Snowranger19 MSN, APRN

Snowranger19 has 16 years experience as a MSN, APRN and specializes in PMHNP.

Latest Activity

1. Observations about new nurses and the field

   Snowranger19 replied to MoLo's topic in Psychiatric

   Way back when I became an RN, my school highly encouraged everyone to get at-least 1 year of medical experience before going into psych. I don't think this is completely neccesarily, but I can think of many times it served me well through my psych R...

2. Observed urine setup?

   Snowranger19 replied to ND76's topic in Addictions

   Is there a reason it needs to be observed? Is this for MAT or ASAP requirements? Our set up is just a restroom with no sink water. There is dye added to the toilet and they are instructed not to flush. UDS cups have a temperature strip that m...

3. NP to physician... is it possible?

   Snowranger19 replied to FamNP123's topic in NP

   What would becoming an MD do for you that additional training/education as an NP wouldn't? That is a lot of extra cost, training, and "starting over". There is always CME, additional certifications, etc. that you could do if it really is about havi...

4. NP Salary/Pay Let's Be Transparent

   Snowranger19 replied to SurgicalNP's topic in NP

   100% this. Please do not go into psych just because the pay is better. Even if you end up landing a super-easy gig, its still a lot more patient interaction than medical visits. There are also lots of no-shows, medication non-compliance, crisi...

5. NP school job advice?

   Snowranger19 replied to pinkpedsnurse22's topic in NP Students

   I worked inpatient throughout my PMHNP program, including clinicals. Have you spoken to your employer? My work set me up with some clinical rotations there and allowed me to use PTO to take days off while still staying "full-time" on the unit. ...

6. NP Salary/Pay Let's Be Transparent

   Snowranger19 replied to SurgicalNP's topic in NP

   PMHNP, Psych Nurse for 12 yearsish. First "job" was a VA Residency for 1 year. 80k for 1 year. Lots of experience, PGY-1 Certificate. Full federal benefits. Second job was an MAT clinic. 123k a year + incentives and bonuses. Averaged o...

7. Are more letters after your name better or ridiculous?

   Snowranger19 replied to deza's topic in NP

   I never understood the people that list RN and APRN. Nursing "leaders" also hilarious to me. Sometimes they have so many credentials it takes a minute to even see what they actually are. And if they have an MBA or other non-nursing degree, t...

8. Resources for Psych NP students

   Snowranger19 replied to AspiringStudent33's topic in NP Students

   I found a lot of USMLE things helpful. I have been told that is taboo by some other NPs but I found a lot of the material for medical students was very helpful.. YouTube was a great resource for me also. I would watch videos about USMLE prepar...

9. How to become Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

   Snowranger19 replied to Beautiful_Beginnings's topic in NP Students

   Working in psychiatry as an RN could give you a "taste" of what being a PMHNP would be like but also not really. You'd see the patients and the medications, kind of the overview. But being a NP is very different than being an RN. Most NPs do p...

10. Is it worth becoming an NP at 45 years of age?

    Snowranger19 replied to Sage1's topic in NP

    I asked this question at 34. I was working with an NP in the ED who was encouraging me to start NP school. I will repeat her answer... "How old will you be in 3 years if you go to NP school? How old would you be if you didn't?"

11. Experience

    Snowranger19 replied to MoLo's topic in Advanced

    This is my opinion.. I was a Psych Nurse for about 12 years before obtaining my PMHNP... I do believe that RN experience offers valuable experience for the PMHNP. Not only in dealing with patients but also the knowledge of medications, procedur...

12. ACNP in Psych Hospital?

    Snowranger19 replied to Skeptic's topic in Advanced

    You are required to practice within your scope despite most (all?) states having only one APRN "License". There is no law saying that a PMHNP could not manage hypertension or a WHNP manage Bipolar disorder. The issue would come into play if somethi...

13. Are more letters after your name better or ridiculous?

    Snowranger19 replied to deza's topic in NP

    I really hate all the letters behind my name. I try to get away with listing as little as possible because I find it just confuses patients. My current employer likes to use MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC and I can't tell you how many conversations I have wit...

14. Odd Work Letter Request by Patient

    Snowranger19 replied to FullGlass's topic in NP

    If the patient is a bartender, is it possible he is being drug-tested or having an issue due to taking a stimulant? Not sure what medication he is on (I would assume some stimulant) but I have had patients with concerns about work due to random drug...

15. Using a Travel Agency as a way to move?

    Snowranger19 posted a topic in Travel

    Hey all , I am currently considering a move to Austin, Tx. I have been offered a position with American Travelers and they have a few contracts in the area. I am considering taking a contract just as a way to help me with relocation but do not ...