Help! Can't make up my mind!

[mpolen6497]

Hello!

I am a BSN RN with 14 years of med-surg/ tele and psych.

I've been wanting to get my master's for a long time and now I'm finally starting the process of applying to schools. I want to become an NP and my first choice was in psych (PMHNP)However, the online programs are few and far between for PMHNP. I am a part time working mother of three so I really need the convenience of an online program. I'm also interested in ANP an FNP but not sure I'd enjoy that as much as psych. Can anyone maybe help me figure this out? I have a passion for psych. I've always loved it. But I also love being a med-surg nurse. find it fascinating to assess, study and diagnose what's going on with my med surg patients. I'm always asking the docs to explain in detail why certain tests were ordered and certain labs were done etc. I yearn to know more on the diagnostic side of things. Why am I so stuck? I'm ready to move forward but need more direction!

[mtsteelhorse]

We've "chatted" before but I'm perusing psych related posts and thought I'd comment. I think you'll find there's a lot you'll need to apply in the way of your med-surg background in dealing with psych patients. Many, many people have comorbities. Having a good handle on this will enhance your practice. And like I think you mentioned elsewhere, you can get a post grad cert in a medical speciality area like ANP, FNP. What schools are you looking at?

[SycamoreGuy]

University of Southern Indiana has an online PSYCH program, along with ACNP, FNP, and CNS. Requires no campus visits and has reasonable tuition. GRE isn't required. I know that sounds like a recruiters pitch but I am seriously considering the school after I get a couple years of RN experience.

[Good Morning, Gil]

Sounds like you have plenty of nursing experience, and more nursing experience isn't going to help you decide. It also sounds like you would be happy in either specialty since you enjoy both med/surg and psych. However, you did say you have a passion for psych, so it sounds like you're leaning towards becoming a psych NP. Even though there's only a few online programs for psych NP's, apply; who is to say you'd be denied admission?

Shadow all 3 to see which area you would enjoy the most. If you're still not sure, perhaps you could be dual certified? Go for one, and then get a post-master's certificate. I would try shadowing for a few days in each first.

If you truly have a passion for psych, I would go for psych (looking into the market in your area first, of course). And, network, network, network while in school since psych will be more limiting than the general FNP or ANP.