NP Spotlight: Patricia D. Bursnall, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC
In this NP Psych Navigator Spotlight, we are proud to introduce Patricia (Tricia) D. Bursnall, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC. Tricia’s odyssey into nursing weaves together mentorship, adventure, and a relentless pursuit of holistic healing. Her career reflects her dedication to comprehensive patient care.
Weaving a Unique Healthcare Journey
Tricia’s path into healthcare was not a direct route but a meandering one, rich with varied experiences. Her academic journey began with an undergraduate degree in psychology from Georgetown University in 1995, but her passion for cycling then led her on an 18-month world bike touring adventure. Upon her return, she delved into exercise management, refining her expertise as a sports trainer and massage therapist. It was during this period that she met Dr Arlene Stein, a respected nurse practitioner and the mentor who eventually inspired her to pursue nursing. Tricia initially decided to seek a master’s degree in counseling and human services and began working with children and their families, but she felt there was a gap in addressing both physical and mental health in her role. Her kinesthetic learning style fueled her desire to understand the body from the inside out and care for people holistically. This realization redirected her to nursing in 2008, and she discovered that her diverse experiences greatly enriched her patient care.
Quest for Holistic Healing
Tricia’s initial venture as a trauma nurse was a profound period of growth, laying the groundwork for a broader vision in her patient care. While she encountered complex medical scenarios in the hospital that fueled her desire to delve deeper into medicine, her other experiences nudged her to ponder whether she was getting the full picture of her patients. This led Tricia to pursue another master’s degree in nursing from Georgetown University and to become a family nurse practitioner (FNP). She started working at 2 federally qualified health centers and the University of Colorado, where colleagues often sought her advice regarding mental health matters given her background in therapy. This prompted Tricia to deepen her understanding of psychiatry, earning a second certification as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). Yet, her drive to influence healthcare on a larger scale did not stop. Tricia pursued and completed a doctorate in nursing practice at the University of Colorado, enabling her to spearhead systemic changes at her current institution, the Peak Vista Community Health Center, particularly in improving bipolar disorder screening and fostering collaboration between primary and psychiatric care.
A Rose and a Thorn in Mental Health
In the demanding field of mental health, Tricia confronts a stark reality: the inability to provide immediate care to every patient in need. Despite resource constraints, Tricia remains committed to the community.
But the most rewarding moments in Tricia’s career stem from witnessing the tremendous resilience of the human spirit. She finds fulfillment in seeing patients who, once debilitated by severe mental health conditions, begin to reclaim their lives. The transformation in her patients is a powerful affirmation of Tricia’s work.
Future Aspirations for Comprehensive Patient Care
Tricia embodies the principles of collaboration, education, and self-reflection in her practice. She believes in the synergy of working alongside other healthcare professionals to deliver care that addresses the whole person, including social determinants of health. Her dedication to ongoing education, as exemplified by her development of a new PMHNP fellowship program at the Peak Vista Community Health Center, ensures she remains an informed and capable clinician. Moreover, Tricia’s commitment to self-reflection cultivates authenticity and growth, both personally and professionally. These principles guide her every step as she endeavors to provide compassionate, patient-centered care.
Amidst these advancements, Tricia continues to find comfort and guidance in her conversations with Dr Stein. At nearly 89 years old, Dr Stein remains a pillar in Tricia’s life—a mentor whose intellect and experience in nursing continue to inspire her. It is this blend of personal mentorship and professional aspiration that drives Tricia to push the boundaries of mental healthcare, ensuring that her patients receive the holistic care they deserve.
