Psychiatric NP outlook

[nuberianne_RN]

I am a new grad working in a stepdown type unit. However, I have been interested in psychiatric nursing for some time. In fact, I will like to try it after I get more experience on my unit. My goal is to get my master's degree no matter what specialty I settle into. I would like to know what the outlook is for psych NPs. Is there a good demand out there? Is the pay competitive? Please give me any info you can.

[Jules A, MSN]

Hi,

I recently talked to a NP who said that if I decided to pursue it I could pretty much write my own ticket as far as opportunity and money is concerned. I'm only working on my bachelors right now but that is a goal I'm keeping in mind.

[Mish56, BSN, RN]

I've got to second what Jules said...the need is great for psych NP's, espicially if you also have prescriptive authority.

[woknblues]

I am interested in this direction myself. Rather than start a new thread, could anyone responding to this thread elaborate more on the various career paths that Psych NPs take? I am a soon to be BSN. No prior experience in the medical industry.

[PMHNP10]

it's all about supply and demand; In Houston there are approximately 17 (or is it 25) PMHNPs; Houston is one of the largest cities in the US and so the number of psych folks is way low, esp. when compared with FNPs or ANPs (I'd guess there are 100s); consequently, there are millions of available opportunities and more that others haven't even tapped into yet; the indications I get is that PMHNPs enjoy higher earnings than many other APRNs (CRNAs not included)

as for what you can do...well that depends on what state you are in, what your educational program taught you, and what you have learned since certification

there are adult PMHNPs (care for individuals aged 13 and up) and family PMHNPs (lifespan...but the day I do an eval on a 1 y/o is the day I'll leave the profession :-)