Direct Entry MSN - No interest in bedside

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Specializes in Psych.

I'm considering going into a DEMSN/GEPN program and getting an MSN then seeking credentials for NP. 
I have 2 degrees in Psychology w/ about 8y mental health exp and am solely interested in PMHNP. I have zero interest in working bedside after working as PCT/CNA in hospitals and other facilities for years. 

I'm looking at this track for prescriptive ability that isn't offered to MS/PsyD/PhD - only Psychiatrists and NP. I thought about med school for psychiatry, but another 4 years of school and 4 years of residency is just seriously unappealing. 

I got a load of flack about not working bedside first, but I don't see the advantage as I'm already a qualified mental health professional. 

I want to offer my clients therapy AND prescription management. Thoughts? 

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I feel like being able to prescribe without actually having any experience with the meds would be a bad idea. Pts often have other comorbidites too so even if you're strictly prescribing psych meds, a lot of psych meds cause QTc prolongation which increases their risk of cardiac dysrhythmias etc

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Specializes in School Nursing.
TIMFY said:

I feel like being able to prescribe without actually having any experience with the meds would be a bad idea. Pts often have other comorbidites too so even if you're strictly prescribing psych meds, a lot of psych meds cause QTc prolongation which increases their risk of cardiac dysrhythmias etc

I think nursing school and MHNP program will give her the experience in pharmacology.  If you find a NP school that will take your without RN bedside experience, that go for it.  

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Specializes in Psych.
lifelearningrn said:

I think nursing school and MHNP program will give her the experience in pharmacology.  If you find a NP school that will take your without RN bedside experience, that go for it.  

Psychopharmacology is part of MHP experience and education already. Can you think of any other considerations? 

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Specializes in Psych.
lifelearningrn said:

I think nursing school and MHNP program will give her the experience in pharmacology.  If you find a NP school that will take your without RN bedside experience, that go for it.  

Yeah, psychopharmacology is part of our training and education in psychological practice already. I'm assuming I'll also get that experience in fellowship, as well. Can you think of any other considerations? 

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.
TIMFY said:

I feel like being able to prescribe without actually having any experience with the meds would be a bad idea. Pts often have other comorbidites too so even if you're strictly prescribing psych meds, a lot of psych meds cause QTc prolongation which increases their risk of cardiac dysrhythmias etc

Absolutely agree with your sentiment!!

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

becoming an advanced practice provider without any nursing experience is kind of disturbing to me. I just don't understand this mentality. Knew a nurse that went into a psych NP Program after being an RN for about a year. When she got out of school in about 18 months, some of the stuff that she would post was embarrassing. NO clue about certain pathophysiology, general Microbiology. 

Why go into something if you don't want to be around patients??

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Specializes in Psych.
mmc51264 said:

becoming an advanced practice provider without any nursing experience is kind of disturbing to me. I just don't understand this mentality. Knew a nurse that went into a psych NP Program after being an RN for about a year. When she got out of school in about 18 months, some of the stuff that she would post was embarrassing. NO clue about certain pathophysiology, general Microbiology. 

Why go into something if you don't want to be around patients?

Did you read my post at all, or just the title and decided to respond? 

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

General speaking I'm opposed to NP programs without previous nursing experience. In you situation, what you're describing makes sense. 

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Specializes in School Nursing.
mgryffon said:

Psychopharmacology is part of MHP experience and education already. Can you think of any other considerations? 

I really think your experience working in psych hospitals and education makes you a great candidate for MHNP.  

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Specializes in PMHCS BC.

There is no reason you cannot do this. You have extensive experience in mental health. The RN portion of a direct entry program will give you exposure to all the meds and you will learn about them and interactions with psychiatric medications and the risks of all the meds. You will then build upon this in the Psych NP portion of the program.  Just please for all that's good choose a program that is quality over convenience or price. Sometimes you can do one that is convenience and affordable and quality, but do not just do any program. Apply for and enroll in a program that will give you a good education that has rigorous academic and clinical standards. I say this as a direct entry psych APRN myself and owner of a practice employing 7 NP's. I would hire you as a new grad if you were able to interview well and demonstrate good knowledge of pharmacology and psychopharmacology prescribing, risks, benefits, safety monitoring.  What I do find a lot of non-nursing/non-medical BH degree holders think is that they only have to understand what psych meds are for what psych diagnosis. This couldn't be further from the truth. You need to know every med there is and how it interacts. You need to understand physiology and how different medical conditions may affect the psych drugs you prescribe. So just be prepared that this is not simple wrote memorization. You need to understand the mechanisms of action of all drugs and how individual medical issues or psychiatric issues may impact your prescribing. If you are prepared for that, you'll do just fine.

Good luck!

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Specializes in Postpartum/Public Health.

Interesting case, I feel like if you find a university that takes you into a direct entry MSN program with your experience and expertise it shouldn't be a problem. If you need help finding Psychiatric-Mental Health NP programs, AllNurses does have a good resource: Best Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Programs in 2024 - Nursing Degree Programs (allnurses.com)

I feel like you do have the patient care experience with your time working in mental health, so you're familiar with the population, you just need that extra knowledge and skills to prescribe. Best of luck! 

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