Difference between an NP and a Certified Psych Nurse

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I graduated in '15 and started working on an acute psych floor in Feb. It's my dream job and the reason why I wanted to go to nursing school. I want to advance my professional knowledge but IDK where to look. Ever since I got hired on I've heard of this "Certified Psych Nurse" thing and was wondering what differentiates it from an ARNP? IDK for sure if the NP is the route I want to go (as of now I'm just an ADN). My current employer doesn't offer ANY benefits in terms of pay for higher education, so as of right now I'm thinking why bother? I have no debt now, why would I want to take some on if there is no payback? (yeah yeah opportunities new jobs future blah blah blah) I'm looking at least a 5 year commitment at where I work now, but things CAN change.

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Specializes in ED/Psych.

A "certfied" psych RN is I think a certification you may be able to get from the ANCC however, a Psychiatric Nurse Practioner requires at least a MSN and is a APRN.

Best wishes

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The ANCC offers a specialty certification in psychiatric nursing at the generalist (staff nurse) level, which has nothing to do with advanced practice (psych NP, in the case of psychiatric nursing). It is voluntary recognition that one is an experienced and competent psychiatric RN. The eligibility requirements are that you have practiced the equivalent of two years full-time as an RN, at least 2,000 in psychiatric nursing specifically within the last three years, and have completed at least 30 hours of continuing education in psychiatric nursing within the last three years. That qualifies you to sit the certification exam. Certification is good for five years, and then you have to recertify if you want to maintain the recertification.

Some employers prefer to hire certified RNs, some pay a little more if you have national certification, some couldn't care less. Whether or not you would want to pursue certification is a v. personal choice.

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Specializes in Hospice, corrections, psychiatry, rehab, LTC.

APRNs have prescriptive authority. Certified psych nurses don't.

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