Input from PMHNP

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Specializes in Case Management.

I've been a nurse for about a year now and have been working psych for the past 6 months. I'm really considering going back to school (after I'm done with my RN-BSN) to become a PMHNP. I do have some reservations about it though. Before I spend $$ on grad school, I want to know if it's worth it. By worth it, I mean is it better than being a staff RN?

For the longest time I thought I hated nursing even psych nursing which I like better than other areas, but now I realize really I just hate the way the administration treats nurses. Short orientation. No raises. No caps on patient to nurse ratios. Always understaffed with unsafe practices. It's exhausting and mentally taxing.

Why do I want to become a PMHNP? I have always found psych very interesting with a lot of critical thinking involved. It would be nice to have more autonomy with the patient's treatment. Positive patient outcomes would be rewarding because you helped them improve. I know there isn't a perfect job with no stress however it would be nice to know that it gets better as you climb the ladder. Any feedback would be appreciated.

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I've been a nurse for about a year now and have been working psych for the past 6 months. I'm really considering going back to school (after I'm done with my RN-BSN) to become a PMHNP. I do have some reservations about it though. Before I spend $$ on grad school, I want to know if it's worth it. By worth it, I mean is it better than being a staff RN?

For the longest time I thought I hated nursing even psych nursing which I like better than other areas, but now I realize really I just hate the way the administration treats nurses. Short orientation. No raises. No caps on patient to nurse ratios. Always understaffed with unsafe practices. It's exhausting and mentally taxing.

Why do I want to become a PMHNP? I have always found psych very interesting with a lot of critical thinking involved. It would be nice to have more autonomy with the patient's treatment. Positive patient outcomes would be rewarding because you helped them improve. I know there isn't a perfect job with no stress however it would be nice to know that it gets better as you climb the ladder. Any feedback would be appreciated.

Should be lot's of threads here with info you need. I'd respond but I'm in the middle of a move and should be passing out here in the heat any minute….

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Moved to Student NP forum.

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