CNS in Psych

[tjusnjon]

Is it a good idea to become a CNS in psych? I heard that there aren't too many jobs for CNS's in psych.

[FeelGDRN]

Good for you. Empathy is the first requirement for the field. Study the psychopharm. You will find, as in other areas of nursing, that you know the patient better than the doctor. It puts you in a better position to help. Rock On!

Brian

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

I'm a psych CNS in Indiana (we're pretty rare in Indiana--in fact, some schools have closed their psych CNS programs due to lack of interest). I work in a large mental health center that has a 60 bed hospital as well as all forms of outpatient treatment. I assess and diagnose mental illnesses, prescribe medications and therapies for mental illnesses, and do some with some patients. It's very rewarding work. Where I work there is a medical NP doing the same things I do, and 4 medical NPs who do a whole lotta physicals. I've heard psych NPs do medical as well as psychiatric assessment, prescribing, and treatment.

I guess it depends on what you want to do with your time at work. Talk with people in your area who do the jobs you think you'd like, to make an informed choice.