When Marki Burnett was preparing to leave active duty in the Marine Corps, she knew exactly what she wanted from the next chapter of her career. 

“I wanted to be closer to my family, have flexibility in my career and ultimately do something that serves my community,” she said. 

Today, as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with Curana Health, she has found all of that — and much more. 

Marki’s path into health care wasn’t a straight line. Before becoming a nurse practitioner, she spent nearly seven years serving as a signals intelligence officer in the Marine Corps. Like many people considering a career change, she wrestled with questions about what came next and what kind of work would align with her values and goals. 

For her, nursing became the answer.

What Does a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Do?

Many people hear the words “mental health provider” and assume the work focuses only on treating depression or anxiety. The reality is much broader. 

Marki provides psychiatric services to residents in several nursing home facilities across central Missouri, traveling between facilities in Columbia, Moberly and Fulton. During a typical day, she may see 15 to 20 patients for initial assessments and follow-up visits. 

She talks with patients about how they’re feeling, asks about symptoms they may be experiencing, and discusses important aspects of their daily lives, including sleep and appetite. She reviews medications to determine whether they’re effective and recommends changes when needed. 

The work doesn’t happen in isolation. 

“I also will talk to staff to get their insight and perspective on patients’ behavior,” she explained. “It is a collaborative effort.” 

After meeting with patients and care teams, she documents assessments, treatment plans and next steps to ensure every patient receives thoughtful, coordinated care. 

The Privilege of Caring for Others

Ask Marki what she loves most about her work, and her answer comes quickly: the people. 

“I love getting to know each of my patients,” she said. “Each has had a unique story that has led them to this point.” 

Working with older adults has given her a deep appreciation for a population that is often misunderstood or overlooked. 

“It really does feel like a privilege to me for people to put their trust in me, share their happiness and their struggles, and allow me to help them try to improve their life and well-being.” 

Her patients live with a wide range of conditions, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, dementia-related diagnoses and other psychiatric concerns. Many also are navigating significant life transitions as they move into long-term care settings. 

“They are confronted with the loss of their autonomy, mobility and more,” Marki said. “I want us as a society to have a greater reverence for this population and this phase of life, instead of seeing long-term care as a negative setting.” 

It’s OK Not to Have It All Figured Out

For students and job seekers exploring careers in health care, it’s easy to assume everyone else feels confident from day one. 

Marki says that’s simply not true. 

“Some of the challenges I have faced are probably familiar to anyone who has started a new position: feeling like an imposter, questioning if you made the right decision, juggling competing priorities.” 

What helped her push through those moments of uncertainty? 

Leaning on available resources. Trusting her education and experience. Continuing to learn. And showing up authentically for the people she serves. 

“I do not promise them perfection,” she said, “but I do commit to figuring out the best treatment that may be unique to them.” 

She also believes that lifelong learning is essential in health care. 

“I strongly believe in continuous learning and education so that I am able to provide my patients with the most optimal evidence-based care that I can.” 

Advice for Future Health Care Professionals

For anyone considering a future in health care, Marki encourages exploration and self-awareness. 

“Find whatever field feels right for you,” she said. 

Health care offers countless career paths, from direct patient care to research, administration, technology and public health. Finding the right fit can make all the difference. 

“Health care is a challenging place to be, and anyone who has lived it knows how easy it can be to start feeling burned out,” she said. “For me, I knew as soon as I started working in psych that I was supposed to be there.” 

She also encourages future professionals to consider how a role aligns with their life outside of work. 

“I have small children, so this position is flexible and allows me to juggle the needs of home and professional life without feeling overwhelmed constantly.” 

A Growing Need

As the population ages and awareness of mental health continues to grow, the need for providers specializing in geriatric psychiatric care is increasing. 

For Marki, being part of that evolving field is both meaningful and motivating. 

“I think the importance and need for geriatric psychiatric care is only increasing,” she said. “It’s hard for me to say how it is evolving, but I am happy to be part of it through whatever ways that it does.” 

For students, career changers and job seekers, her story serves as an important reminder: there is no single path into health care. Whether you’re coming straight from school, transitioning from military service or exploring a new direction entirely, there is space to find work that challenges you, supports your life and allows you to make a difference. 

Sometimes, the right career isn’t the one you planned from the beginning. It’s the one where you discover your purpose along the way.