Comprehensive Patient Care With Derek Higgins, DNP [Provider Spotlight]

The Power of Listening in Psychiatric Care

A board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner on the IPC care team, Derek Higgins, DNP is known for his ability to build strong therapeutic relationships with his patients.

With nearly a decade of clinical experience, Higgins offers compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals living with conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders.

The most valuable lesson he has grasped from his patients over the years? The power of listening.

“As a provider, much of what we do is focused on diagnosis and treatment,” Higgins said. “Uncovering what truly makes that patient unique is discovered by listening to their journey and life experiences before putting together a treatment plan that will nurture healing and growth for them.”

In his practice as a psychiatric nurse practitioner, Higgins combines medication management with motivational interviewing to create holistic treatment plans that address both the physiological and psychological aspects of mental health. His comprehensive approach emphasizes the importance of understanding each patient’s unique experiences and perspectives.

“Every single patient’s journey is different and developing a relationship built on trust and rapport facilitates a connection that drives positive patient outcomes,” he added.

Blending Empathy with Clinical Expertise as Nurse Practitioner

From inpatient psychiatry and partial hospitalization programming, to intensive outpatient care and community mental health, Higgins’ career has spanned the full spectrum of care. His expertise extends to serving diverse populations, including children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly. 

Higgins’ journey began when he was seeing patients as a psychiatric nurse; he worked in this inpatient setting for over eight years while obtaining a Doctor of Nursing (DNP) degree. Ultimately, he was inspired to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner by a multitude of factors, each deeply rooted in his experiences and passions.

“My inspiration was driven by a strong desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of those struggling with mental illness and witnessing the transformative impact of compassionate care for individuals facing mental health challenges, either through personal experiences or the stories of loved ones,” he shared.

The opportunity to provide support, understanding, and hope to patients, while working to break the stigma surrounding mental health, solidified Higgins’ resolve to pursue a career in psychiatric nursing. This path allowed him to blend empathy with clinical expertise, offering a unique and fulfilling way to contribute to the well-being of others.

In 2022, Higgins earned his DNP from the University of Kansas Medical Center, graduating with a specialization in Psychiatric-Mental Health. During his doctoral studies, he implemented a brain rest protocol at a psychiatric residential treatment facility for children in Olathe, KS. 

“This quality improvement project was specifically designed to support and monitor children who suffer from traumatic brain injury sequelae stemming from head banging behaviors,” he said.

Providing More Than Just Psychiatric Care

Since joining IPC in 2023, Higgins said that the group has been influential in helping him understand what he desires in an employer, including feeling respected and trusted.

“What I’ve learned is how I value the autonomy and support that IPC offers,” he added. “I feel empowered to take control of my work, handle my responsibilities, and make meaningful contributions towards the diverse patient populations that I serve.”

Currently, Higgins provides exceptional psychiatric care at a community mental health center in Olathe, KS while also mentoring nursing students and young professionals, helping to shape the next generation of behavioral health providers.

In order to stay motivated and compassionate with the challenges of being a psychiatric nurse practitioner, Higgins strives to maintain a healthy work-life balance, engage in regular physical activity, and ensure adequate rest and relaxation.

“It is also very important to engage with co-workers that are like-minded,” he said. “This provides me with a sense of belonging and shared purpose, reinforcing motivation and compassion.”

Outside of his professional life, Higgins enjoys physical activity, reading, fishing, and spending time with his family. In addition, he engages in self-reflection, remaining positive by shifting his focus away from negative thoughts and practicing gratitude, mindfulness, and positive self-talk.