Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Salary

mzaur · Nov 29, 2013

Did you read this? A bunch of PMHNP posted here. https://allnurses.com/nurse-practitioners-np/what-your-take-846768.html

I am not a PMHNP yet, but compared to the people I've spoken with, your salary is a bit low, unless you are a new grad. I would definitely negotiate it

owler · Nov 29, 2013

Hi Lovemyplants,

I can't answer your basic question but that is because I haven't been able to get a job as a pmhnp. I passed my certification exam in July and then ran into a problem I didn't anticipate. The health system for which I work has been buying/merging/acquiring everything, and I do mean EVERYTHING, from the middle of my state northwards. They own hospitals, clinics, dialysis facilities, skilled nursing facilities and medical office buildings, and are branching out to obtain private practices as well. To do this, they are telling private md's "if you want to continue to use any of our facilities, you will join our system and follow our mandates." And the true kicker to all of this (at least in how it effects me), is that the system has made a decision to replace almost all the pmhnps, and there were very few of these to begin with, with social workers. True, the MSW can do a lot less than the pmhnp but they also cost a lot less, which seems to be the bottom line.

Currently, I cannot leave this area. Perhaps next year. I could get a job if I was willing to travel to the southern part of the state, but it would be a 2-2 1/2 hour drive one way.

BTW, I'm making $50/hour in my current job as an RN for 3 12hr shifts/week. My preference would be for something part-time as an np and keeping my current job where the hours are flexible. However, at least for the time being, I don't see that happening.

mzaur · Nov 29, 2013

There's no way that an MSW can replace PMHNP since MSW cannot prescribe psychopharmacological medications. I am guessing you live in a very restricted state since the main value that PMHNP brings is prescriptive authority. That is your main asset, so you should probably think about moving to a more independent state

owler · Nov 29, 2013

You're right about moving to another state and that's my plan but cannot do it until next year. But I know the next few months will go by quickly

myelin · Nov 29, 2013

Hi owler,

I'm curious. What state you do live in where they are not hiring PMHNPs?

owler · Nov 30, 2013

My state (NJ) is really not bad for PMHNPs, or NPs in general. It's actually the system for which I work that is the problem and right now I cannot leave this area. However, I don't want to give the wrong impression - the hospital(s) really do give very good care. The system is a regional perinatal center, level one trauma center, regional children's hospital, etc. I would not hesitate to go there for care myself. And the system values the bedside nurse and has been awarded Magnet status three times. However, here is a measure of how they value NPs. A PA right out of school, with no experience, has a starting salary $15/hr higher than an NP right out of school but with a master's and usually years of nursing experience.

lovemyplants · Nov 30, 2013

Thanks! I'll take a look.

harmonizer · Dec 1, 2013

I just PMed you.

NPAlby · Dec 10, 2013

Contractor here. Looks like Im going to make 225k by the end of the year. Of course I work like a mad woman but I have no kids and will probably slow it down. Looking for a raise so hopefully wont be doing 56hr/week like Im doing now. And yes I take vacations. I've been taking about a week off every month for the past 6mos. I try to make up the lost time but not all of it. Phoenix, AZ

pinkbubbles31 · Dec 15, 2013

NPAlby, I am going to start my Psych np in the fall, but curious to know what type of setting you are working in.