For some, the path to their calling in life is clear from a young age, but for others, it takes time and experience to find their true purpose. Samantha Roche, a dedicated healthcare professional, belongs to the latter group. Her journey from a college freshman to a Registered Nurse (RN), and now a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), is a testament to the power of self-discovery and continuous education. Her story also highlights the crucial role of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Health Policy program at GW in shaping her career and aspirations.
Samantha's educational journey began as a freshman at GW in 1999, more than a decade before the GW School of Nursing was established. Over the years, she experienced numerous transfers and explored various academic paths. It wasn't until she embarked on a career as an RN that she realized nursing was her true calling. The journey from uncertainty to passion was a significant turning point in her life.
“As a bedside nurse, I quickly recognized the profound connection between mental and physical health,” said Samantha. “It became evident that the two couldn't be separated; mental well-being played a pivotal role in overall health.” This realization ignited her desire to become a PMHNP, allowing her to address both the physical and mental aspects of healthcare. Today, she operates an insurance-based private practice in New York, dedicated to providing mental health prescribing services to adults. While her work is undoubtedly fulfilling, she felt the urge to make a broader impact on the healthcare system.
“As a bedside nurse, I quickly recognized the profound connection between mental and physical health. It became evident that the two couldn't be separated; mental well-being played a pivotal role in overall health.”
Samantha's dedication to improving mental health care and the integration of behavioral health into primary care practices led her to pursue the DNP Health Policy program at GW. With this program, she saw an opportunity to learn the skills and knowledge needed to bring about real change in her community. The faculty's expertise and leadership in health policy further motivated her to drive improvements in healthcare accessibility and quality.
“As a DNP Health Policy student and a practicing PMHNP, my work in Suffolk County, New York focuses on the integration of behavioral and mental health into primary care practices,” she said. “My project's overarching goal is to enhance the adoption of integrated care models in the community. To achieve this, I conduct comprehensive policy analyses of federal legislation related to integrated care funding.” Simultaneously, Samantha engages in educational initiatives, targeting patients, providers, and legislators. By sharing the benefits of integrative models of care and guiding them towards available resources, she aims to make the implementation of these models feasible and effective.
Samantha is a passionate advocate for the Collaborative Care Model, firmly believing that integrated behavioral health care will soon become the standard. She has been actively engaged in promoting this model and making her case to various stakeholders. Her platform includes legislators, primary care providers, community organizations, and other key community stakeholders. Samantha's approach involves educating them about the model's benefits and connecting them with the necessary resources to build and enhance care integration in Suffolk County. Building strong relationships is a fundamental component of her policy advocacy, and as a PMHNP working within the same community, Samantha's personal commitment to improving mental health care is evident.
For Samantha, being a nurse practitioner is not just a profession; it's a source of immense pride. It represents the accomplishment she holds dearest, second only to her family. As an autonomous clinician and a small business owner, Samantha is dedicated to being the best NP she can be for her patients. Her unwavering commitment to patient care, her pursuit of further education in health policy, and her advocacy for integrated care models exemplify the remarkable impact a single healthcare professional can have on their community and the broader healthcare landscape.
