difference between psychiatric nurse Practitioner and clinical Nurse specialist in ps

Editorial Team / Admin · Aug 20, 2005

What is the difference between a psychiatric nurse practitioner and a psychiatric nurse clinical specialist? Krissy

A psychiatric nurse practitioner and the CNS in psychiatry is an advanced practice nurse with an MSN who is proficient in short-term psychotherapy and possesses advanced physical assessment skills. They have prescription authority, refer as needed for physician involvement, provide education regarding preventive health for medical problems, provide health screening services, offer health care services for routine physical problems, conduct short-term phychotherapy and psychoeducation.

Just a few.

Both careers overlap. Nearly one-half of patients seen by NP/CNS , approximately 47% are seen in the office setting, 18% in a free-standing clinic, and 13% in the hospital.

Advanced practice psychiatric nurses see the most commonly treated psychiatric conditions. Approximately 2/3 treat anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and PTSD. Other commonly treated disorders include eating disorders, ADHD, substance abuse, sleeping disorders.

You should check out the American Psychiatric Nurses Association and read their journal.

http://www.apna.org

And, Current Psychiatry at:

http://www.CurrentPsychiatry.com

HealthyRN · Aug 21, 2005

It seems that the roles of the psych NP and CNS are becoming more integrated. Many graduate programs now offer a combined NP/CNS track to allow the graduate to become more marketable.

Historically, psych CNSs were around before NPs. The role of the psych CNS includes staff development and education and they are also involved in direct patient care, with a strong emphasis on psychotherapy. In the past, many psych CNSs have went into private practice as nurse psychotherapists. The role of a psych CNS can vary quite a bit depending on the place of employment. Time is divided among staff education, research, administrative duties, and direct patient care.

The role of the psych NP developed with the need for more primary care providers. These practitioners can provide primary care for the mentally ill. The NP spends most time providing direct patient care (assessing, diagnosing, and treating), but there is less emphasis on psychotherapy. This would be the main difference between the role of the NP vs. CNS. Although the psych CNS also provides direct patient care, education and mentoring of staff, as well as administrative duties, may take up a great deal of time. However, the roles are becoming more integrated and many programs now encompass both under the term advanced psychiatric mental-health nursing.

Katy

girl84 · Mar 4, 2009

Does somedoy knows how is the salary difference of psychiatric nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist in psych?

UVA Grad Nursing · Mar 4, 2009

More graduate programs are integrating the curricula for the PMH CNS and NPs. However, most states have distinct roles relating the the individual Nurse Practice Acts. For example, I am aware that in some states only the CNS can be reimbursed for psychotherapy (individual, family or group); and only the NP can prescribe/monitor meds. In other states, both the CNS and NP can be bill for therapy and in some states both can prescribe.