Tami Hill, MSN, ARNP, PMHNP-BC works with individuals of all ages, and in previous roles she has worked in family medicine, pediatrics, and gastroenterology.
Mental Health
When Tami began her career as an RN, she knew she wanted to work in the mental health field. During her clinicals, she met and worked with many patients experiencing mental health challenges. Most notable for her was a patient who experienced very severe psychiatric symptoms, including visual and auditory hallucinations. Working with this patient served as a reminder for Tami as to why she began this career. As a result, it motivated her to continue.
In addition, it’s important to Tami to help break down the stigma around mental health in general. She is a compassionate and down to earth individual, giving her a natural ability to form and build relationships with others.
Relationships
Tami is well aware that relationships are a foundational part of mental health. Similarly, building and maintaining healthy relationships helps individuals feel secure and supported. It is no different with providers, meaning building relationships and encouraging collaboration are components of a successful treatment plan.
Further, Tami believes that when someone is on board with making a change or seeking help, they will see the best results. For example, in past roles she worked with individuals experiencing substance use disorders, and oftentimes they were forced into treatment. It was noticeable to Tami how differently things played out compared to when they were actually ready to tackle these obstacles.
Advocate
It is no surprise that this industry can be a tough one. There are hard days. However, some of Tami’s hardest days have created her most rewarding experiences. For instance, it’s important to her to advocate for those who don’t know how to advocate for themselves. For Tami, this was put into play with a patient who experienced mental health challenges and substance use. This patient had to be admitted somewhere else, as they had been in and out of the local facilities already. Tami took it upon herself to make those calls and put in the work, which took months, but she finally got it done.
As a result, she poses the question: “If someone is having chest pain, we don’t wait two months to get them to a cardiologist. Why is mental health any different?”
In addition to work, Tami enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, camping, and horseback riding.
To schedule an appointment with Tami, please send us a message or call our Cedar Falls clinic at 319-260-2149.
