Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice, 2nd Edition

The Problem This Book Solves

Psychiatric-mental health nursing demands clarity on professional boundaries, competencies, and ethical expectations. Without an authoritative reference, nurses risk inconsistent practice across settings and levels of care. The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice, 2nd Edition addresses this gap by providing the definitive framework for PMH nursing practice as established by the American Nurses Association (ANA).

This 2014 publication consolidates the essential knowledge every PMH nurse needs to deliver safe, competent, and ethical care. Whether you are a student entering the specialty or an experienced practitioner seeking to align with national standards, this book resolves the critical problem of practice variability.

What Is Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice, 2nd Edition?

This is the official ANA publication that defines the scope of practice for psychiatric-mental health nursing and sets 17 national standards of practice and professional performance. The standards cover all aspects of PMH nursing, from assessment and diagnosis to ethics and collaboration.

The 2nd edition reflects the evolution of the specialty and the healthcare environment. It serves as the foundation for certification, curriculum development, and clinical guidelines. Each standard includes competencies for both the registered nurse (RN) and the advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) in psychiatric-mental health nursing.

Who Should Read This Book?

This book is essential for every psychiatric-mental health nurse, regardless of practice setting or experience level. It is a core resource for:

• PMH nurses in inpatient, outpatient, and community settings
• Nursing students specializing in psychiatric-mental health
• Nurse educators developing PMH curricula
• Healthcare administrators establishing PMH practice guidelines
• APRNs seeking to align with national standards
• Certification candidates preparing for PMH board exams
• Any nurse wanting to understand the scope and standards of this specialty

Inside: What You Will Master

The 17 standards are organized into two domains: Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance. Here are the key areas covered:

1. Assessment – Systematic data collection and analysis for PMH patients
2. Diagnosis – Formulation of nursing diagnoses and health promotion
3. Outcomes Identification – Setting measurable goals for patient care
4. Planning – Developing individualized care plans based on evidence
5. Implementation – Performing interventions, including therapeutic communication and medication management
6. Evaluation – Assessing progress and modifying care as needed
7. Ethics and Advocacy – Upholding ethical principles and patient rights

Additional standards address education, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, leadership, collaboration, and professional practice evaluation.

How It Compares

Unlike generic nursing guides or outdated editions, this 2nd edition is the official ANA publication specifically for psychiatric-mental health nursing. It is the most current and authoritative resource available for PMH standards. Many online sources offer fragmented information, but this book provides the complete, integrated standards in one volume.

The book’s structure allows for easy reference during clinical practice and study. Each standard is clearly defined with measurable competencies. The focus on both basic and advanced practice ensures relevance across the entire PMH nursing spectrum.

Behind the Book

The American Nurses Association (ANA) is the premier organization representing the interests of the nation’s 4 million registered nurses. As the author of this publication, the ANA brings unparalleled authority to the scope and standards of nursing practice. The publisher, Nursesbooks.org, is the ANA’s official publishing arm, ensuring that this content meets the highest quality standards for nursing professionals.

This 2nd edition was developed through extensive input from PMH nurses and experts, making it a consensus-based document that reflects the real-world practice of the specialty.

Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. For any nurse practicing or studying psychiatric-mental health nursing, this book is not optional — it is a fundamental reference. The cost of the digital edition is far outweighed by the clarity it brings to your practice and the confidence it instills in your professional decisions.

As a peer-reviewed, ANA-endorsed resource, it offers the highest level of trustworthiness in the field. Without it, you are relying on incomplete or outdated information that may not align with current standards.

Start Reading Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing 2nd Edition – ANA Today

Secure the 2014 2nd edition of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice — the definitive guide from the American Nurses Association. Whether you are a student, educator, or practicing PMH nurse, this resource will be your go-to reference for competent, ethical practice.

Order your digital copy now for instant access and start aligning your practice with the national standards that define psychiatric-mental health nursing. Don’t rely on outdated or unofficial sources — choose the official ANA publication.