ElizabethFrancisDNP, MSN, PMHNP-BC(She/Her)

Summary

• Integrity-driven, doctorally prepared psychiatric nurse practitioner with a strong clinical background in emergency medicine and behavioral health, providing exceptional care to patients across the lifespan with varying acuity levels. Dynamic history of leadership with a significant record of contributions to quality improvement.
  
  I graduated in May 2019 Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I was elected by my peers to serve as the President of my nursing class for the 2.5 year duration of my undergraduate program at Cox College. I was also selected by my nursing professors to be a student ambassador to represent the college, coordinate with alumni, and help recruit new students. I worked my first 4 years after graduation as an ER nurse full-time and in various inpatient and outpatient mental health settings per diem, caring for patients across the lifespan.
  
  I graduated from Duke University in May 2024 with both my Masters (PMHNP specialty) and Doctorate degrees in nursing. Duke has been ranked the #1 PMHNP program in the nation for 4 consecutive years. I currently work as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner at two outpatient, nurse practitioner-owned private psychiatric practices in Kansas. In addition, I am adjunct faculty in Duke's psychiatric mental health graduate nursing program, an APNA board member in the Kansas state chapter, and have published a quality improvement initiative in the Journal of Emergency Nurses.
  
  A personal research interest of mine focuses on understanding how psychoplastogens— drugs such as psilocybin and ketamine that stimulate the neurotrophic cascade leading to neuroplasticity— can be used to treat mood disorders. I’m passionate about integrating psychotherapy into practice, healthcare policy, the mechanism of action, genetic implications, and environmental influences that contribute to the development and progression of neuropsychiatric illnesses, and abolishing the stigma around mental health disorders.

Duke Nursing Magazine Feature
Spring/Summer 2024 issue, page 11

Cox College Alumni Magazine Feature
Page 15-16