Marcie Phalen
RN BSN - Psychiatric Nurse
Marcie Phalen, a Registered Nurse (RN) based in Columbus, Ohio, with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), is deeply committed to enhancing mental health services. She is pursuing her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Board Certification (PMHNP-BC) to further specialize in assessing, diagnosing, and managing patients with various psychiatric issues. Marcie continually works to improve mental health resources and strives to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness through dedicated advocacy.
Formative Years and Influences
Marcie showed an early fascination with psychology and human behavior. Her interest in psychiatry was significantly shaped by her upbringing in a household where her parents, both Ph.D. psychologists with extensive experience totaling over seventy years, ran a successful private practice. Their professional conduct and approach to patient care deeply impacted her perspective and approach, instilling a strong sense of empathy and patient-focused care.
Growing up in the supportive community of Bexley, Ohio, Marcie benefitted from excellent educational opportunities and a nurturing family environment. Her parents’ practice emphasized dignity, advocacy, and personalized patient interactions, principles that became foundational to Marcie’s professional philosophy. Today, Marcie continues to apply the profound lessons from her parents’ careers, particularly their commitment to making each patient feel genuinely cared for and understood.
Educational Path and Milestones
Driven by her family’s legacy in healthcare and her ambition to assist individuals experiencing mental health challenges, Marcie attended Aspen University in Phoenix, Arizona, completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Throughout her educational journey, she volunteered at local mental health facilities, gaining practical experience and insight into patient care dynamics. Upon graduating in 2022, Marcie immediately began her career as a registered nurse in a psychiatric care unit at a Columbus hospital.
After obtaining her RN license, Marcie pursued certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), which is recognized for its excellence in nursing standards. Working as an RN at an Ohio drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility, Marcie identified critical gaps in mental healthcare availability, prompting her decision to further her education at Herzing University's Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Master's program. She aspires to broaden her professional capabilities to meet the increasing demands for skilled mental health practitioners in her community.
Professional Journey and Achievements
Marcie Phalen’s healthcare career began in 2009 as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with Maxim Staffing, where she provided compassionate care in hospice and clinical settings. Her role in hospice care allowed her to deeply connect with patients and their families during sensitive end-of-life moments, a responsibility she upheld for a decade. Concurrently, she pursued advanced nursing credentials, moving steadily toward becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner.
Marcie subsequently joined The Woods at Parkside, a respected drug and alcohol treatment center located in Gahanna, Ohio. This facility specializes in dual diagnosis, treating patients with co-existing mental health and substance abuse conditions. In this role, she effectively prioritized patient safety, ensuring comprehensive and personalized care plans tailored toward long-term recovery.
In 2020, Marcie advanced into a supervisory RN/BSN position at Rivervista Health and Wellness. At Rivervista, she undertakes detailed patient assessments, formulating individualized care strategies involving psychiatric treatments and medication oversight. Her professional practice includes utilizing therapeutic interventions like cognitive-behavioral therapy and working closely with interdisciplinary teams to ensure cohesive and effective patient outcomes.
Community Involvement and Personal Interests
Outside of her clinical responsibilities, Marcie is actively involved in community mental health advocacy, regularly volunteering in awareness campaigns and educational events. She emphasizes the importance of preventive care and early intervention to maintain mental well-being and strives to create communities better equipped to support individuals facing mental health challenges.
Marcie enjoys activities that contribute to holistic wellness and self-care, such as yoga and reading. She values a balanced lifestyle, finding relaxation and renewal through mindful practices. Additionally, Marcie appreciates exploring new culinary scenes and spending quality time with friends and family, which further enriches her life outside her demanding professional responsibilities.
Vision for the Future
Marcie remains dedicated to a vision of mental health care that is universally accessible, equitable, and stigma-free. Her long-term professional goal is to provide specialized support for adults coping with mental health and substance use disorders, helping them achieve stability and renewed hope. Marcie Phalen’s unwavering dedication to patient care, continued academic growth, and sincere respect for each individual’s unique journey solidify her vital role within the mental health and substance abuse treatment community.
Portfolio: https://marciephalen.com/
