Best route to PMHNP? BSN needed?

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I'm 28 and really never had an absolute idea of what I wanted to do. I've spent a great deal of my working career in the healthcare field on the administrative side but I have no real feeling of reward or satisfaction. I want to have more of an impact. After doing a lot of research, (and having a personal experience of my own with psych providers) I would like to pursure a degree in PMHNP. Whats the best route? ADN to MSN or ADN gain some experience while pursuing a BSN then pursue MSN. I have past experience in a level 4 psych facility as resident assistant but no real clinical experience.

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Specializes in Rehab, Ortho-Spine, Med-Surg, & Psych.

Hello,

It seems to me you should take one goal (degree) at a time. After all, you just said that you "really never had an absolute idea of what I wanted to do".

It also depends on what kind of "personal experience" you have had with your psych providers. I am not sure if you meant that as professional experience, or that you have been a mental health patient.

If you have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder... I don't think it poses a problem. On the other hand, if you have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, paranoid schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, dissociative personality disorder, or the like... I would advice you against pursuing a nursing career. The risk of things going wrong are too high. You could put others at risk from a therapeudic and pharmacological perspectives. Not to mention yourself.

Assuming there are no big MH issues, you should still proceed one degree at a time. Once you go through the initial ADN with clinicals, you might end up liking another area of nursing and change your course of studies. Pace yourself. Savor every step of the way; discover nursing and let it discover you.

Hope my humble opinion helps.

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You said you are 28..do you have a degree already? You can do accelerated BSN and get your BSN, then pursue your MSN as a Psych NP. Do you feel you need an income to be coming in while you complete the rest of your degree? If so, then ADN will probably be the first route. Going for the BSN will probably take you the next 4 years if you have not taken any courses (prerequisites)...So, look at your situation and see what works best for you..Good luck!

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Not any major issues, just some counseling after my dad passed away suddenly. I've always had a lot of respect for people in the MH field. I looked at the path to become an MHNP and I've been researching every since. I've set up a meeting with the nursing advisor at the technical school I graduated from. Since I already have my Associates In Liberal Arts, all of my pre reqs are knocked out with exception of two biology classes. I'm def going to take it one degree at a time BUT I also asked this question so I won't rack up a lot of debt in the process as well. Thanks for your words of encouragement and help.

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Thanks, and yes I need income. I see several bridge programs from ADN-RN to MSN. My sister said those programs are very time consuming though and I wouldn't be able to work but I guess I could "cross that bridge when I get there" :)

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Be sure to investigate the job market for ADN nurses in your area before making commitment to an educational program. In many metro areas, hospitals are only hiring BSN grads.

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