Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Finds Career Extremely Rewarding
Rhonda Fried is a psychiatric nurse practitioner at the Mathers Clinic in Crystal Lake. Fried states that she loves her job at the Mathers Clinic where she has worked for the last 3 years, since the Community Mental Health Center, Family Services and Community Mental Health closed due to a loss of funding. Fried enjoys figuring out the puzzle to what people need in their lives to live happier and healthier. Fried graduated with her Master of Science degree in psychiatric nursing from Rush College of Nursing in Chicago.
What are the scope and responsibilities of your current role?
"I evaluate and treat adolescents to seniors with a wide variety of mental health issues from ADHD to Bipolar Disorder. I diagnose and prescribe their medications. I recommend various supplements such as L methylfolate and Mood probiotics to improve their general health and response to medications. I provide psychotherapy for some of my patients, time permitting."
What is your favorite part of your daily duties?
"[My favorite part of my duties is] when patients return and are feeling and functioning better. One young woman and one young man returned for their first follow ups today from their intakes a month ago and both are feeling significantly better. When I see that, I'm very happy. When I figure out what people need, it makes me very happy. Sometimes people think they have anxiety and depression, and they really have ADHD or bipolar disorder, so when I figure out and address the underlying disorder, they feel so much better, and their quality of life is improved."
Do you feel your education prepared you for your current role?
"Yes, and on the job training, and lots and lots of experience, both personal and professional."
Do you have any advice for people who desire to pursue a similar career?
"If you really desire to help people, this is a wonderful profession. It's a lot of hard work to complete all the schooling, and it is hard work day to hear all the sad stories and struggles, but the ability to really help another human being improve the quality of their life is unbelievably rewarding."
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