Hey there. Hope your interview went well. As far as your specialty goes, the first year, the MEPN year that I'm half-way through, really doesn't get into any specialties. The first year is all about becoming a nurse. The courses are based on the State's Board of Registered Nursing's requirements to become an RN.
You will get a few weeks, yes only a few, in psych. Right now I'm in Med-Surge, after having Community Health--think PHN, Labor and Delivery--Midwife. You'll be exposed to several aspects of nursing, but it's all about the basics, with an emphasis on developing the skills you'll need to pass the NCLEX. Passing is mandatory before beginning the Master's program.
For me, being the oldest student this year, I don't plan on taking a "step-out" year to hone my skills as an RN. I'm going straight through so that I can get back to community mental health. I'm sure that you'll get lots of exposure to all the theories and modalities you'll need to become a good psych NP. I'm very much looking forward to that myself. But for now, I've got to concentrate on medications and diseases.
Feel free to drop me a line if you'd like more info. I'd be interested to know your background and why you chose psych.
Bill
