Anna Raymaker is finding her passion as a PMHNP.
Anna Raymaker, BSN, DNP, ARNP, PMHNP-BC, works at Confluence Health, a community health organization in Wenatchee, WA. She has been an AAPPN clinical member since 2022 and a very active Legislative Committee member.
She has been working in healthcare for more than 15 years, starting as a nursing assistant from 2010-12, RN from 2013-20, and finally as a psychiatric ARNP since 2021.
Anna worked with various health care needs populations prior to becoming a PMHNP. She worked with pediatric populations, from children with genetic conditions and burn injuries to teens with depression and eating disorders. She also cared for adults with various health issues, including adults needing joint replacements, those with cancer and some at the end of their life, and later with those experiencing homelessness with substance use challenges.
Equipped with her many years of caring for diverse patients, she is finding her passion as a PMHNP, making “connections with patients and their families and understanding their values.”
We asked Anna to share her experience as a PMHNP and as an AAPPN volunteer.
Tell us a little about your journey to becoming a PMHNP.
I was a nurse who practiced in a variety of settings, never really staying in a particular specialty for very long.
When I was working in hospice, it dawned on me how central supporting mental health is in all specialties and settings, yet it seemed like many providers were uncomfortable with broaching mental illness.
To be honest, I was motivated to become a PMHNP so I could become competent and confident in supporting all sorts of mental health (and life!) challenges.
What do you enjoy about your current practice?
I work for a fairly large hospital and clinic system, which is somewhat surprising, as sometimes large hospital systems can come with a lot of political and financial goals that can be hard to navigate.
But I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how I can practice in a way that aligns with my values (as I would if I were in private practice) and still be supported by a wide range of providers and staff that make it easy to (actually) take time off from work. I feel like I have the best of both worlds in my current role.
What do you do for your own self-care practice?
I’ll admit, I’ve historically found my role as a nurse central to my identity. But as I’ve moved along in my career, it’s definitely become just one part of how I see myself.
I also identify as an athlete and a gardener, and I take a lot of time with these other parts of me, which then makes the ‘nurse’ part of my identity more fun to return to when I am working. I find this balance prevents burnout, which I have definitely had before!
You have been involved in AAPPN’s Legislative Committee. What motivated you to get involved, and what keeps you engaged?
I’ve always been interested in politics and history. Before nursing, I was pursuing a political science degree. So, I’ve always been interested in how history and the law shape our community.
I learn so much about a broad range of topics when I attend Legislative Committee meetings, which is why I really enjoy being part of the Legislative Committee. It keeps me engaged and interested in the things going on that ultimately shape our practice and our lives.
What does AAPPN mean to you and your career development?
I’m so appreciative of the opportunities for learning and networking that AAPPN offers, which keep me engaged and always learning.
Do you have any words to live by?
I try to approach most situations with curiosity, which allows me to take on different perspectives and try things I might not ordinarily try — which can lead to some pretty positive and interesting things!
Many thanks to Kay Tanaka and Anna Raymaker for their help writing this article.