How long does it take to become a psych nurse?

KonichiwaRN · Apr 30, 2019

You join a psych unit fresh after you pass your exam.

And you become a "psych nurse."

Kind of simple.

But then, you need to last and undergo your real education at the psych floor. That's another story.

NightNerd, MSN, RN · Apr 30, 2019

When you pass your boards, apply for psych jobs. If you would like your RN-BC in PMH, you should be eligible after a couple years to take the exam. You will need to complete CEUs to get and keep the designation.

The poster above is correct: your true education as a psych nurse will be your work experience. It isn't easy, especially as a new grad. You need to develop a thick skin and learn strategies to work with unpredictable patients. It's fascinating but scary.

Sour Lemon · Apr 30, 2019

1 hour ago, Mariex32 said:
I know to become an RN takes two years. But how much more schooling would I need to become a psych nurse?

Being an RN usually takes closer to three years. Most two year nursing programs have a list of prerequisites that must be completed before you can even apply.

Davey Do · Apr 30, 2019

2 hours ago, Mariex32 said:
I know to become an RN takes two years. But how much more schooling would I need to become a psych nurse?

35 years, one month, and 20 days.

But then you have to pass the audition.

OldDude · Apr 30, 2019

39 minutes ago, Davey Do said:
35 years, one month, and 20 days.
But then you have to pass the audition.

Blindfolded and naked...

River&MountainRN, ADN, RN · Apr 30, 2019

3 hours ago, OldDude said:
Blindfolded and naked...

And under Veritaserum so that you can get all of your personality quirks and triggering experiences out in the open in order to be fully mindful of any counter-transference you might place upon your patients!

Marie_30 · May 1, 2019

This is a serious question thank you.

KonichiwaRN · May 1, 2019

Marie, we are serious. Really.

As soon as you become a RN (actually before), start sending applications to the Psychiatric hospitals/units in the area.

You can become a Psych nurse with a fresh gleaming nursing license that has never seen a mineral enema or the joys in rushing to get IV Zofran while a person is making acquaintance with a emesis basin.

The real education will begin at the floors you are in. Then you will "age (season)" into being a Psychiatric nurse.

verene, MSN · May 1, 2019

All it takes in most places is a nursing license and a willingness to learn on the job.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · May 2, 2019

Here is the US, you can go straight into psych nursing right after you graduate nursing school and pass the NCLEX. You just have to find a job on a psych unit that is willing to take on a new grad, or go into new grad program/residency that has psych positions. It's not impossible to do--a lot of nurses (RNs and LVNs) have gone straight from school into psych, myself included.

As far as other countries go...I'm not sure if you are able to go straight into psych after graduation or if you have to specialize in it in nursing school. Hopefully, some non-US psych nurses will be by to answer that.

Davey Do · May 2, 2019

19 hours ago, Marie_30 said:
This is a serious question thank you.

I apologize if you thought I wasn't taking your inquiry seriously, Marie. I had believed KonichwaRN, NightNerd, and Sour Lemon had adequately answered your question, so I wanted to be a little abstract , and perhaps entertaining, with mine.

Maybe things went a little too far and, for that, I'm sorry that I was the instigator.

Basically I wanted to relay, as in many other areas of nursing, that "to become a psych nurse" is an ongoing process. Hence, I noted how long I had been a nurse.

As nurses, we are challenged every shift we work. We have to deal with circumstances and situations on an ongoing basis. We are regularly challenged and with with each nursing intervention, we must "pass the audition".

The other members have given good information nd I hope you feel as though your serious question was answered.

The very best to you Marie.