Does Correctional Nursing count as Psych Experience?

[Merky101, ADN, RN]

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!

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

I think it depends on the type of prison you work in. Do you work in a mental health treatment center? Here is IL, we have a mental health hospital called the Joliet Treatment Center which is a hospital that is part of the IL Dept of Corrections

[verene, MSN]

It really depends on the corrections facility and the specific role you are working in with in corrections. Do you work a mental health pod? Or mental health clinic with in the corrections setting? 

For college admissions you can usually use your application essay and/or interview process to clarify your experience and how it relates to whatever you are applying for. 

As for ANCC their webpage/FAQs state: "Review the certification specialty information page for a description of the certification and to review the test content outline. Use this information to compare with your current practice and responsibilities."  For determining if experience is applicable to the certification. 

If you go to the PMRN certification page it has an outline of test content to review - if this looks like what you do/are familiar with - you probably meet requirements. If the concepts seem completely foreign or not part of your day-to-day work then you may not be eligible.