Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Credentials
Certification
Timeline
Hi, I’m

April VanMilligan

Summary

Professional with substantial background in psychiatric and mental health services, delivering impactful patient care. Skilled in patient assessment, diagnosis, and therapeutic interventions, with strong focus on pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. Collaborative team player, adaptable to changing needs, and reliable in achieving results. Known for excellent communication, empathy, and critical thinking skills.

Overview

8
years of professional experience
1
Certification

Work History

YMJ Mental Health Services

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
05.2024 - Current

Job overview

  • Delivered comprehensive psychiatric care to a culturally diverse, low-income population with high-acuity mental health needs, primarily covered by Medicaid services.
  • Conducted thorough psychiatric evaluations to assess a broad range of diagnoses, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, and trauma-related conditions.
  • Developed personalized treatment plans that integrated evidence-based approaches to medication management and individual psychotherapy.
  • Prescribed and monitored psychotropic medications, tailoring interventions based on clinical indicators and patient progress.
  • Provided individual therapy sessions to address acute and chronic mental health concerns, fostering therapeutic connections and promoting patient resilience.
  • Educated patients and families about mental health conditions, treatment options, and lifestyle adjustments to support sustained recovery.
  • Actively collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, including social workers, case managers, and primary care providers, to optimize patient outcomes and ensure continuity of care.
  • Navigated complex social determinants of health, advocating for patient access to resources and services to address socioeconomic barriers impacting mental well-being.
  • Demonstrated cultural competency and sensitivity in addressing the unique challenges faced by underserved populations.
  • This role reflects a commitment to equitable mental health care and the ability to deliver high-quality psychiatric services in a demanding outpatient setting.

University of Chicago-Ingalls Memorial Hospital

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
05.2024 - Current

Job overview

• Independently managed inpatient psychiatry patients assigned to our service, providing comprehensive care to patients with acute psychiatric needs.

• Conducted psychiatric evaluations, developed individualized treatment plans, and implemented evidence-based interventions.

• Delivered care to patients transitioning out of the hospital, ensuring seamless integration into outpatient services.

• Facilitated outpatient intensive programming designed to serve as a step-down program for post-hospitalization patients or as a preventive measure for those at risk of hospitalization.

• Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient outcomes and ensure continuity of care.

• Provided psychoeducation to patients and families, empowering them with tools to manage mental health.

• Monitored and adjusted treatment plans based on patient progress and clinical indicators, aiming to achieve sustained recovery.

Advocate Children's Hospital

PICU/Pediatrics Float Pool Registered Nurse
05.2018 - 08.2024

Job overview

  • Served as a clinical resource unit registered nurse in general pediatrics and intensive care
  • Led the behavioral de-escalation team for education across the entire hospital, equipping staff with tools and strategies for effectively managing high-stress situations.
  • Served as a key member of the pediatric behavioral rapid response team, providing timely and specialized interventions for patients experiencing acute behavioral crises.
  • Cared for patients with cardiology, hematology, oncology, trauma and/or medical-surgical health concerns
  • Collaborated with treatment teams, residents, fellows, and attending physicians to provide exemplary care to patients and families
  • Sought out multiple educational opportunities to expand pediatric care knowledge

Methodist Hospitals

Pediatric Clinical Educator/Charge Nurse
06.2017 - 06.2019

Job overview

  • Company Overview: Served as a registered nurse at a Magnet accredited hospital
  • Coordinated and authored pediatric education and monthly presentations for all pediatric nurses
  • Collaborated with treatment teams to provide the best possible outcomes for patients at time of discharge
  • Monitored and supervised staff to provide competent care and maintain a balanced budget
  • Audited charting, intravenous lines, indwelling catheters, and other patient safety standards to prevent hospital acquired infections or safety flaws
  • Served as a registered nurse at a Magnet accredited hospital

Education

Lewis University
Romeoville, IL

Master of Science from Nursing
05.2024

University Overview

  • Graduated with honors in the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program
  • Inducted into Sigma Theta Tau for excelling in my field of education

Indiana University

Bachelor of Science from Nursing
05.2017

University Overview

  • Generalist focused with critical care and pediatrics
  • Multiple time Deans list and Chancellor's list awards
  • Elected as President of the Student Government Association

Skills

  • Patient assessment
  • Treatment planning
  • Crisis intervention
  • Evidence-based practice
  • Electronic health records
  • Therapeutic communication
  • Multidisciplinary collaboration
  • Patient education

Credentials

Credentials
  • MSN
  • APRN
  • PMHNP-BC
  • CPN

Certification

  • Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, American Nurses Credentialing Center - 2024
  • Master Psychopharmacology Program, Neuroscience Education Institute - 2023
  • Certified Pediatric Nurse, Pediatric Nursing Certification Board - 2019

Timeline

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
YMJ Mental Health Services
05.2024 - Current
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
University of Chicago-Ingalls Memorial Hospital
05.2024 - Current
PICU/Pediatrics Float Pool Registered Nurse
Advocate Children's Hospital
05.2018 - 08.2024
Pediatric Clinical Educator/Charge Nurse
Methodist Hospitals
06.2017 - 06.2019
Indiana University
Bachelor of Science from Nursing
Lewis University
Master of Science from Nursing
April VanMilligan