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A busy inpatient hallway, a tight clock, and a patient who needs more than a prescription—this is where the art of psychiatric nursing matters most. We sit down with Dr. Shawn Gallagher, a dual-certified PMHNP and FNP, former ISPN president, and retired Army officer, to explore how small choices—eye contact, posture, sitting at the bedside—turn brief encounters into meaningful care. Sean shares mentorship pearls from his consultation-liaison roots, why perception of time can be altered without changing the clock, and how to set clean expectations for 15–20 minute visits that still feel human.

We dive into the “invisible ink” of psychiatry: the detective work of CL practice, the unspoken rules of formularies and cultures of prescribing, and the social determinants that drive outcomes as much as any medication. Sean explains how dual training empowers whole-person care on inpatient units, where diabetes, hypertension, and acute psychiatric needs often collide. He also opens up about imposter syndrome—how even experienced clinicians feel it—and offers practical strategies to disarm “gotcha” moments with transparency, curiosity, and a dose of humor.

The conversation closes with a thought experiment: what would Hildegard Peplau celebrate today, and where would she push us further? She might applaud broader scope and stronger science while warning that progress can dilute the therapeutic relationship. The charge is clear: use systems and technology to protect the human core, not replace it. If you’re a PMHNP, RN, student, or interdisciplinary teammate seeking practical steps to build trust under pressure, this one will sharpen your craft and renew your purpose.

If the episode resonates, follow the show, share it with a colleague, and leave a quick review—what simple habit has improved your patient rapport the most?

Let’s Connect

Dr Dan Wesemann

Email: daniel-wesemann@uiowa.edu

Website: https://nursing.uiowa.edu/academics/dnp-programs/psych-mental-health-nurse-practitioner

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-wesemann

Dr Kate Melino

Email: Katerina.Melino@ucsf.edu

Dr Sean Convoy

Email: sc585@duke.edu

Dr Kendra Delany

Email: Kendra@empowered-heart.com

Dr Melissa Chapman

Email: mchapman@pdastats.com