How is your experience as a Psychiatric (pediatric) CNS vs RN in same field?

[jo716]

Hi,

I have read that as a psychiatric CNS, you can provide psychotherapy to patients, my main reason for wanting to become a CNS.

Can you describe what that process is actually like (psychotherapy), how long it could last, how involved it is, how many clients you have at once, to what end are you working towards, and what other professional is involved if any? Would a CNS providing psychotherapy pretty much replace a psychologist or psychiatrist or therapist? In that sense, is it also harder to get a job as a psychiatric CNS because there are already other professionals competing for the job?

I have spoken to a psychiatric NP who had attended an accelerated program (and I don't think she ever did any psych nursing just as an RN.) and she told me that RNs don't typically interact very much with their patients, at least not to the level/depth that the CNS does as far as talking to them. But of course, since she has not actually experienced it herself, maybe that's not completely correct? For RNs out there on the psych units/settings, how involved have you ever gotten?

Is there anyone who has been both an RN on a psych unit and a CNS who could describe the similarities/differences in their experience in each role?

Also, are there any pscyh. CNS' that work on a pediatric unit or with that population that could describe how a day in your life is while on the job?

Thanks so much!!!

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

I'm a psych CNS (not pediatric though). Your questions would require a longgggg posting. If you'd like to call me, I'm open to that. Email me at [email protected] if you'd like to do that and I'll give you my number or call you.

[jpRN84, BSN, RN]

I am interested in becoming a Psych CNS and cant find anyone to talk to about it, may I contact you as well to discuss it? Thanks in advance. Jon