An Average Day for a Psychiatric NP

Specialties NP

Published

Hello,

I am applying in to a psychiatric NP program for next year, and I'm really interested to learn more about what a typical day is like, specifically for one working in private practice. I used to do administrative work in a private psychiatric practice where they had 2 CNSs - one did mainly medication management and saw people every 15 mins, the other did mainly therapy with very little prescribing.

I would also love to hear more about this particular field itself - hours, flexibility with schedules demand for psych NPs (I'm in Massachusetts), and pay. I have read what I can find on these subjects, but I think it's always better to get a first-hand account. I appreciate any information you can give!

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I'm going to second luckylady's request...I am looking at psych NP program, as well, but am worried that FNP might be a better route, because there are more jobs for FNPs. Any insight into what the job is about would be appreciated!

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I'll third it! I love hearing these things! In the meantime here's a good article:

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3932/is_200407/ai_n9456247/

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Great article - sounds exactly like what I would love to be doing. Thanks!

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Anyone?

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I would also love to hear from psyNps! I got into a FNP program in boston starting next year but am seriously considering changing over to Psych because I think that is more of a field of interest for me and I have many years of psych experience as a master level counselor. However I wouldnt want to get into a field where the job options are limited. So I also would love to hear from the psych NPs out there..!!! Thanks!

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Specializes in Psychiatry (PMHNP), Family (FNP).

I think the average day is going to vary greatly among Psych. NP's as we all have different duties. However, prescribing is a big part of what I do, and the related documentation. I like doing intakes too which I do some of (admitting people to treatment, doing the initial diagnostic interview, prescribing, etc...) I do a little bit of therapy, not much, but enough to keep my hand in. I also do admin. work as I lead a team. I love my job and it was a good pick for me, I think you need to have the right temperament for it and if you like psych. nursing that would suggest to me you would be a good fit! ;)

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Smitty,

Thanks for the info! Also are there alot of jobs out there for Psych NP's? I have gotten on career builder and only see jobs for FNP posted. It is a big step for me to go back to school after being out so long and I would like to know my investment pays off:) Did you have a tough time finding a job? And do other Psych Nps find jobs pretty easily? THanks

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Specializes in Psychiatry (PMHNP), Family (FNP).

Hi!

I think it has to do with experience, however, there seem to be plenty of jobs. Some go unadvertised and one is just contacted by "headhunters." Maybe more of the FNP jobs just go begging. I would suggest just finding what you want to do, as they are both good areas, and you want to be comfortable in your role. There is a lot out there currently for psych. NPS. Good luck to you, feel free to shoot back any more questions...

;)

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Thanks for being sooo helpful! Ok..one more question...what are the salary ranges for the new ones? Is it true they make more initially than Fnp's? THis is helping me make my decision:)

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Thank you for all the information, Smitty! Can you also answer a few questions for me? I'm interested to know what state you are in, and did you have nursing experience prior to becoming a psych NP? Also, is it a "requirement" to work with the more unstable populations before one could get a job in private practice? I would love to help people and do therapy. but I know for myself that I would prefer to not work with the seriously mentally ill - though I admire those if you who can and do! And of course I am interested to learn how easy/difficult it is to get a job and pay range. Thanks again!

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Thank you for all the information, Smitty! Can you also answer a few questions for me? I'm interested to know what state you are in, and did you have nursing experience prior to becoming a psych NP? Also, is it a "requirement" to work with the more unstable populations before one could get a job in private practice? I would love to help people and do therapy. but I know for myself that I would prefer to not work with the seriously mentally ill - though I admire those if you who can and do! And of course I am interested to learn how easy/difficult it is to get a job and pay range. Thanks again!

I'd love to get an answer to some of these questions too-- specifically, the one about needing nursing experience prior to becoming a psych NP and how easy/difficult it is to get a job. Personally, I really only want to work with the severely and persistently mentally ill population-- I just don't have great interest in private practice and the "worried well." How might the answers to those questions change (or not) with that fact in mind? All advice appreciated. :)

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