Alyse Hawk

How would you describe your college experience?

The one general statement I can make about my life through college is that I am a completely different person now than in my freshman year, due primarily to the knowledge that I’ve gained both inside and outside of the classroom.  Some of my best experiences have been with the people I’ve met in student organizations and “specialty” classes.  It is amazing how easily college can bring together groups with similar interests and goals, which can then increase your learning experience exponentially! 

When did you know that you wanted to major in a STEM discipline?

I knew in middle school that I love science—especially anything to do with animals.  I continued to enjoy biology in high school, and chose to take biology courses in college (even when I already had enough science credits).  I had to “learn to love” chemistry, since math wasn’t my greatest subject, but then I realized that psychology had quite a lot to do with biology as well!  (And less to do with advanced math!)  I still love both biology and chemistry areas, and thankfully I can use them in my everyday practice of prescribing and diagnosing illnesses. 

What is the most rewarding thing that you do in your job as a STEM professional?

The best part of my day is when a patient (or anyone I can help) tells me that they finally feel better.  When someone who has felt out of control of their life, moods, and behaviors finally experiences success, it is the most rewarding event of my day.

What would you tell a middle or high school girl about careers in STEM?

No matter what STEM career you choose, you will never be faced with boredom in your work.  Furthermore, your activities each day will never feel like real “work!”  The research and knowledge in STEM careers is constantly changing and developing with the growing evidence of practice in each field.  If you truly enjoy your work, then you will continuously be excited to discover new knowledge that will change the nature of what you do. 

What should middle and high school girls be doing to prepare themselves for college and a STEM careers?

Begin as soon as possible requesting STEM-based classes in middle and high school, and never be afraid to push yourself to succeed in even the most difficult classes and assignments.  Take advantage of any “advanced” classes that are offered—they usually provide a better teacher-to-student ratio, which will give you more access to the teacher’s knowledge and attention. 

What advice do you have for teachers and counselors who are assisting students prepare for a STEM major and career?

Never give up on students who express an interest in a STEM specialty, or any means of furthering their education!  Even if you question a student’s ability to excel in a subject, he/she deserves your full support and guidance.  This is especially true if the student does not have a strong social support base at home, or even in school.  If they have difficulty believing in themselves, the best and most helpful messages you can give are ones of support, self-worth, and confidence!

What career advice would you give to girls if you only have two minutes?

Always remain open-minded about your career choice and path.  Many times when we follow the path of our initial major or career, we find that it is not all we expected.  Or, we can sometimes choose a career and feel confident in our choice, to only learn about different avenues that also interest us later.  This is normal for everyone—it means that we are well-rounded human beings with diverse skills and interests.  This should be taken as a new opportunity to modify your original plans, and may evolve into something that you love but never knew existed!

Never allow anyone to lower your beliefs about your abilities.  You may be faced with classes, assignments, projects, internships, and professors that make you think, “Can I really do this?”  But the answer should always be the same:  “Of course I can!”  If another human in this world has done whatever lies ahead of you before, then you can be sure that it can be done again.  Job description of a Psychiatric/Mental Health NP (PMHNP): 

• Assess patients' mental and physical status based on the presenting symptoms and complaints.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members, including psychiatrists, psychologists, or nursing staff, to develop, implement, or evaluate treatment plans.
• Consult with psychiatrists or other professionals when unusual or complex cases are encountered.
• Develop and implement treatment plans.
• Distinguish between physiologically and psychologically based disorders and diagnose appropriately.
• Educate patients and family members about mental health and medical conditions, preventive health measures, medications, or treatment plans.
• Monitor patients' medication usage and results.
• Participate in activities aimed at professional growth and development including conferences or continuing education activities.
• Teach classes in mental health topics such as stress reduction.
• Conduct individual, group, or family psychotherapy for those with chronic or acute mental disorders.
• Diagnose psychiatric disorders and mental health conditions.
• Document patients' medical and psychological histories, physical assessment results, diagnoses, treatment plans, prescriptions, or outcomes.
• Evaluate patients' behavior to formulate diagnoses or assess treatments.
• Participate in treatment team conferences regarding diagnosis or treatment of difficult cases.
• Refer patients requiring more specialized or complex treatment to psychiatrists, primary care physicians, or other medical specialists.
• Administer medications including those administered by injection.
• Develop practice protocols for mental health problems based on review and evaluation of published research.
• Develop, implement, or evaluate programs such as outreach activities, community mental health programs, and crisis situation response activities.
• Write prescriptions for psychotropic medications as allowed by state regulations and collaborative practice agreements.
• Direct or provide home health services.