Her Story
About Shanel
Shanel Demus, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and founder of Calming Bloom, a telepsychiatry practice dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered mental health care across Florida and Oregon. She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, mood disorders, and other mental health conditions through a thoughtful combination of evidence-based medication management, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-informed care, and an integrative approach to whole-person wellness. Her mission is to create a calm, supportive environment where patients feel heard, respected, and empowered throughout their mental health journey.
Shanel's path to advanced practice nursing reflects a diverse and resilient career. She spent nearly eight years as a police dispatcher, serving as a steady presence during moments of crisis before transitioning into nursing. She built a strong clinical foundation as a Trauma Intensive Care Nurse with Jackson Health System, caring for critically ill patients while developing expertise in emergency medicine, trauma, and complex patient care. Today, she also serves as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with Psych Health Associates in Miami, where she provides inpatient psychiatric care, primarily for geriatric patients and veterans, drawing upon her extensive experience managing substance abuse, alcohol detoxification, and trauma-related conditions. Her commitment to excellence was recognized with the prestigious DAISY Award in 2024.
Shanel earned both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialization from West Coast University. She is licensed as an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner in multiple states and maintains active memberships in the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Passionate about mentorship and lifelong learning, she encourages others to pursue their goals despite uncertainty, believing that growth comes through taking the first step. She values work-life balance, clear communication, and building meaningful relationships with patients and colleagues, while remaining committed to improving access to high-quality, compassionate mental health care.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Shanel
01What do you attribute your success to?
Giving my all to each person, understanding their life experience with compassion and care
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Always reach your goal. The hardest part is the start, but once you start, you will finish.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
What you're entering is life-changing not just for you but for the patients. It's so rewarding. Start. That's the hardest part. You will finish.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Getting too emotionally attached especially in trauma cases. Learn to separate profession from personal life and not bring work home.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Work-life balance. You still need a life outside of work to cater to family and friends. Communication and building rapport.
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