PMHNP program-University of Iowa College of Nursing

We are pleased to announce that another cohort of University of Iowa graduates has successfully defended their Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project, marking the culmination of a challenging journey that has refined their leadership skills and resolve. The future prospects for these newly minted PMHNP-DNPs appear exceptionally promising.

#9 PMHNP-DNP program in the country. Been a goal to be in the top 10…this belongs to all the students and alumni of this program and all the impact they have each and every day!!

A Historic Global Partnership: ISPN + ICN 🌍

We are thrilled to announce that the International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses (ISPN) is now a Specialty Affiliate of the International Council of Nurses (ICN)! 🤝

This is a monumental step for our field. ISPN is the only psychiatric-mental health affiliate for the ICN, making us the primary global representative for our specialty within the world's most influential nursing body.

Why this matters for our members:

✅ Global Impact: We now influence mental health policy at the international level (ICN & WHO).
✅ Global Connection: Access to an unparalleled network of international nursing leaders.
✅ Standard Setting: Helping define the future of advanced psychiatric nursing globally.
✅ Elevated Status: Global recognition of the unique expertise PMH nurses bring to healthcare.

As we enter this "New Era of Advocacy," we are proud to be connecting psychiatric nursing to the global healthcare stage.

🔗 Read more about the affiliation athttps://www.icn.ch/membership/specialist-affiliates

Scholarship due date has been extended--please consider and reach out to Kennedy with any questions.
"Apply for the:

$500 Education Scholarship

Eligibility Requirements:
APNA Iowa Chapter member (if not a current member, you may join and then apply)
Current student pursuing LPN, RN, APRN, or nursing-related advanced education

OR

$250 Nursing Continuing Professional Development Scholarship

Eligibility Requirements:
APNA Iowa Chapter member (if not a current member, you may join and then apply)
Maintain an active license as an LPN, RN, and/or APRN

View additional requirements and submit your application!

https://apna.wufoo.com/forms/kl3wem708ga9xc/

Deadline: December 1, 2025

Please reach out to [email protected] with questions.

We look forward to reviewing your applications!

Kennedy Thoren, DNP, ARNP, PMHNP-BC
APNA Iowa Chapter President"

apna.wufoo.com

One of our esteemed Iowa alumni!!

⭐️ Our Iowa Chapter Board spotlight series continues... ⭐️

Today's spotlight is... 🥁🥁🥁
Our current Iowa Chapter President Elect, Esther Huston, DNP, PMHNP-BC!

Born and raised in the heart of Iowa, Dr. Esther Huston is a doctorally prepared, board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) committed to walking alongside patients from all backgrounds. With a holistic, trauma-informed approach, she honors each individual’s unique life experiences and “season of life,” ensuring mental health care that is personalized, compassionate, and clinically sound.

Her passion lies in supporting individuals and families through the emotional complexities of pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Dr. Huston provides trauma-informed and
evidence-based care for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, birth trauma, grief, and the often-overlooked transition to parenthood. Her goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, empowered, and supported in their journey toward wellness—for themselves and their families.
With lived experience in the foster care system, Dr. Huston has seen firsthand how early adversity can shape development. This perspective fuels her unwavering commitment to trauma-
informed care and resilience-building. She brings this lens to every clinical encounter, helping patients identify their strengths and move toward healing and hope.

Dr. Huston is also a proud graduate of the University of Iowa’s Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program. This year-long, interdisciplinary
fellowship provided over 300 hours of training in areas such as disability policy, integrated systems design, and family-centered care. Through LEND, she deepened her advocacy skills for
individuals with disabilities and neurodevelopmental diagnoses, gained experience navigating complex healthcare systems, and learned to collaborate effectively across health, education, and
social service sectors.

When she’s not providing care, Dr. Huston cherishes time with her children, grandchildren, friends, and her spirited Aussiedoodle, Wrigley. She finds joy in nature hikes, outdoor concerts, gardening, traveling, and curling up with a good book.