Any Psych NPs out there?

[Joe NightingMale]

I'm curious, as I'm considering becoming an psych NP myself.

I initially planned to work in telemetry, then CCU, and then become a cardio ACNP. But my last clinical was on a tele floor, and it was pretty boring. I think that cardiology might be a little limiting for me.

Since I have an interest in the psychosocial as well as the medical side of things, I wonder if psych would be a better fit. One of my advisors, who is a former psych nurse herself, suggested the idea.

On the con side, my experience with a clinical in a locked inpatient psych ward wasn't very good; I never really got comfortable in an environment so bizarre and frought with potential violence, even though most of the patients weren't that bad. As a result I decided that inpatient psych (along with Peds) is a type of unit I'd never work.

On the plus side, I'm very interested in figuring out how people's minds work and why. I did a qualitative research project and really enjoyed interviewing subjects, trying to analyze their experiences. And before starting nursing school I considered going into counseling psychology. And I've been attracted to other nursing fields, like oncology and hospice, which have psychosocial components.

So, what's it like as a psych NP?

[deb18]

Hi. I have been working as a psych np in an outpatient private practice for over 10 years. I am a certified psych cns not an np but because of state regs. when I graduated I am considered a psych ( not certified) np and can perscribe. psych cns's cannot prescribe in my state (fla). Because of it being a private practice, I work at my discretion, but have no benefits. I do meds management, initials, work in out patient clinics we contract with, and I do therapy and emdr. I would think 2-3 years of inpatient psych experience would be enough to at least know if you like it and can deal with the frustrations it involves.

[thekid]

very helpful post, thank you

[Nurse Turbo]

Hello, all! I have worked inpatient psych at a NJ state hospital since I graduated four years ago. I love psych but feel as though I should try other specialties before I apply for an np program. I was thinking adult acute care with minor in psych because I will be able to do just about anything. I initially became an RN so I could go into critical care but endeD up in psych (due to a scholarship). I really do love it but I feel like I should try med/surge. The problem is nobody wants me due to my lack of skills. Has anyone else run into this sort of dilemma? If so, how do you get out of psych? I have been trying to do so for the last three years.

[elkpark]

Hello, all! I have worked inpatient psych at a NJ state hospital since I graduated four years ago. I love psych but feel as though I should try other specialties before I apply for an np program. I was thinking adult acute care with minor in psych because I will be able to do just about anything. I initially became an RN so I could go into critical care but endeD up in psych (due to a scholarship). I really do love it but I feel like I should try med/surge. The problem is nobody wants me due to my lack of skills. Has anyone else run into this sort of dilemma? If so, how do you get out of psych? I have been trying to do so for the last three years.

Have you thought about taking a "refresher course" designed for people who are coming back into nursing after being out for a while? They are focused on med-surg, and having completed that might reassure potential employers that your med-surg knowledge and skills are current.

[ivorybunny]

I've recently graduated from a psych NP program, hopefully will be liscensed by November. I'm a cardiac nurse now, have been for 5 years. I've always been interested in psych, but where I live there were very limited availablities to become a psych nurse. I knew I wanted to be a Psych NP because I wanted to be able to do the medication management and help people. I have found from my clinical time that there are a many different roles to play as a Psych NP. Yes, medication management is of course available and wanted, however, some NPs do run groups and do individual counseling. It depends on what you are looking for and what works for you. I like therapy, but for now will focus on med management, and then will look for a way to become involved with therapy at the place I will be working.

[Nurse Turbo]

I, personally, know that I LOVE inpatient psychiatry because you get to see your patients progress from some of the worst states you will see them in to a state where they can function on their own. True, that is not so in every case but, it is such a great feeling when it happens to know you helped someone in their greatest time if need!