Experience before PMHNP

[benson1994]

Hi everyone,

I am soon to be senior in a BSN program (first degree), looking to apply directly to PMHNP programs this fall (I want to work in pediatrics). I am aware this route is not recommended, and I have contemplated this for quite some time. My main rationale for going straight through, along with a few other reasons, is because I do not want to become complacent while working as an RN for a few years and I also want to preferably earn my DNP before I settle down, not when I am 35 with a job, wife, and children. I also plan on working part-time while in a master's program to supplement my lack of experience. I have a 3.8 GPA, strong GRE (157 verbal/154 quant), nursing honor society inductee, and good references, so I feel strongly I will be able to handle the coursework if accepted and possibly put forth a competitive application (your thoughts on this would be welcomed as well). This summer I am trying to bolster my working experience in mental health, and I have been offered a resident counseling job at a local Children's Home.

My question is, do you think working as a resident counselor for children (I am responsible for medications, documentation, planning, counseling, help with homework, etc. ) or working as an LNA in a psych unit would serve me better, in the eyes of an admission committee? I know I will really enjoy both, but before I accept one position over another, I want to ensure I am not limiting my opportunities.

Sincerest thanks.

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

My person opinion is that you are limiting your opportunities by not working as an RN 1st.

[umbdude, MSN, APRN]

I don't think either job will limit your opportunities. But since you mentioned that you want to work with peds, the resident counselor position might give you better exposure especially if you want to find a child psych job as a RN after graduation. It would also provide a more cohesive story when you write your admission essays.

[GeminiNurse29]

So you're going to apply in the fall and wouldn't be starting until next year then, if you got in?

Why not work part time as an RN while you apply and wait to hear back? There is so much you don't learn about being a nurse in nursing school. For that matter, how do you even know you'll like that area if you've never worked as a nurse in it? It's one thing to spot a patient decompensating and recognize the signs, it's another to just read about it.

I currently work in forensic psych with people who've committed crimes. There's also the geriatric unit (civil) that I float to and also a juvenile unit. Each has its own challenges. We also used to have a children's unit. By far, the most crazy and violent units were the children's and the civil units. Don't limit yourself. And focus on passing boards first.

But, that's just my two cents.

[DrCOVID, DNP]

Yea... the biggest reason you should work as an RN before you go into advanced practice is because you really need time to figure out what you want to do and being an RN will allow you to develop a pretty good skill set you don't get while you're in school.

I changed my mind a few times from where I wanted to go 8 years ago and where I want to go now and am glad I didn't just go straight to grad school. It would have been a big mistake!

I'm going to do the same for the advanced degrees... Masters First -> get exp -> then consider PHD/DNP. The most valuable thing in life is experience, not a degree.

[Zyprexa]

Work as an RN in pediatric psych for at least a year.