FNP vs psych NP

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Hey everyone I'm a psych RN with 7 years experience in psych. I love what I do but I feel it's time for me to go back to school and go for my NP. I initially thought to go for psych NP (makes sense with my background right?) But then I thought an FNP would be more versatile. Any advice from any FNP or psych NP? How do you enjoy your careers? What's your typical day like?

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I am a Psych NP since 2004. I have had a few different jobs, all of which have been interesting. Currently I am a consultant in several nursing homes. It is very independent. I am free to work as hard as I want, depending on how much I want to make, haha.

I did Corrections for many years, what an interesting position that was. It had its' drawbacks but I enjoyed appearing in court as an expert witness to get orders for treatment over objection on mentally ill inmates.

You are the right background to pursue the Psych NP, and FNPs are a dime a dozen now in some areas.

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Thanks for the response! I definitely felt my background was more helpful as a psych NP. I live in the NY/CT area and there isn't as much openings as I thought. Even my psych hospital only has two inpatient psych NPs

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Well, I did inpatient within a forensic setting in NY. Very interesting

Outpatient of course, and LTC work is becoming more common. I go to 8 nursing homes, and have had to turn some down because I can't do it all.

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So when you go to these LTC, do you do assessments, med Management's or consults? I can imagine with our aging population that mental health is going to be even more important

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All of the above. In NY, there are a fair number of chronically mentally ill people in nursing homes. I have 8 or 10 people on Clozaril. Many others on 2 antipsychotics and a mood stabilizer.

A lot of dementia with behavioral disturbance.

Some relatively lucid folks that are stuck in LTC.

Lots of diagnostic clarification. Post Stroke syndrome or major mental illness?

I carry a caseload of probably 600 pts.

You do have to have all your wits completely about you, which is why I never suggest that somebody with no psych RN experience do the Psych NP.

It isn't exciting, but doable and very autonomous. In NY we are "free" after some 3000 clinical hours, haha

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Where in NY are you if you don't mind me asking? I can see that a consulting position would be very autonomous and ideally you have to have a lot experience. Sounds fun though, going to different locations so you're not stuck in one facility with all the drama and stuff. Are you contracted by the facilities or you are outside consultant?

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@oldmahubbard would you mine talking more about your career as a psych NP it sounds really interesting...what u do! i feel like not enough psych NPs talk about their careers and experience.

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Agreed! @oldmahubbard you should right a blog about your experiences!

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Specializes in Psych/Mental Health.

Once you're in an NP program, join a PMHNP facebook group. You'll see a lot of day-to-day cases. It's a good resource for both NPs and psych NP students.

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Based on your background, I would encourage you to go for PMHNP directly.

I have the same background... got my FNP in order to add versatility... I ended up going back to get my PMHNP!!!

Don't make the same mistake, don't waste time and $$$$

Thanks.

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Agreed! @oldmahubbard you should right a blog about your experiences!

My sister always says this. A book, not a blog.

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