Day in the life of psych NP/CNS

[HealthyRN]

I am considering applying to a grad program for psych NP/CNS. Before I finalize my decision, I want to know what I am getting myself into! If there are any psych NPs or CNSs on these boards, can you tell me what your day is like? I would just like a general idea. What type of facility do you work in? How much of your day is spent with medication management, therapy, etc.? Is salary competitive compared with other specialities? How common is it for a psych NP/CNS to own a private practice?

I would love to hear what other people have to say as well!

Thank you!

[Jo Dirt]

Laurie, this is so exciting to hear about. I want to become a psychNP as soon as I get finished with this BSN I'm working on (I hope this spring).

[zenman]

I'm looking for a psych/NP school.

I see that UAB has opened a psych np program. I like UAB!

[zenman]

Yes, I am. I live and work in Maryville, aka Murvyl if you're from around here. :)

I think I went there many years ago. Pretty little town with a nearby stream.

[globalRN]

i am not sure what psych NPs make ...but i know there is a huge demand.

I believe they make more than FNPs as a rule.

However, most specialty NPs do make more.

[nu134]

First off.....I just want to say thank you for all the great information in the previous posts. There isnt too much representation on the NP fourm threads for the psych specality.

A few questions:

How is the job outlook in the field? Where are the biggest demand for Psych NPs in the country? How realistic is it to have an independent practice and where are the best states to practice in?

Thanks again,

Matt

[RN007]

I think I went there many years ago. Pretty little town with a nearby stream.

Yes, that's Maryville. I'm honored to know you were here, Zenman.

[ladybugmo]

First off.....I just want to say thank you for all the great information in the previous posts. There isnt too much representation on the NP fourm threads for the psych specality.

A few questions:

How is the job outlook in the field? Where are the biggest demand for Psych NPs in the country? How realistic is it to have an independent practice and where are the best states to practice in?

Thanks again,

Matt

Matt, I don't know where the biggest demand is, but the job outlook for psych NP's seems to be pretty good across the country. I gather this from doing job searches on the various websites. As far as independent practice goes, I think it just depends on the state you are practicing in. Some time ago, there was a chart comparing the various states floating around. I will see if I can locate that for you.

[lilia123]

Wow,

I was thinking of leaving the nursing field for counseling until i saw the salaries for LCSW & LPC and am noe considering psych APN...so I said to myself...go to All Nurses to get good information...As i understand it here, would it only be in private practice that you do counseling or in group practice. If i get my masters in another career, i can't deduct it from my taxes, but a MA in same field is deductable.

Working as an APN-pychiatric, do you have to do physical assessments?

Thanks:nuke:

[zenman]

Every psych np program I've seen you have to learn physical assessment, just like a psychiatrist. But, in every psych setting I've worked in there has been a consulting family practice physician to do the physical assessments on admission. You do need a little background in physical assessment though just to be clued in to any potential problems.

Recently, an employee here (Dhaka) came to get me to review the results of a recent exam by a physician. I had to get a translator to talk with her, and in spite of a negative physical, I just knew this lady had TB. I arranged for her to get a second opinion with a British doctor. It now looks as if she has disseminated tuberculosis. So it helps to have a little background in physical assessment.

[PsychLady123]

I've been a psych np since 2004. A usual day now is mostly nursing home psych consults I see around 20-30 patients a day. But have worked in clinic and it can be very busy, in rural south very high demand for more psych np's, I think the job market is going to rise. Salary, the lowest I know of is 65k/year and highest is 100k/year. I don't know if this answers your question but maybe it helps.

[Psych NP graduate]

Hi Ladybugmo, I am about to take the ANCC psych NP test, any clues regarding the test questions? I took FNP years ago and did fine, I am not as confident about this one.

Thanks

[drfitness]

This thead has been soo helpful to me. I am starting NP school next year and was accepted into a FNP program but am looking into Psy now!! I wanted to ask Psychlady123 if she prefers Psy to Fnp?