Advice for PMHNP Wannabe in NYC (But willing to travel!)

DADEF · Jul 27, 2016

Hi! I'm Danny

I'm new to the board. I have about ten years experience in the mental health field with a BA in psychology and it's occurred to me that I am most interested in being a PMHNP rather than a social worker, which was my previous plans. Due to my interest in medical care, anatomy and psychopharmacology I believe I'd be well suited for a PMHNP program despite not having a nursing background. As well, I work with several NP's (various types of NP's) all who encourage me to become a PMHNP.

However, here is my dilemma. And I imagine its not a unique dilemma.

I currently work full time and adore my job. I feel like I have a few options to become a Psych NP with varying levels of pluses and minuses. Can I get some feedback on the following ideas? :

-3 Year direct-entry MSN program for PMHNP-- I like the idea of the program in Rochester or the program in Portland Maine. The disadvantage to this is I'm assuming I'd need to take out some hella huge loans in order to support myself for three years and pay for school!!

-Attend Adelphi's Part time evening BSN which would be about 2ish-3 years, become employed (hopefully) as a psych nurse for 2ish years and attend school for PMHNP.A Plus is that I'm employed more but it'll take MUCH longer to reach my goal.

-Attend a 1 year accelerated BSN at one of the many 1 year programs around NYC. An advantage is that it's easier to support oneself for 1 year unemployed and then I guess I'd apply for a pmhnp while employed as a psych nurse.

I think for me, the most ideal is the MSN direct entry but I also know how hard that would be financially. Im not sure how hard it is to get into these MSN direct programs but I have really good scores on my MAT, GRE and a GPA that's OK (Could be better but a sudden health issue years ago screwed it up a bit! My nursing pre-reqs are all high grades though pretty much)

I have a large amount of experience working in the mental health field already and I'd like to think this would help with an MSN direct.Though Im also not positive.

Any thoughts? Everything and anything is appreciated!

Danny