CNS in Psych

Psychaprn · Apr 8, 2005

Is it a good idea to become a CNS in psych? I heard that there aren't too many jobs for CNS's in psych.

I'd suggest you get your prescriptive license and you'll be more marketable.

tjusnjon · Apr 9, 2005

I'd suggest you get your prescriptive license and you'll be more marketable.

thanks, but that doesn't really help me out that much... :stone

Whispera, MSN, RN · Jul 20, 2005

I'm a psych CNS. Jobs for us in my area are scarce. Right now I'm working as a psych floor nurse because I can't move, due to family responsibilities, and there's nothing available nearby. I think the time will come when we're more recognized for what we can do, but I probably won't see it happen in my lifetime.

I live in the Midwest. I've heard there's more opportunity for a psych CNS in other areas of the country...

antique nurse · Jul 23, 2005

I am going to start a program this Fall for Psychiatric CNS.I got my MSN from another university online and this is a post MSN certificate program at a local university.I am looking at it as an opportunity to better myself and maybe open new doors.

antique nurse · Jul 23, 2005

My MSN is in administration so this program for the CNS will be a new adventure for me.

Whispera, MSN, RN · Jul 25, 2005

It just occurred to me that you might have the education to be a psych CNS if you just take the clinical and didactive courses related to that specialty rather than going through a whole lot of other courses. Where I got my MSN, that would amount to 11 credit hours. Check with lots of schools before you sign up for something that requires many courses.

healer_energy · Sep 4, 2005

I am just about to begin a program leading to a psych CNS. I already have a MS in Nursing Education and I did do 2 courses in the psych track before I packed it in. So it will be 15 more credits. I am not a psych nurse at all, I have worked med-surg, critical care, education and presently I am in LTC. But I want to work with either the elderly [i'm really good with demented types now!] or adults who are situationally stressed but not people with mental diagnoses like schizophrenia [unless they are old, of course]. I am not a young person and I would like to retire from the med carts before my legs give out. I see it as something I can do even if I get a bit decrepit. Anyway it is yet another new field for me... something to keep me young.

FeelGDRN · Sep 6, 2005

I dont know about being a CNS in psychiatry. Im a psych RN. I started a program for Psych Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. I have not yet been able to gain some insight on this new phenonmenon in mental health nursing. Personally, after taking time for a management experience. I have just about concluded to focus on the psych np program. Which includes psychopharmacology( Rx principles, selection and discontinuation, case studies..) and neurobiolgy of mental disorders( Neurochemistry, and neuroanatomy). I can speak on those since they were the ones I completed. Psych nursing is still in demand. Nurse practitioners will replace the CNS role in my belief. Ive done alot of research. So the answer is based on why your looking at the CNS role. If you want to do therapy only and not have choices on medications then its fine. If you want to do therapy and meds do the the psych np. If you are "the few the proud" who want to do adult np, therapy, and meds I recommend the PPNP programs. Just for your information. There are demands every where.

HealthyRN · Sep 6, 2005

In most states, psych CNSs can also do med administration. I don't believe that is the difference between psych CNS and NP. I have also done a lot of research on this and it did seem that the NP would eventually phase out the CNS. However, there has definately been a resurgence of the psych CNS in many states and I don't believe they will be going anywhere.

I dont know about being a CNS in psychiatry. Im a psych RN. I started a program for Psych Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. I have not yet been able to gain some insight on this new phenonmenon in mental health nursing. Personally, after taking time for a management experience. I have just about concluded to focus on the psych np program. Which includes psychopharmacology( Rx principles, selection and discontinuation, case studies..) and neurobiolgy of mental disorders( Neurochemistry, and neuroanatomy). I can speak on those since they were the ones I completed. Psych nursing is still in demand. Nurse practitioners will replace the CNS role in my belief. Ive done alot of research. So the answer is based on why your looking at the CNS role. If you want to do therapy only and not have choices on medications then its fine. If you want to do therapy and meds do the the psych np. If you are "the few the proud" who want to do adult np, therapy, and meds I recommend the PPNP programs. Just for your information. There are demands every where.

FeelGDRN · Sep 6, 2005

In most states, psych CNSs can also do med administration. I don't believe that is the difference between psych CNS and NP. I have also done a lot of research on this and it did seem that the NP would eventually phase out the CNS. However, there has definately been a resurgence of the psych CNS in many states and I don't believe they will be going anywhere.[/
Im speaking from research based on schools offering the NP role. And the chances of them being biased are high. I do see a need for both CNS and NP roles in the field. I was told the requirements for RX authority are changing and require medical assessment training. Ive seen alot of need for advance practice nursing for both NP and CNS in the community programs. This is from the east coast, I cant speak for the other areas of the country.

healer_energy · Sep 7, 2005

Thank you for the input. I started school yesterday and so far it seems that I will get what I need. I am going to also take the one credit psychopharmacology course offered in the NP program. I don't particularly want to prescribe meds but if I get the job I want, a working knowledge is needed because this nurse makes suggestions that are co-signed by the psychiatrist. From what I see, the range of meds are very limited - it seems only about 4 are being used in this arena. I am also excited that my interest in alternative methods of healing is also validated by the instructor and I am encouraged to include this in my consideration and discussion.

I did start a program to get a master's degree in psychology previously but the students and faculty were so rigid and they seemed afraid to talk about their feelings in the counseling exercises that I dropped out. "Well, I'm going to pretend to be a depressed person." said my partner. Right.. and I can feel the dark sadness radiating from his person. :stone And I got him out of it, at least temporarily, I'm sure. When it was my turn, I had the instructor, and I certainly took advantage of the moment. I got some great advice that helped me immensely at the time. :rolleyes: This might seem silly but being quite empathic myself, I could feel it all the time. I didn't think I could conform enough to be comfortable.

My new class mates are all nurses, of course, and varied but interesting and open-hearted. I felt immediately at home, which is difficult for me in new groups because of the impact of new people on me. Anyway, it is all good!

Sonya