Considering Psych NP

[red1986]

Hi Everyone,

A few questions
1. how essential would taking Chem be to nursing/NP school? If it isn't required by some of these other prerequisite classes, it makes me nervous if it is essential to later classes in nursing or NP school

2. Programs I've been looking at are 3 years. First year taking nursing classes, sitting for NCLEX, and then upon passing continuing on to Masters NP classes while continuing rotations. Since I plan to go straight through school and hopefully work right after, does this seem too rushed to have good experience? My understanding is that Psych NP is very different than other NP specialities, and so not having a lot of clinical experience upon graduation isn't quite the same as a FNP or Acute Care NP (those I have heard having actual nursing experience prior to school is extremely beneficial, if not required).

[verene, MSN]

1. I've found having some Chemistry knowledge to be useful for understanding concepts in pharmacology and physiology and for reading journal articles, but it isn't something that is heavily used.  Most programs and most jobs are set up to focus on PMHNP in the medication management role.

3. I graduated ABSN + MN program and worked as an RN during the MN portion. Working as an RN has been *very* beneficial to developing assessment, clinical judgement, deescalation / intervention, and leadership skills, learning the local mental health community, and in developing my interest areas, and supporting the learning I was doing in class and clinical. Having this experience definitely helped me in gaining interviews and in receiving the PMHNP position I've accepted. I don't know that I would have the confidence to make the transition to PMHNP having done school alone. I still anticipate a very steep learning curve.

[Oldmahubbard]

I agree with the above. Very little chemistry is actually necessary. Anything you need to understand you can probably youtube for the concepts.

Your previous career will be somewhat helpful, but becoming a Psych NP without RN experience is problematic to me. It will be a different population than the one you are used to.