Clinical rotation question for Psych NP's

[Barnstormin' PMHNP]

Hi All, I had a question about my clinical rotation. I currently do my clinical on my inpatient, acute care unit, I am also learning crisis consultation in the ER. I could do all my rotations here and I have an excellent preceptor (Psychiatrist) who is very knowledgeable and patient (plus I know the routine!).

I am feeling a bit concerned that I would miss any crucial experience or limit myself by not doing any clinical rotations in an outpatient/private practice setting? I have no experience with any other psych nursing except in patient. What do you Psych NP's think, should I try outpatient or stay in acute inpatient. Will it affect any job prospects down the road if don't ?

[Jules A, MSN]

I can't imagine it would hinder your job search unless there was major competition but why don't you spend a couple of weeks in an outpatient setting checking things out? My thought is if you can work the inpatient trifecta of acute, ED and consult liaison OP is a piece of cake but it wouldn't hurt to at least get a feel for outpatient work also. I did about 10 days with a friend at her OP practice and found it kind of boring although I enjoyed hanging with her. It seems most NPs prefer OP better because of the regular hours and low key atmosphere. I find it boring and really dislike the lack of control. For example how many times have patients complained of severe insomnia only to get shift report and learn they were snoring up a storm for 9 hours? Or napping 3 hours each day? I like having this information and in the above mentioned cases would not prescribe a sleep med. Does that make any sense? :)

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

Are you getting experience with doing the therapy part of your potential future job, in the clinical experiences you're having? If not, clinical in OP might provide that, and could be very valuable for a future job. You never know what aspect of work you'll have until it drops in your lap. It's good to have some experience in everything that's possible...

[Barnstormin' PMHNP]

Thanks JulesA and Whispera for your replies. I spoke to the director about my concerns and he actually said that when I was ready to do OP, let him know and he would make it happen. We do have a partial program and he was also thinking about having me go over to another facility for the OP. I am very fortunate to have support in this manner. I agree that having a well rounded experience is important, and I think the therapy is coming next semester. We have a LSW who does all the psychotherapy and she is very enthusiastic about me doing some clinical time with her for therapy. BTW, I love the PMHNP role and what I am learning, it's awesome!