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Discussion

Does Correctional Nursing count as Psych Experience?

Hello to all!

I was wondering if anyone had any input as to whether being an RN in corrections counts as clinical psychiatric experience? As it is well known, there is a lot of psych issues within the prison system amongst inmates. I was just wondering as to whether college admission committees would abstract the same assertation for this or not.

Just wondering and requesting a 'lil help.

(Have been and will continue Googling & contacting various admissions departments about this)

P.S.> Is it safe to assume that such experience would award eligibility to sit for the ANCC Psychiatric Registered Nurse Board Certified examination?

This info may as well assist many more RNs in the forensic/correctional field who would like more options to certify their expertise or advance their studies.

Thank you!

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    • Expert

    I doubt very much whether you would be able to sit for the ANCC psych nurse certification exam, unless you are working in a psych-specific unit in a correctional facility or have some other experience that meets the requirement for 2000 hours of working in psychiatric nursing.  Sure, you see lots of psych in corrections, but that's true in any clinical setting these days and it's not the same as working in psychiatric nursing.  Have you asked the ANCC?  They would be able to give you a definitive answer.  

    There are organizations that offer a specialty certification in corrections nursing, that you would be able to pursue.  Have you looked into that?

    I have no idea what colleges would think about your background; it would likely depend on the specific college.  Are you asking because you want to get into a graduate program in psychiatric nursing?  There are some (plenty) of schools that will take people into psych NP programs without any psych experience.

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    Looking at the "practice questions" on the ANCC, not sure correctional nursing would translate. Psych nurses tend to be around during group therapy sessions.

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    The ANCC web page mentions only "in the psychiatrics-mental health specialty". This is the descriptive paragraph:

    The ANCC Psychiatric–Mental Health Nursing board certification examination is a competency based examination that provides a valid and reliable assessment of the entry-level clinical knowledge and skills of registered nurses in the psychiatric–mental health specialty after initial RN licensure. Once you complete eligibility requirements to take the certification examination and successfully pass the exam, you are awarded the credential: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse – Board Certified (PMH-BC™). This credential is valid for 5 years.

    The Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification accredits this ANCC certification.

    Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification (PMH-BC™)

    Having done both and having once held this certification, I believe that correctional nursing would adequately prepare you for this exam.

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    I have that cert and believe your experience will prepare you. Get the $40 flash cards and study for 4-6weeks and you will pass...

    On the flip, I'm going to take forensics course to become certified because law enforcement thinks mental illness and law breaking are synonymous LOL

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    On 11/1/2021 at 5:35 AM, lilRN16 said:

    On the flip, I'm going to take forensics course to become certified because law enforcement thinks mental illness and law breaking are synonymous LOL.

    What forensics certification are you referring to?

     

     

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    On 10/13/2021 at 3:29 PM, Orca said:

    The ANCC Psychiatric–Mental Health Nursing board certification examination is a competency based examination that provides a valid and reliable assessment of the entry-level clinical knowledge and skills of registered nurses in the psychiatric–mental health specialty after initial RN licensure.

     The test is for entry level. clinical knowledge and skills......the ANCC is all in it for the $$$. Please ANA review what your purpose was when you were established....it was not to be a money making machine with dubious certifications.

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    On 12/5/2021 at 3:08 AM, SarahMaria said:

    What forensics certification are you referring to?

     

    I saw one at UC Riverside... I was just googling around... 

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    On 12/5/2021 at 8:42 AM, londonflo said:

     The test is for entry level. clinical knowledge and skills......the ANCC is all in it for the $$$. Please ANA review what your purpose was when you were established....it was not to be a money making machine with dubious certifications.

    Exactly why I didn't bother to renew when it came due. It simply wasn't worth the money.

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    • Expert

    This doesn't answer your primary question per say as it relates to continuing your education. But I know we've recruited nurses with corrections background for psych RN positions at Vanderbilt. 

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