Psych nurse practitioner

Nursing Students NP Students

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I just got accepted into a psych nurse practitioner program....However, I now have a second thought on accepting it after talking to a couple of PA and MD. I was told that unless I have some sort of inside track, it would be very hard for me to find a job in the mental health field as a NP. I work in the state of South Dakota and wonders if there's a higher demand in the either coasts? I have not even come close to pay off my BSN student loan and really hesitate to pile more debt especially in this economy.

Any insights would be appreciated.

With all the wars, and as messed up as everything is, there should always be a great job market.

If I have a masters degree and am applying towards the pre-specialty PMHNP track I know that I do not need to take the GRE. However, Vanderbilt only awards you a score of 1000 if you chose to opt out of the GRE. I have a 3.4 GPA without about 5 prereqs that I intend on making A's in. Do you think I could get accepted wihtout having to take the GRE?

Specializes in Psych, Geriatrics.

I'm studying psych NP after my RN-bSN (already done 2006). I didn't like much of the "gore" of nursing school, but I got through it. You learn to breathe through your mouth, and sit down if you get dizzy. But I did want to say, even as a psych nurse, you will probably see your share of poop and puke...wiped on the walls in a message just for you. :D No, seriously, psych usually has less "blood & guts" but its drawback is that many states are cutting mental health and psych can be extremely dangerous about 10-40% of the time, depending on where you work. It hasn't stopped me though...I hated the lifting most of all with med-surg!

Hey Zenman and RobRN,

Guy working in psych as an RN and just started a Psych NP program; are either of you in a program yet? The workload so far is doable, but was wondering if you heard of the implications of Dep't of Education Code 600.9 for online programs? Seems like this could put a quick damper on online programs. As usual I find the nursing faculty to be a little on the ****** side.

Hey Zenman and RobRN,

Guy working in psych as an RN and just started a Psych NP program; are either of you in a program yet? The workload so far is doable, but was wondering if you heard of the implications of Dep't of Education Code 600.9 for online programs? Seems like this could put a quick damper on online programs. As usual I find the nursing faculty to be a little on the ****** side.

I'm working as a PMHNP. Never heard of code 600.9 but with all the positive research on distance education I don't personally think they are going anywhere. I find nursing faculty in both types of programs to be both good and bad.

Specializes in Retail Health.

Very helpful post, thanks!!! Hey Viola (or anyone with some insight). Im an aspiring PMHNP looking to apply to a program for Spring or Fall of 2012. In terms of work experience right now-Im working a per diem Occupational Health contract until the end of September but Im looking to apply for a new position starting in October. Do you think it would be beneficial to work as an NP in an internal medicine clinic?? Ive been looking for specialties to apply to and if this will assist me in managing psych pts w/comorbid conditions maybe I should start there???

Specializes in Geriatrics, Pediatrics, Peds Psych, ect..

On a lighter note.... in this economic crisis we are in, I'm sure by now positions has popped up! :) good luck!

Does anyone know the job market for psych NP's in South Florida? My background is in psych (adult and children) / substance abuse/detox/ Trauma -Neuro-Medical ICU. I love psych but I also love complexity and the acuity of being a floor nurse in the ICU. Trying to decide should I take the medical NP track or the psych NP track. What do they get paid and what are the job prospects for both? Seems like everyone is going into the medical NP area but few job postings for psych NP's.

Trying to decide should I take the medical NP track or the psych NP track. What do they get paid and what are the job prospects for both?

I think I answered your question. I would say Medical Track. More jobs and more flexibility. You can go back for psych NP later. You can get settled after being done with medical track, then work part-time while going for DNP in Psych NP route. Since there is more jobs, there are more options for going part-time with medical track.

I am a new grad. During my job search process, some places even hire FNP for Psych NP jobs. I know it is not right. It will be impossible the other ways around even though I get some ambulatory care training in NP school. Some detox places hires FNP. Again, you may be hired as a FNP for H&P consult in psych Facility. Then you get to do both.

Specializes in Hospice,subacute, long term care.

Get it! People talk, you will be an RN with a masters. You can teach, own business,etc

Specializes in Consultation Liaison Psychiatry.

Demand for different specialties varies by area. We have more openings for psych NP's than for FNP's. Your decision should also address exactly what type of work you want to do. If you want to do any type of therapy you should go for the Psych NP. If you only want to do med management you can get away with the FNP in some situations. State laws may dictate if or by whom you should be precepted as a new grad. If you want to work in psych you don't want to be precepted by a family practice or other medical specialist.

Good wishes!

Not true. In general, there are obviously much more opening for FNPs than Psych NP. See indeed.com, you can search for tons of job for FNPs, but very few psych NP positions in most states. Only few jobs posted for psych NP and many jobs are by the words of mouth. However, the demand is high for a few areas of the country esp. at the areas where states law dictates that NPs practice within their specialty. Most don't. If you want to live in those very few states and want to prescribe psychotropics, then you need to be certified in psych. Also, I read the laws that in certain environments eg. ACT team/state facility, psych cert is required. I would go for FNP for more jobs, higher pay in some specialties, and flexibility in changing specialty and wider scope of practice; otherwise, you may have to relocate. Additionally, even in a "independent" practice state, there are many things in psych legal procedures that psychiatrist can do that psych NP can't do. Most employers still prefer to have psychiatrists than psych NP so this limits the job opportunities in certain setting and also salary cap. I don't think this applies to primary care physician VS FNP in an independent practice state.

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