Feelings on becoming Certified Psych RN

elkpark · Dec 13, 2012

I was certified in psych when I worked as a staff nurse; I sought the certification as soon as I qualified for it (since then, I've gone on to grad school and have now been a child psych CNS for many years, so I haven't maintained the generalist-level certification). I never got paid any extra for having it :), but it was important to me, personally, professionally, to pursue the additional credential(s) available in my specialty. I know it was noticed and commented on (positively) when I applied for psych nursing jobs as my career progressed.

Orca, ADN, ASN, RN · Dec 13, 2012

I held ANCC certification in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing for five years (the initial certification period). The requirements for recertification are a pain in the tail, and the cost is significant if your employer isn't picking it up (mine didn't). I let mine expire.

If you like the personal satisfaction of having RN,C after your name, by all means do it. If you're expecting an employer to give you any credit (let alone pay) for it, don't hold your breath.

ear · Dec 14, 2012

I just took the certification exam this past year. I carried around the study guide, thinking I was going to take the test a couple of years ago. Life got in the way though. They changed the test this year, so I scrambled to get it done while I still had the material. I enjoyed learning, I am keeping up with CEU's, and have since started school for the PMHNP program.

I love learning, and when something sparks an interest, I really enjoy it.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Dec 15, 2012

I'm certified in Psych. It was a professional goal to become certified, and it was also a personal achievement. In getting and maintaining certification, I feel like I'm pushing myself to keep my knowledge current and be the best nurse that I can. Plus there is NO WAY in hell I am ever taking that certification test again--I was throwing up for an entire day, even after I learned that I passed it.

I'm not always recognized for it--in fact, on the floor, more often than not people will ask what the "BC" stands for. Though I found out I'm actually getting the BSN pay rate because I'm certified (I do not have a BSN...yet), but we're not talking a hefty pay increase: more like 25-50 cents an hour.

mtsteelhorse · Dec 27, 2012

So how does one prepare for this exam? I don't work in psych per se; I work in a county detention center with a lot of psych and dual diagnosis. I'd like to be certified for personal enrichment but I will need to get up to speed for an exam. Thanks.

elkpark · Dec 27, 2012

So how does one prepare for this exam? I don't work in psych per se; I work in a county detention center with a lot of psych and dual diagnosis. I'd like to be certified for personal enrichment but I will need to get up to speed for an exam. Thanks.

Here are the eligibility criteria:

Psychiatricâ€"Mental Health Nursing Certification Eligibility Criteria - American Nurses Credentialing Center - ANCC

I would think that the first question would be whether your experience counts as specifically psych-mental health nursing experience. You might want to talk to the ANCC directly about that.

mtsteelhorse · Dec 27, 2012

Yes, definitely. thank you. I was accepted to psych/MH NP school but I have put that on hold for now. I'm not sure I want to get into med mgnt at this point. I would love to do some counseling but gosh, the educational path for that is awfully long for little pay. Thanks again.