Advice to a nursing student on psych specialty

[On_a_mission92]

Hello all!

I am currently a nursing student considering to become a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I just wanted to know more about this field.

Like I would like advice on the best way of becoming one, please.

Would I have to work on psychiatric floor in a hospital first to gain experience and then apply for the Master's program?

What areas do they normally work in. I was considering to work in an office along side a physician.

I probably will not be going getting my master's degree any time soon since I would like to work for a hospital for awhile to gain experience but would like to consider my options and plan ahead.

Any stories any one would like to share would be greatly appreciated!

I start my psychiatric clinical rotation next August, so hopefully that would help me decide. I feel like I am of the few nursing students considering this specialty.

I really enjoy psychology, as that is my minor currently. I

[Retired APRN, MSN, RN, APRN]

Hi there. :)

I strongly suggest doing your psych clinical before making any decisions. Some people (me!) love it; other people (my best nurse-friend) couldn't be done with it fast enough. One thing you'll notice is that psychiatry is different from psychology. It's a different way of framing situations, so be prepared.

Now here comes the old nurse part of this reply. I do not agree with any APRN going directly from BSN to MSN and NP programs. I believe that NPs should already be good nurses with a well-developed clinical sense before starting their programs. Not everyone will agree with me, but there you have it.

As for what a PMHNP does - In some states they can work independently; in others, they work under physician supervision and how "physician supervision" is defined varies from place to place. I worked at a state hospital, mostly in the psych ER and the out patient clinic, but also with a certain amount of in patient work. I assessed, diagnosed and made treatment plans; prescribed and followed up medication regimes; did some counseling and psychotherapy. Later on in my career, I did mostly psychotherapy.

I wish you good luck, whatever you decide to do!

[On_a_mission92]

Retired APRN

Thank you so much for your reply!

I really appreciate it. :)

I agree 100% I would like experience before getting my masters but I know at some point I will definitely be going there.

I really enjoy the fact that PMHNP can actually perform psychotherapy, I had no idea, that draws my interest in more.

But I guess the real deciding factor is being exposed first hand.

Again thank you! :)