Is there a certification for psych RN's?

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Is there a certification for psych RN's that requires an exam?

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Specializes in Psychiatric, Med Surg, Onco.
Is there a certification for psych RN's that requires an exam?

Yes and upon passing it you become a Psychiatric Nurse Specialist...which equals a great deal more respect at my facility...and lots more $$$

check out this link, it will give you all the info you need...

http://www.nursecredentialing.org/NurseSpecialties/PsychiatricMentalHealth.aspx

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A certification in psych, or any specialty doesn't necessarily mean more money. An advanced degree might, but none of my friends have gotten more respect or paid more for their psych cert.

Actually, I'm pretty sure a Psychiatric Nurse Specialist title comes with a master's degree, not the certification.

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Specializes in LTC, Nursing Management, WCC.

Yeah I am not sure if you would get more money. Your facility might pay you more. I would just ask. Some do....some don't.

After passing the test you can append, RN-BC after your name. I agree with Katnip...Don't think you become Specialist...Clinical Specialist is an APRN title. I am told around here that is actually an older program that isn't offered by me. For APRN in Psych it is either a CNS or PMHNP.

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Specializes in Psychiatric, Med Surg, Onco.
A certification in psych, or any specialty doesn't necessarily mean more money. An advanced degree might, but none of my friends have gotten more respect or paid more for their psych cert.

Actually, I'm pretty sure a Psychiatric Nurse Specialist title comes with a master's degree, not the certification.

At my facility you DO become a specialist RNC upon successful completion of the previously referenced exam. There is a "Nurse Specialist - RNC" assigned to each shift on each unit and they are essentially the bosses. Again, at my facility, RNC = at least a $4000 yr. raise. In order to qualify for the exam you have to have worked as a psych RN for two years. I think what you are referring to is an "Advanced Practice Registered Nurses".

The following links should help bring you up to speed.

http://www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/CertificationandAccreditation/Certification.aspx

http://www.nursingcertification.org/pdf/value_certification.pdf

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