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Portrait of Michael Nastase

Honor Society® member

Michael Nastase

Registered Nurse Children & Adolescent Psychiatry at Halifax Behavioral Services at Halifax Health Medical Center, Daytona Beach, FL

  • Palm Beach Atlantic University
  • masters of science in nursing
  • Class of 2024
  • New Smyrna Beach, FL

Member since December 2023

About

I am deeply engaged in a Doctor of Nursing Practice program with a concentration in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Palm Beach Atlantic University. My scholarly foundation took root at Florida State University and Keiser University, where I earned my Bachelor's in Exercise Science and Nursing. My current professional role as a Children and Adolescent Psychiatric Registered Nurse has become a personal testament to my own journey through mental health challenges, including my inpatient psychiatric hospitalization. Far from daunting to me, these experiences have galvanized my commitment to embody hope for those wrestling with their own mental health battles. Faith and spirituality have been essential in overcoming countless obstacles, endowing me with resilience and a unique perspective that I incorporate into my practice.

My innate strengths provide me with the ability to gracefully overcome the complex challenges that can overwhelm those unaccustomed to the intense environment of inpatient psychiatric care. Embracing these challenges, I am deeply committed to championing the cause of children with autism, driven by my resolve to correct the worrying trend of misdiagnoses leading to unnecessary Baker Acts. This issue touches my heart and compels me to pursue meaningful advancements in care vigorously.

Education

  • Palm Beach Atlantic University

    Doctor of Nursing Practice - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP-PMHNP)

    2023 – 2026

  • Keiser University

    Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

    2020 – 2022

  • Florida State University

    Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

    2010 – 2014

Honors and awards

  • Honor Society

    Based on your scholastic success, you've been united with the foremost academic society in America, a network that joins high-achieving students from Palm Beach Atlantic University with fellow high performers nationwide.

Goals and interests

Career goal

As I journey toward the completion of my DNP-PMHNP, I aspire to be a beacon of support and trust, illuminating the path for my future patients and their families. My unwavering commitment to mental health is fortified by my dedication to elevating awareness and spearheading research that will catalyze seismic shifts in creating a brighter, more hopeful future for those we serve.

Graduate school interests

Children and Adolescent Psychiatry, spirituality and religiosity integrated into mental health care, advocating for mental health policy reform, interweaving servant nurse leadership into practice.

Outside the classroom

My connection with the great outdoors is one of my most treasured pursuits. I revel in a variety of wilderness activities including hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, and indulging in the beauty of nature through site-seeing. My love of exploration extends beyond the borders of the familiar, with Italy being a favorite international destination; however, the allure of discovering new cultures on other continents continually beckons.

Mindfulness and meditation are practices I hold dear, helping to center my thoughts and bring tranquility into my busy life. My passion for advocacy drives me to support children and adolescents within the psychiatric community, striving to make a positive impact on their lives.

Family means the world to me, and I cherish moments spent with my extensive Italian relatives. The kitchen is a haven where I hone the culinary skills passed down from my mother and grandmother, creating hearty home-cooked meals.

The Caribbean's serene waters call to me, and I welcome the relaxation and adventure found on cruises through its picturesque isles. Culinary exploration is yet another joy, as I'm always eager to tantalize my taste buds with new and exciting flavors.

Above all, sharing these diverse hobbies with my husband is what truly enriches these experiences, making each moment more memorable and our bond ever stronger.

Experience

  • Registered Nurse Children & Adolescent Psychiatry

    Halifax Behavioral Services at Halifax Health Medical Center, Daytona Beach, FL

    Dec 2022 – Feb 2024

Volunteering

  • Volunteer

    Second Harvest Food Bank Volusia County Florida

    Aug 2023 – Dec 2023

Languages

  • English (US) Fluent
  • Italian Intermediate

Additional information