Have BSN, thinking about the Master program

Matey · Feb 24, 2009

Nursing Director, Nursing Practitioner... endless opportunities

Journey_On, BSN, RN · Feb 25, 2009

You could have a larger scope of practice as a mid-level provider, such as a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), or a Nurse Practitioner. Some advanced practice nurses can prescribe medications. There are also Clinical Nurse Leaders, Clinical Nurse Specialists, and Nurse Educators.

kajh20 · Feb 25, 2009

I know that I could find out this information if I looked, but I thought I'd just ask since it's at my fingertips. So, in order to be a clinical psychiatric nurse do you know if a Masters degree is required first or would both specialties be done at the same time?

Thank you for your time, I do appreciate it:)

Journey_On, BSN, RN · Feb 25, 2009

You can be a psychiatric nurse if you are an RN and work in a psych setting. However, if you want to be a psychiatric nurse practitioner, you can become one through a master's degree program. I don't know if I fully answered your question - let me know if it is not clear. :)

kajh20 · Feb 25, 2009

You can be a psychiatric nurse if you are an RN and work in a psych setting. However, if you want to be a psychiatric nurse practitioner, you can become one through a master's degree program. I don't know if I fully answered your question - let me know if it is not clear. :)

So, I'm assuming that in order to be a clinical psychiatric nurse you need to go thru the program for such, which is done by receiving your Masters degree as a psychiatric nurse specialist.

Does that sound right? Do I have it? Cheers, thanks

Journey_On, BSN, RN · Feb 25, 2009

Yes, I think that is correct - like if you wanted to be a Clinical Nurse Specialist or a Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatric Nursing. :)

Just wanted to state that if you wanted to work in a psych facility as a nurse (but not specialize per se), you do not need a master's degree.