Going to NP school

Choose based on what you are passionate about! FNP and PMHNP are both good choices. They are also very different. I would strongly advise against a PMHNP unless you are truly passionate about, and committed to, working with the mentally ill and have some experience doing so, even if it is only in clinical rotations. Please do not pick PMHNP just because it might pay more or be easier to get a job - you will likely end up miserable and will not be doing your patients a service, either.

I wouldn't suggest PMHNP unless you have worked with the mentally ill for at least a couple of years.

I've worked in mental health for 10yrs. I love it. It's not about the money, Im not concerned about that. My question is the job market. Wondering if any PMHNP or FNP struggled to get a job? Any recommendations on schools? Which field is more in demand. And I love both fields.Thanks!

If most of your experience is in Psych, that is probably the way to go.

I have no idea about the job market in your area.

When I graduated, you had to have connections to get anything semi-decent.

That's what worries me. Really want to do PMHNP but I dont have to many connections. FNP is appealing because it's not so restricting as the other one.

2 hours ago, HappyMRN said:

That's what worries me. Really want to do PMHNP but I dont have to many connections. FNP is appealing because it's not so restricting as the other one.

The demand for PMHNP and FNP varies by location. I live in California, so am not familiar with the Texas employment prospects. In California, demand for both FNPs and PMHNPs is quite high, especially outside the coastal cities. You should be able to get some info on NP demand in Texas through the state Health and Human Services website and also use the internet to research topics like NP demand in Texas, Primary Care provider shortage in Texas, Mental Health provider shortage in Texas, etc. Also try to talk to healthcare providers in Texas to get their take on the job market. Good luck.

That's great advice. I search various job websites for jobs to see what's available. But I will definitely look at health and human services. It's just hard to choose something you really like, especially when you like both.

5 hours ago, Oldmahubbard said:

I wouldn't suggest PMHNP unless you have worked with the mentally ill for at least a couple of years.

This x 1000. Also, take a tour of an inpatient psych unit to know what you will be getting yourself into. Pmhnp around here make a good deal more than FNP, but is comes at a cost.

I work in a correctional setting, been there several years now. So, I'm very much aware of the mh population. It's very sad. Just wondering if any pmhnp had problems getting jobs.

I currently work corrections as well. Before that, I worked in inpatient acute lock up units. They are very different. Many inmates fake mental illnesses to get SSI money when they parole. The real deal is in inpatient psych units and it's a world that is definitely not for everyone.

I totally agree.

I'm surprised that you have years of experience in psych but don't know the Psych NP job market. It's good, much better than FNP for the most part. But in some large cities, even psych NPs are becoming saturated.

Aim for the best program and the specialty you're most passionate and good at. Know the roles so you can see where you fit in.