[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.

[Psychaprn]

Originally Posted by 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.

I'd suggest you get your prescriptive license and you'll be more marketable.

[tjusnjon]

Originally Posted by Psychaprn

I'd suggest you get your prescriptive license and you'll be more marketable.

thanks, but that doesn't really help me out that much...

[Whispera]

I'm a psych CNS. Jobs for us in my area are scarce. Right now I'm working as a psych floor nurse because I can't move, due to family responsibilities, and there's nothing available nearby. I think the time will come when we're more recognized for what we can do, but I probably won't see it happen in my lifetime.

I live in the Midwest. I've heard there's more opportunity for a psych CNS in other areas of the country...

[antique nurse]

I am going to start a program this Fall for Psychiatric CNS.I got my MSN from another university online and this is a post MSN certificate program at a local university.I am looking at it as an opportunity to better myself and maybe open new doors.

[antique nurse]

My MSN is in administration so this program for the CNS will be a new adventure for me.

[Whispera]

It just occurred to me that you might have the education to be a psych CNS if you just take the clinical and didactive courses related to that specialty rather than going through a whole lot of other courses. Where I got my MSN, that would amount to 11 credit hours. Check with lots of schools before you sign up for something that requires many courses.

[healer_energy]

I am just about to begin a program leading to a psych CNS. I already have a MS in Nursing Education and I did do 2 courses in the psych track before I packed it in. So it will be 15 more credits. I am not a psych nurse at all, I have worked med-surg, critical care, education and presently I am in LTC. But I want to work with either the elderly [I'm really good with demented types now!] or adults who are situationally stressed but not people with mental diagnoses like schizophrenia [unless they are old, of course]. I am not a young person and I would like to retire from the med carts before my legs give out. I see it as something I can do even if I get a bit decrepit. Anyway it is yet another new field for me... something to keep me young.

[FeelGDRN]

I dont know about being a CNS in psychiatry. Im a psych RN. I started a program for Psych Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. I have not yet been able to gain some insight on this new phenonmenon in mental health nursing. Personally, after taking time for a management experience. I have just about concluded to focus on the psych np program. Which includes psychopharmacology( Rx principles, selection and discontinuation, case studies..) and neurobiolgy of mental disorders( Neurochemistry, and neuroanatomy). I can speak on those since they were the ones I completed. Psych nursing is still in demand. Nurse practitioners will replace the CNS role in my belief. Ive done alot of research. So the answer is based on why your looking at the CNS role. If you want to do therapy only and not have choices on medications then its fine. If you want to do therapy and meds do the the psych np. If you are "the few the proud" who want to do adult np, therapy, and meds I recommend the PPNP programs. Just for your information. There are demands every where.

[HealthyRN]

In most states, psych CNSs can also do med administration. I don't believe that is the difference between psych CNS and NP. I have also done a lot of research on this and it did seem that the NP would eventually phase out the CNS. However, there has definately been a resurgence of the psych CNS in many states and I don't believe they will be going anywhere.

Originally Posted by FeelGDRN

I dont know about being a CNS in psychiatry. Im a psych RN. I started a program for Psych Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. I have not yet been able to gain some insight on this new phenonmenon in mental health nursing. Personally, after taking time for a management experience. I have just about concluded to focus on the psych np program. Which includes psychopharmacology( Rx principles, selection and discontinuation, case studies..) and neurobiolgy of mental disorders( Neurochemistry, and neuroanatomy). I can speak on those since they were the ones I completed. Psych nursing is still in demand. Nurse practitioners will replace the CNS role in my belief. Ive done alot of research. So the answer is based on why your looking at the CNS role. If you want to do therapy only and not have choices on medications then its fine. If you want to do therapy and meds do the the psych np. If you are "the few the proud" who want to do adult np, therapy, and meds I recommend the PPNP programs. Just for your information. There are demands every where.