on how to claim your free CNE credits, please check the information provided below.

Learn more about Dr. Mary Lou de Leone Siantz at https://emfp.org/about-us/national-advisory-committee/mary-lou-de-leon-siantz

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.

Join us for an enlightening conversation on "Mental Health Trailblazers, Psychiatric Nurses Speak Up!" with your host Indrias Kassaye and the distinguished Dr. Gary Lawrence, Director of Nursing at the Choctaw Nation Health Services Authority. In this second episode of 50 Years – Reflect and Project, celebrating half a century of the SAMHSA Minority Fellowship Program at the American Nurses Association, Dr. Lawrence shares his inspiring journey from being an LPN, detoxing patients in rural Oklahoma, to becoming a pioneering mental health researcher and advocate for Native American communities.

Dr. Lawrence, an alumnus of the Minority Fellowship Program, discusses the evolution of mental health care for Native Americans over the past half-century. He provides a candid look at the historical challenges faced by these communities, from lack of preventative care to the enduring impact of historical trauma. Dr. Lawrence highlights the significance of cultural buffers—practices like storytelling, powwows, and traditional games—as vital tools for healing and resilience.

Discover how Dr. Lawrence's work is bridging gaps in behavioral health care, leveraging culturally relevant interventions, and mentoring the next generation of Native American nurses and researchers. His vision for the future is both hopeful and empowering, emphasizing the importance of continuing the legacy of the Minority Fellowship Program to foster new leaders who will carry forward the work of healing and transformation.

Tune in to hear Dr. Lawrence's reflections on the past, insights into present challenges, and his inspiring vision for the future of mental health care in Native American communities. This is an episode rich with wisdom, hope, and a call to action for all who are passionate about making a difference in underrepresented communities.

Learn more about Dr. Lawrence at https://emfp.org/mfp-fellows/gary-l-lawrence You can listen to ‘The Ballad of Ira Hayes’ by Johnny Cash, mentioned by Dr. Lawrence in this conversation, here https://youtu.be/oEwSwQtSmDQ or read the lyrics at https://www.musixmatch.com/lyrics/Johnny-Cash/The-Ballad-of-Ira-Hayes

Bonus: Earn Free CNE Credits! Nurses can earn Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) credits by listening to this episode. 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.