An Average Day for a Psychiatric NP

[luckylady5]

Hello,

I am applying in to a psychiatric NP program for next year, and I'm really interested to learn more about what a typical day is like, specifically for one working in private practice. I used to do administrative work in a private psychiatric practice where they had 2 CNSs - one did mainly medication management and saw people every 15 mins, the other did mainly therapy with very little prescribing.

I would also love to hear more about this particular field itself - hours, flexibility with schedules demand for psych NPs (I'm in Massachusetts), and pay. I have read what I can find on these subjects, but I think it's always better to get a first-hand account. I appreciate any information you can give!

[Smitty08]

Hi again. As to the question about salary - that will vary widely depending on geographic region (east and west coast seem to have the best salaries, at least from my vantage point.) There is a wide range of salary also depending on what type of system for example unionized or not, state or federal or not. Generally more experience is more highly compensated. I personally work in CT. We are rated a "B+" in terms of overall autonomy of practice. That also varies widely and is something you want to consider, particularly if you intend to wind up in private practice. I think it is VERY helpful to have a background in psych. nursing - VERY. Not that its required, however the knowledge and skills you will accumulate as a psych. nurse are such a great basis for advanced practice, just my . There are a wide range of work environments, so if you prefer working with one psych. population vs. another, you should be able to carve out a niche, or find that job. Just be sure its a good fit for you temperamentally. Patience and the desire to help others factor in, in a big way.

[LisaDNP]

Smitty,

I see you're a FNP and a PMHNP. Which did you do first? If you were a FNP first, how long did it take to get your PMHNP? Lisa