PMHNP Alumni

Anna Wickham

What's the best thing about your job?

By far, the best thing about my job is the in-depth patient relationships. I work with these patients in likely one of the worst moments of their lives and am able to see most of them on a regular basis. Establishing such strong therapeutic relationships is very rewarding.

Fun Fact about where you work or your career:

While getting my DNP-FNP during the pandemic, I realized that many providers weren’t equipped to meet the psychiatric needs of their patients, which deepened my interest in psychiatry. After graduation, I initially anticipated working in primary care. As I was looking for jobs, I chose Hematology and Oncology as I hoped it would stretch my knowledge base. I eventually went on to complete MUSC’s PMHNP Post-Graduate Certificate program. In my current role, I am using many psychiatric skills and feel prepared to manage my patient’s psychiatric needs so that they don’t have to wait extended periods of time for a referral. I plan to eventually spend more time serving psychiatric patients as well.

How did the College of Nursing (CON) prepare you for this role?

CON prepared me to be a critical thinker, have a versatile nursing skill set, and showed me how to utilize research to improve patient outcomes. Upon graduation, I had the skills necessary to feel prepared enough to practice autonomously but also the knowledge of how to best practice with a team.

What is the most valuable piece of advice you have ever received?

My first piece of advice would be to grow your desire to learn. Medicine is quickly evolving and even the best therapeutic psychiatric modalities are constantly changing. I would encourage you to stay up to date on best practices whether this is attending a conference or doing personal research. I would also advise the importance of having a self-care ritual in order to help you manage stress so that you can continue to be a compassionate and dedicated provider.

Suzanne Tambasco

What’s a Typical Day Like?

While it may sound like a medical cliché, no two days are quite the same. The demographic and complexity of workplace injuries and mass trauma cases have shifted dramatically over the past five years. One unique aspect of my role is managing the multiple stakeholders involved in worker’s compensation cases while keeping track of 50 different statutes, depending on the jurisdiction of the injury.

Trauma cases, in particular, have escalated in both intensity and frequency since the pandemic. What I enjoy most about my work is the autonomy I have—being able to determine exactly what my patients need without the limitations of corporate systems. My time is flexible, allowing me to connect with patients in ways that matter—whether it’s through in-depth sessions or making time to pause, reflect, and breathe.

Fun Fact About My Work

My office is located in a beautiful area right across the street from Trilith Studios, home to Marvel films and other famous productions. The setting is incredible, surrounded by trails, lakes, and outdoor benches. On some days, we take therapy sessions outside for walking or nature-based therapy.

How Did CON Prepare Me for This Role?

The College of Nursing (CON) and, specifically, Dr. Lauerer and Dr. Durham were instrumental in helping me build confidence and self-efficacy as a provider. They encouraged me to take the road less traveled and create my own professional path. The best advice I’ve received is that small, consistent steps taken daily make the biggest impact. My advice to students? Be yourself. Take what you know and believe, and make it your own, even if it’s something no one else is doing.