Book excerpt: Discover how the psychiatric nursing profession must evolve to meet the opportunities and challenges of the next century! This forward-thinking book prepares psychiatric nurses for emerging advanced practice roles as clinicians, managers, educators, consultants, policy makers, researchers and leaders. This joint effort between Mosby and the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) critically examines the current knowledge base, clinical practice, roles, and issues that will continue to have a major impact on the specialty of psychiatric nursing. The book presents the latest information in science and research, relevant concepts and models, technology and informatics, role development, ethical and legal considerations, and policy implications affecting advanced practice psychiatric nurses. * An official publication of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA). * Covers all major aspects of advanced practice mental health nursing. * Contributed by experts from APNA, other psychiatric nursing associations, and consumer groups. * Lists web sites and other available resources in a special Resources and Connections section in each chapter. * Provides policy statements, standards, listing of graduate programs, and resources in helpful appendixes.