Can a Psych Np work as a Derm NP?

[matt.matt2]

I was checking many Derm NP job descriptions recently, and almost all of them just say 'NP license,' not 'Family NP, adult NP' ect. My question is: can a psych NP work as a derm NP? Is it possible that each state could have a different law regarding this? I am about to start school to get my psych NP, but have always had an interest in dermatology and want it as an option. However, that is my only medical interest, so I do not want to get my Family NP license, especially since psych interests me much more than gerenal medicine. I have also heard about certain schools offering derm NP fellowships, could this be a possibility for a psych NP to work in derm? Any information on this topic would be helpful, thanks!

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

I would be very concerned practicing as a deem NP when certified as a psych NP. Will you have the medical training? I wouldn't do it, simply because the lawyers would love to get ahold of this...

[zenman]

Pick a speciality, gall darn it!

[hoosier guy]

i would think that as a derm np you would still need some of the adult/family np background to smartly practice. if i remember the consensus model correctly (not that it is gospel or anything) you are only supposed to practice your specialty within you population foci. therefore a pnp who specialized in derm would only treat pediatric derm issues. not sure how that would translate for a psych np.

[apocatastasis]

According to the scope and standards of practice for psychiatric NPs, you are NOT trained in or qualified to practice primary care, dermatology, or any other specialty aside from advanced practice psychiatric nursing. You shouldn't, technically speaking, even be writing for azithromycin for an uncomplicated sinus infection, even if you're pretty sure that's what it is... and you DEFINITELY should not be making the basis of your practice.

You can (and probably will) get nailed by your board of nursing for going outside of your scope and standards of practice. If there is legal action taken against you, you have no defense and no malpractice carrier that will cover you. And aside from all that, it's also just a terrible idea. Hopefully your program will make you take a roles course.

Check out the NONPF domains and competencies and your state's ARNP scope of practice laws. Also: Hamric, Spross, & Hanson's Advanced Practice Nursing: An Integrative Approach, and Joel's Advanced Practice Nursing: Essentials for Role Development.

[harmonizer]

You would recommend changing the specialty to Family/Adult NP. Most dermatology fellowship I saw has the requirement of being FNP.

Lahey Clinic | Nurse Practitioner Fellowship in Dermatology

[elkpark]

OP, would you go to a psychiatrist to get treatment for a skin problem??

[ccmathis6]

What state do you practice in? In Tennessee they are open but again you must look at are you trained?

[cmhnp]

exactly as stated above, this is a "what state do you live in" question. I am an FNP in Ohio, and our board gets tricky on these types of questions. They often rely on the exact semantics of what is listed in ORC and OAC for laws and rules. Our board is quick to tell you what the laws and admin say, as well as their thoughts on it if you call to speak with them about it. My advice is to call your board. Many MDs have the misconception that you can do anything that is within their scope and that they are comfortable with you doing. This in essence, in many states is the primary difference b/w NPs and PAs..... Just be careful, if it feels fishy, it proabably is.

[Mookiepsychnp]

If your really interested in Derm, getting your FNP would be the best option.

[bsnanat2]

You are more likely to be safe as an FNP/ANP doing psych than a PsychNP doing derm. Many states recognize mental health as a part of primary care, but PsychNP is a specialization. Besides, the gulf between the two is such a stretch that I think you know the answer.