Ana Valencia
I’ve always had a special interest and passion for the mental health field which led me to dedicating my entire nursing career to mental health. My experience first started in 2008 by working as a registered nurse on an adult inpatient behavioral health unit in Des Moines. I loved working in the inpatient setting, but after a few years, I wanted to do more for my patients and decided to advance my education and career. I have now worked in an outpatient, clinic setting for over 11 years providing medication management for adult clients from all walks of life.
As a provider, I strongly believe in a collaborative approach. I will provide recommendations based on a client’s report, but I also value a client’s opinions, feedback and apprehensions regarding medication management. I believe if the process is felt more as team versus a provider-client approach, there is greater success for all. I am also a firm believer in providing thorough education on medications; indications for use, how they work, and possible side effects. I feel if a client has a better understanding of what to expect from medication management, there are less frustrations which provides a more positive outcome.
Ana Valencia
MSN, ARNP, PMHNP-BC