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?
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!
Good input. I was looking into JHU, Yale & Boston's programs, which are probably pipe dreams LOL. I'm still looking for good, regionally accredited programs & possible fellowships. Kinda daunting.
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!
Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.
With 2 Psych degrees and 8yrs experience, you are the perfect candidate for a Direct-Entry Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs -allnurses list includes schools offering PMHNP education with certificate addition to program or straight to DNP, all high quality programs.
As you already have the background experience in the field and know that's your area of focus why not? If you find a reputable program that will accept your application for direct entry I think this sounds like a great option for you.
I'm just got accepted to to a Direct-Entry to MSN program and don't plan to do bedside at all. But I do want to specialize in Psych. That's what my BA is in. I'm doing the nursing route then moving on to Psych NP when I have the chance.
mgryffon
7 Posts
Good input. I was looking into JHU, Yale & Boston's programs, which are probably pipe dreams LOL. I'm still looking for good, regionally accredited programs & possible fellowships. Kinda daunting.