Marcie Phalen
RN BSN - Psychiatric Nurse
Marcie Phalen, a Registered Nurse (RN) from Columbus, OH, holds a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and dedicates her professional life to advancing mental health care. She is working toward obtaining her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Board Certification (PMHNP-BC), aiming to specialize in assessing, diagnosing, and treating individuals experiencing psychiatric challenges. Marcie consistently advocates for mental health, focusing on expanding community-based support and actively combating mental health stigma.
Early Life
From a young age, Marcie was deeply curious about the workings of the human mind and demonstrated a natural inclination toward scientific exploration. Raised by parents who are respected Ph.D. psychologists with over seventy years of combined professional experience, her early environment profoundly influenced her choice to pursue psychiatry. Their example provided Marcie with an understanding of compassionate patient care and the importance of human connection. Observing her parents' readiness to support individuals, whether friends, neighbors, or clients, significantly shaped her empathetic approach.
Marcie was raised in Bexley, Ohio, a close-knit suburb of Columbus renowned for its excellent public schools. Her upbringing was enriched by her parents' private psychology practice, where she observed their unwavering dedication to improving patients' lives. Their focus on patient dignity and mental health advocacy profoundly influenced Marcie. Today, she carries forward the lessons learned from her parents, especially their exceptional ability to make others feel valued and understood, principles she strives to incorporate into her daily professional practice.
Education
Inspired by her family’s tradition of service and her desire to assist individuals struggling with mental health challenges, Marcie enrolled at Aspen University in Phoenix, Arizona, where she completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Throughout her studies, she volunteered in local mental health clinics, acquiring essential hands-on experience and deepening her understanding of patient care. In 2022, Marcie graduated with her BSN and began working as a registered nurse in a psychiatric unit at a Columbus hospital.
She subsequently earned certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), a distinguished organization recognizing excellence in nursing. While serving as an RN at an Ohio-based drug and alcohol rehabilitation center, Marcie identified critical gaps in mental health services affecting patients' access to essential care. This realization prompted her to further her education through Herzing University's Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Master's program. Her ultimate goal is to enhance her nursing skills to meet the increasing need for advanced mental health practitioners within her community.
Career
Marcie Phalen initiated her nursing career in 2009 as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with Maxim Staffing, providing compassionate care to patients in hospice settings and clinical environments. During this period, she gained significant expertise in hospice care, delivering essential support to patients and families during critical end-of-life stages. She continued in this role for ten years, simultaneously advancing her nursing education to achieve her RN license and preparing herself for a future as a psychiatric nurse practitioner.
She later accepted a Registered Nurse position at The Woods at Parkside, a renowned drug and alcohol treatment facility in Gahanna, Ohio. This center specializes in dual diagnosis treatment, addressing co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders. Marcie diligently provided nursing care, prioritizing patient safety and focusing on recovery through clinical interventions.
Marcie’s persistence and dedication culminated in 2020 when she assumed a supervisory RN/BSN role at Rivervista Health and Wellness. At Rivervista, she conducts detailed assessments of incoming patients and designs individualized care plans, including psychiatric therapy and medication management. Her role involves using various therapeutic methods, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring comprehensive patient support.
Personal Life
Beyond her professional duties, Marcie passionately advocates for mental health education and awareness. She actively participates in local events and campaigns to educate communities on mental health, highlighting the critical need for early intervention and preventative care to maintain a stable quality of life.
In her time, Marcie enjoys reading and prioritizes activities that promote holistic wellness. She is committed to maintaining a healthy work-life balance and regularly practices yoga for mental clarity and physical relaxation. Additionally, she enjoys exploring new culinary trends and values time spent with family and friends at various dining establishments.
Phalen’s professional and personal journey reflects resilience, dedication, and a clear purpose. She envisions a future in which mental health care is universally accessible, equitable, and free from stigma. Her career aspirations include supporting adults facing mental health and substance abuse challenges and helping them find stability and optimism. Marcie Phalen's commitment to quality patient care, academic excellence, and genuine respect for each individual's unique experience positions her as an essential contributor to mental health and substance abuse treatment.
Marcie Phalen in action – see her latest photo
