Aspiring psych NP

[Samcpc2982]

What lead you to want to become a psych NP? What previous experience did you have prior to your degree? I don't have any floor experience, I've only worked in an outpatient imaging clinic as a RN. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[LessValuableNinja]

I'd recommend trying to get some psych experience. A substance facility will often hire those without directly related experience, with good references. Another option may be corrections, which has its share of psych. PRN may be an option. My first corrections job and first two psych jobs were PRN, with med surg, tele, peds, CV, other background at that time, so no psych background. If you're considering anything psych related as a career shift, probably best to dip your toes in at least part time first. The first time a client throws an entire table across a room because they received chicken nuggets for lunch instead of chicken strips can be an eye opener. Likewise, the first time you see a psych patient go from delusional, violent, and suicidal to happy, productive, and finishing their PhD may give you just the kind of feels you need to decide that an occasional game of table frisbee is worth it. My personal reasons for doing PMHNP are many, but the Reader's Digest condensed version is: all medical conditions have psych comorbidities, and that backwards. Hence my push towards either PMHNP and ACNP or FNP. I like wounds, EKGs, chest tubes, and bipolar disorder. I just cant help it, thus refuse to.. help it.

[Samcpc2982]

Thank you so much for your reply Nick, it made me think. I see you're in Arlington, I'm getting my BSN at UTA, I finish this summer. I feel lost in the nursing world at the moment, trying to find my niche.

[LessValuableNinja]

Roger. I live and work in the area. I actually edged up to North Dallas for a bit, but am returning to the "I do not have to drive home two hours after 12's" world. I would use the next 6ish months to network hardcore with your BSN classmates, since most likely have jobs already, and some probably work in psych. I'm assuming it's an RN-BSN program. Even if assuming it's the online UTA RN-BSN, networking and coffee/caramels can still occur, and introductions.

[enigmatic1]

I fell in love with psych after doing my mental health nursing clinical rotation and lecture back in undergrad. It was either that or med surg after getting my BSN but ended up doing psych. I worked in psychiatric home care nursing and did per diem on a psych unit at a hospital. I would strongly recommend getting some psych nursing experience if you are interested in becoming a psych NP. But it does not necessarily have to be your standard inpatient hospital setting.