BHECN-ARPA News

News regarding the BHECN-ARPA Awards Project -- January 2025

ARPA Spotlight No. 11: Creighton University College of Nursing

This month's ARPA awardee profile features Creighton University College of Nursing in Omaha. Sara Banzhaf, PhD, pictured right, tells us more about her team's project, which received support in the Behavioral Health Training and Education Opportunities category.


Tell us about your project and what made you want to pursue it?


Our project is titled, "Leveraging an Academic-Service Partnership to Increase Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners in Nebraska." The purpose of this project is to expedite increases in the behavioral health provider workforce in Nebraska by increasing the number of advanced practice nurse practitioners (APRN) currently practicing in the state who are dual-certified as psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners. My goal in leading a team to apply for this grant was to increase access to quality mental health services in our state.


What do you find most exciting about the project?


The most exciting part of this project is to hear students share their experiences and how they are applying the knowledge and skills learned in our program in their clinical practices. It is so rewarding to hear the compassion and empathy in their voices as they grow in understanding of the various psychiatric-mental health disorders, and specifically how they view their role of making a future measurable difference to increase access to quality mental health services. 


What do you see as the biggest barrier to success for the project?


The biggest barrier to success of this program includes the availability of preceptors to ensure clinical practicum experiences across the lifespan. Additionally, the multiple competing demands of post-graduate students, who are balancing their current full-time nurse practitioner roles, in addition to family and other personal responsibilities, while participating in a full-time program to learn a new specialty.


What learnings have you gleaned from the project so far?


Establishment of academic and community partnerships is critical to ensure students have quality clinical experiences. Establishment of monthly meetings is important for ongoing communication and planning. We've also seen how important it is for faculty to be flexible and available to students prior to and throughout the program to provide support and meet the students where they are. Provision of education and resources on the priority of self-care and the establishment of reflective practices are also essential components.


Learn more about the Creighton College of Nursing here.

Next BHECN Lifelong Learning Fund application cycle opens February 1

BHECN will accept applications for the next round of Lifelong Learning Fund awards starting February 1! The application cycle closes February 15.


BHECN’s Lifelong Learning Fund (LLF) provides support for student development and training, behavioral health practitioner (provisionally or fully licensed) professional development opportunities, and statewide training events.


This opportunity is available to all behavioral health practitioners, including both provisionally and fully licensed providers, as well as trainees such as undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate students who currently reside in Nebraska. Applicants must not have received funding from the BHECN LLF in the past five years. Priority will be given to those who serve rural and public sector communities and those requesting training in evidence-based modalities.


Licensed practitioners or behavioral health organizations will be able to apply for funds to host a Statewide Training Event focused on enhancing clinical delivery and/or increasing access to care.


Applications for this round will be for events between February 28 and June 30.


Learn more and access the application here. 


Contact bhecnprograms@unmc.edu if you need more information about the LLF.

BHECN telehealth training module updated, offers certificate of completion

The Telehealth Training module, created by BHECN and the Psychology Department at the Munroe-Meyer Institute, has been updated and now offers a certificate of completion.


This free module provides up-to-date information on how to use telehealth to provide behavioral health services. Learn best practices for telehealth etiquitte, how to select the appropriate telehealth platform, legal considerations at state and national levels, and more.


See the module for details on how to receive the certificate.


Opportunities for collaboration



BOYS TOWN OFFERING OPPORTUNITIES IN GRAND ISLAND


Boys Town is hiring a clinic director and staff psychologist in Grand Island. Loan forgiveness and opportunities for training and supervision are available. Learn more about the positions at the Boys Town careers page.


NEBRASKA TELEBEHAVIORAL HEALTH NETWORK LOOKING FOR LIMHP/LISW


The Nebraska Telebehavioral Health Network, a new project that aims to provide telehealth services in rural parts of the state, seeks Licensed Independent Mental Health Providers or Licensed Independent Social Workers to work 10 to 35 hours a week either remotely or at one of their participating health centers. Learn more about the position, including how to apply, here.


FOUR CORNERS HEALTH DEPARTMENT SEEKS PRACTITIONER


Four Corners Health Department in York seeks a Graduate-Level Student or Provisional Mental Health Practitioner. This position will be involved in integrated behavioral health activities and public health programming within the Four Corners Health Department. The ability to set priorities, organize and coordinate work efficiently, and establish positive relationships with co-workers, clients, team members, health care and community partners is required. For questions call Laura at (402) 362-2621. To apply, email a resume to LauraM@fourcorners.ne.gov.   


Contact BHECN Strategic Communications Manager Chuck Brown at chubrown@unmc.edu if you would like to share a job, supervision, or collaboration opportunity.

Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska

984242 NE Medical Center

Omaha, NE 68198-4242

Phone: 402-552-7697

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