Community Alliance’s staff is composed of many individuals with a diverse range of expertise. But what they all have in common is a dedication to the highest quality service, person-centered care and cross-team collaboration. Blandine Ayi, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, joined our psychiatric outpatient team earlier this year. She’s already seen the positive impact of Community Alliance’s integrated services in both her work and in the lives of those we serve.
Why did you pursue a career in health care?
In Togo, where I was born in West Africa, many people struggle to access care. We don’t have enough hospitals available, and the quality of care is not high enough. I saw my family members go through this struggle, including my mom when she was sick. This early experience gave me the drive to study health care, join a team and make a change.
Why did you choose to join the Community Alliance team?
I chose to work at Community Alliance because of the culture. I was previously working in a hospital environment, and I could see how that could escalate a mental health crisis, not help it.
At Community Alliance, I love that we have a team that has the best interest of the client at heart. Everyone is well-prepared to serve people and safely care for them, whether they are in crisis or managing long-term challenges.
I am so thankful for the opportunity I have at Community Alliance. I’m not only learning, I can see our impact. Everyone here wants to help new people like me be the best we can, from the care coordinators and receptionists to providers and clinic managers.
Walk us through your typical day as a nurse practitioner at Community Alliance.
Every day can be different. Sometimes it can be smooth sailing, other times someone may be in need of crisis services. But it’s all manageable because of the great team we have working here. The care coordinators and other providers are always ready to give their input when I have questions. Even if something unexpected may arise, it doesn’t faze me because I know I have the support of the entire team.
When working with individual clients, trust is not something I expect to gain on someone’s first, second or even third visit. It comes down to being open and building rapport with the person I’m serving. I acknowledge what they’ve been through, listen to them, and I am very clear about what we’re doing. I let people know this is a collaboration. They are the decision-makers for their mental health, and I am here to share my point of view and to provide guidance.
There’s often a stigma about psychiatric medications. They are not a quick fix, they are a supplement to the other resources and support someone needs. We help people tackle their problems from the source. We always try to educate people about what their medications are for, which helps them be more open to participating in their treatment plan.
Why is integrated care important for physical and mental health?
When we are working with someone who has a mental health disorder, it’s a big challenge for them to go to different doctors in different places. It can be difficult for them to follow through with appointments.
Community Alliance has every service individuals need in one place. It’s easier to follow up with them, to enroll them in additional services and to work as a team. If I have any questions about someone’s labs or medication, their primary care provider is right here in the building. We can provide the important, holistic care they need to get better.
What makes Community Alliance a unique place to work as a clinician?
Since starting my job here, there hasn’t been a single day when I haven’t seen someone smile, say hello and ask me how I am doing. Everyone is so welcoming.
It’s also inspiring to work in an environment where everyone has compassion and a true understanding of the impacts of mental health. When you understand it, you can meet individuals at their level to create the right treatment plan or identify the right resources that they need.
Each staff member here is prepared to give their best. I love seeing everyone collaborate to support people’s well-being.
How would you describe the culture of Community Alliance?
In addition to our culture of collaboration, our approach to care is person-centered and holistic. It means knowing which resources can help support individuals in their life outside of Community Alliance.
For example, if someone is going through a stressful situation and visits a provider for an antidepressant, they are still in the depressive situation. All their focus will be on the situation, and that may make them not want to take their medication.
At Community Alliance, we provide wraparound services. So, if we give that same person medication, we would also direct them to a therapist to teach them how to cope with the situation. We would refer them to a care coordinator and other relevant programs that would help them make real progress.
What do you find most rewarding about your job?
Sometimes change is hard to see right away. Everyone’s journey is a work in progress, and it’s a long road. But there have already been a few times when I’ve had someone follow up with me to let me know their mood has improved, and their medication is working.
I had someone walk in today looking brighter than the last time I saw him. I worked with his therapist, and his progress is already showing. He said he feels less agitated and that his mood has been better. Those are the little rewarding moments.
