Leigh Alexander

I am proud to say I have been a psychiatric nurse for 34 years. I am currently pursuing my post master psychiatric certification (PMH-NP) at Washburn University in Topeka, KS. The world of computers with on line classes has been daunting at times. We discussed such learning options way back when when I obtained my BSN at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg KS. It seemed like fantasy then yet is reality now! Ten years later, I pursued my CNS degree for psychiatric nursing at Wichita State University in Wichita, KS. I have been able to witness nursing move progressively in the world of technology.
My areas of expertise include trauma, eating disorders and addictions. I have been a staff nurse, team nurse, charge nurse, evening house supervisor and Nurse Manager for the eating disorders/trauma unit and Nurse Manager for the Professional in Crisis program, which was also a dual diagnosis program, with the eating disorder program reopening on this same unit. These positions were when I worked for 22 years at The Menninger Clinic (a private psychiatric hospital) before they moved to Houston in 2003.
With their departure, I took the brave step to open my private practice. I presently provide services for psychotropic medication management, individual psychotherapy and evaluations for individuals seeking bariatric surgery for weight loss management. In addition to these more recent accomplishments, I have had my exemplar eating disorder example published in a psychiatric nursing textbook, presented a three day workshop in Hattiesburg, MS on eating disorders and trauma, worked with the grass roots level to have the state of Kansas be chartered with the American Psychiatric Nursing Association (APNA) and held the first president-elect and second president position with the Kansas chapter (KPNA). I have also been an adjunct psychiatric nursing instructor for Baker University in Topeka, KS. In 1994, I visited China for two weeks on a tour for psychiatric nurses. We visited four cities and had enormous opportunities to see how our psychiatric cultures vary in addition to site seeing. The Great Wall is definitely a wonder.
I could not have completed these successful accomplishments without the support and faith of my loving spouse, my dear family, my loyal friends, the talented professional colleagues I have encountered through the years and the clients I have worked with. I have been truly blessed in my nursing endeavors.