FNP to PMHNP

[Girleddi2019]

Hello..

I have applied for the FNP-PMHNP post Masters Cert.. but I’m confused about the board exam. If I’m already an FNP-BC, do I take the same PMHNP exam as someone who doesn’t already have an FNP. Thank you

[umbdude, MSN, APRN]

Yes you do take the same exam. It's a different specialty certification and tests you on different materials. Once you become a PMHNP you will need to maintain both certs according to each cert's requirements.

[Girleddi2019]

On 4/10/2020 at 1:35 PM, umbdude said:

Yes you do take the same exam. It's a different specialty certification and tests you on different materials. Once you become a PMHNP you will need to maintain both certs according to each cert's requirements.

Thank you very much for your reply..

[jensfbay, BSN, DNP]

are you an FNP who decided to get a certificate for PMHNP? Are you doing the program now? I'd love to hear your thoughts/experience since I'm thinking of doing the same. Thanks!

[NPFLlo, APRN]

I am an FNP as well and just bfailed my PMHNP exam (bummer!). Yeah, the specialty is different and as others stated,the psych boards exam is nothing like the FNP. I have to take it in 60 long days now... You should be able to practice in an integrated clinic on a dual role, which is the ultimate goal for me.

[daffymom]

NPFLio - bummer! Sixty days seems like forever but it will be here soon. -An MD friend failed a pediatric subspecialty board and has to wait 2 years to retake!

[NPFLlo, APRN]

You are absolutely correct! I guess I wasnt planning for a do-over, but I agree it could be worse. Thanks

[Girleddi2019]

On 4/28/2020 at 9:32 PM, jensfbay said:

are you an FNP who decided to get a certificate for PMHNP? Are you doing the program now? I'd love to hear your thoughts/experience since I'm thinking of doing the same. Thanks!

Hey jensfbay,

Sorry for the late reply. Yes I am a FNP who decided to get a PMHNP certificate. Yes I am in the program now. I am going full time so the program is approx. a year. I’m so happy that I decided to go back to school directly after passing the NP boards. Why, you might ask; because psych is my passion and I allowed nurses, professors and others tell me not to go into psych after undergrad because I would lose my skills. I have decided not to work as an FNP until I get my PMHNP. I have recently accepted a position as an RN in a psych faculty to gain experience. It is so rewarding.

The program is busy with lots of reading but totally doable. Good luck

[Girleddi2019]

6 hours ago, NPFLlo said:

I am an FNP as well and just bfailed my PMHNP exam (bummer!). Yeah, the specialty is different and as others stated,the psych boards exam is nothing like the FNP. I have to take it in 60 long days now... You should be able to practice in an integrated clinic on a dual role, which is the ultimate goal for me.

I am so sorry you were unsuccessful this time, and that you have to wait 60 days. This will give you time to reorganize your thoughts and study and nail it the next/last time. You’ve got this!

[NPFLlo, APRN]

Thank you?

[NPFLlo, APRN]

Happy to report that I passed my PMHNP exam just 3 days ago! As you all know from previous discussions, I failed my first attempt by a mere 7 points. I was enraged and furious at myself and couldn't wait for the 60-day period to come along. It was much less stressful this time around because I knew exactly what my weakest's points were. 

Thank you for all your supportive words during my "down-times". You can do it. I used Quizlet, The Purple book, and ANCC IQ question bank. I also joined a FB review group -free- where I practiced countless questions with others at-lib. I was quite helpful.

[Diego Silang]

CONGRATS and so happy for you @NPFLlo ! Your perseverance definitely paid off. I too will finally take my boards in a few days. Just wanted to ask, which Quizlet review material did you use that helped you the most? There’s just many of them out there ?