By Shirleen Guerra
The Permian Basin’s very own, Jessica Kvasnicka, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, is the newest addition at the Samaritan Center in Midland.
Kvasnicka is a lifelong resident of the Permian Basin and a graduate of Midland High school. After graduating high school she attended Midland College where she obtained her associate degree in nursing.
Now, a board certified psychiatric Mental Health practitioner, Jessica recently completed the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, where she obtained her master of science in nursing in December of 2022.
“Throughout my career, I have developed a strong passion for mental health. It all began when I worked as a medication technician at a psychiatric hospital, primarily assisting children. This experience sparked a desire within me to pursue nursing and continue my work in the mental health and substance use field,” Kvasnicka said.
While working towards her nurse practitioner license, she said she had the opportunity to serve as a mental health evaluator at Midland Health. “In this role, I worked closely with clients in mental health crisis or with substance use disorders.”
When asked about what type of issues she’s seeing in the Permian Basin area, Jessica said, “There is a significant waiting period of a month or more for individuals seeking outpatient services such as counseling or medication management for mental health.” She said the delay in receiving proper care can have detrimental effects on their well-being and recovery.
“There also appears to be a prevailing stigma surrounding mental health and seeking treatment, which may discourage individuals from reaching out and accessing the help they need. Prioritizing mental health and wellness is crucial in people leading healthy and fulfilling lives.”
Her new primary objective while serving those in need in the Basin is to “enhance the provision of mental health care in the region, striving to maximize accessibility for all residents. I am committed to delivering exceptional mental health care services in the Permian Basin.”
“My approach revolves around an inclusive and holistic methodology, ensuring that clients’ individual goals and needs are addressed effectively. By working collaboratively with clients, I aim to create a tailored and impactful care experience that yields positive outcomes.”
Kvasnicka was also nominated for the prestigious DAISY Nurse Leader Award for her extraordinary leadership in 2022. The award is part of a recognition program that was created to honor nurses who provide extraordinary compassionate care.
