title: The future of the psychiatric mental health clinical nurse specialist: evolution or extinction.
abstract: The role of the psychiatric mental health clinical nurse specialist (PMHCNS) is now in a precarious position. At first glance, some may say it is on the verge of extinction. In this article, a brief history of the role of the PMHCNS is reviewed along with current education, practice, role, and American Nurses Credentialing Center certification of the PMHCNS. The future implications and considerations of the unique functions of the PMHCNS for an advanced practice registered nurse with a psychiatric mental health specialization are discussed.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing and Health, Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, OH 45435-0001, USA. anita.dempsey@wright.edu
authors.forename: Anita
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dempsey
authors.forename: Judy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ribak
mesh_terms: D005544:Forecasting; D016294:Models, Nursing; D008960:Models, Psychological; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000639:trends; D013041:Specialties, Nursing; D000078329:Workforce