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!
Interesting thread. I'm in my pre-reqs now for a BSN program that should all go right I'll start in April. I think one of my first posts on allnurses talked about thinking about counseling first and then got turned onto becoming an NP. Now I think think about FNP vs. psych NP. In my idea world I do both FNP then later psych NP the best of both worlds.
Oh, and I'm also in East TN so curious how you girls RN007 and ladybugmo are doing.
Great to see your post, figuringitout. My road to psych NP has been a long one. I was all set to accept admission to the psych NP program at UTK when all the budget stuff happened. I was advised to get the BSN first but did not want to because I already have a BA. But after thinking about it, I realized it was the first half of the RN to MSN program, so I went ahead. UTK has an online RN to BSN and they've been very accommodating. Another bonus of the BSN is I'm paying UG instead of graduate fees. I hope to be accepted into an MSN program in Fall 2010.
Stay in touch. I'd love to have the support of other psych NP prospects.
Oh, and I'm also in East TN so curious how you girls RN007 and ladybugmo are doing.
Hey, I'm in Gatlinburg, TN in a cabin on vacation. I've already seen a fox and a black bear off my balcony. Unfortunately, my online course starts today...
Great to see your post, figuringitout. My road to psych NP has been a long one. I was all set to accept admission to the psych NP program at UTK when all the budget stuff happened. I was advised to get the BSN first but did not want to because I already have a BA. But after thinking about it, I realized it was the first half of the RN to MSN program, so I went ahead. UTK has an online RN to BSN and they've been very accommodating. Another bonus of the BSN is I'm paying UG instead of graduate fees. I hope to be accepted into an MSN program in Fall 2010.
Stay in touch. I'd love to have the support of other psych NP prospects.
Yes, I volunteered at a clinic where I know one of the woman was working on an ASN with the hope of getting into the direct entry MSN program. I'm sure this budget has affected many plans. I hope to do my Masters at UTK so hopefully they don't starting messing with that program:nono:
Good luck in your studies. I'm still working on pre-reqs. I should enter the official BSN portition of my program in April if I rock through it too I would be looking at Fall 2011.
Hey, I'm in Gatlinburg, TN in a cabin on vacation. I've already seen a fox and a black bear off my balcony. Unfortunately, my online course starts today...
Hey zenman is even in our neck of the woods. Sorry about all the rain we've had. Good luck in your studies as well.
LOL! You're just round the corner. I hope you have a great time. Vacationing?
I am taking an online course this summer and had to take two quizzes while in Orlando with my kids. But I'm not complaining -- very happy to have the option.
BTW, a friend told me about a psych NP whose clients are in the backwoods area around Gatlinburg. I thought that sounded like a great practice as long as the patients aren't waiting on their porches with shotguns loaded ....
I'm in Maryville. :) Good luck with the prereqs. PM me if you ever want to chat.
Zenman, have a wonderful time in Gatlinburg. The rain's probably making it muggy, but I bet the nights are pleasant.
No rain today. I've been to Maryville a long time ago. I remember it was a pretty place. How far is it from Gatlinburg? Guess I could look it up on a map!
I hope to be accepted into an MSN program in Fall 2010. 
figuringitout09
31 Posts
Interesting thread. I'm in my pre-reqs now for a BSN program that should all go right I'll start in April. I think one of my first posts on allnurses talked about thinking about counseling first and then got turned onto becoming an NP. Now I think think about FNP vs. psych NP. In my idea world I do both
FNP then later psych NP the best of both worlds.
Oh, and I'm also in East TN so curious how you girls RN007 and ladybugmo are doing.