Is Psych/MHNP or FNP worth it? *can't decide!*

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Specializes in Psychiatric NP.

I'm at a pivotal point in my education this semester. Wondering if I should switch paths from FNP to Psych/MHNP.

Torn between the two and it's driving me crazy!:banghead: Here's my list of pros and cons for each. Tell me what you think...

Psych

Pros-

Slower pace, more time for patient care

I heard they make around 100K starting

Ideally I'd want to work in outpatient clinic setting

Most psych NP's(I've heard) are only responsible for med management so it's less stressful

Hours aren't too crazy, no on-calls

Not much competition (not many psych PA's out there)

Cons:

Not much room for growth of skills

Not sure if there's a big need for them

Might get emotionally burnt out listening counseling psych patients

FNP

Pros:

Can work almost anywhere

Pay is decent(I'm going to ballpark estimate about 80K)

Might be able to even work in psych (but not sure if that's true??)

there will be a continued need for FNPs with healthcare reform

Lots of knowledge about disease processes

Cons

Long hours and probably on calls

More age groups to work with--higher chance of getting sued

Lower pay (I am taking this into consideration b/c I'm a student with lots of loans and also have elderly parents to take care of)

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Toss a coin and notice your immediate reaction. No kidding!

Lot's going on in the psych world, from does it work to good results using computer-based cognitive-based therapy and advances in neuroscience. When that doesn't work, I just pull out my rattle and start a fire :D

I considered FNP but since I don't want to retire (at least completely) I probably have better chance of doing psych at 95 than primary care.

Plus, with the world falling apart and wars, you'll have plenty of business.

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I'm in the same boat as you, OP. I have not yet started my NP program, but am in the process of applying. I have to declare my specialty intention, and while I have always wanted to do Psych, I am wary of how many job opportunities there really are out there for something that is so specialized. FNP would be much "safer," but I am just not sure which route I should go. I am thinking that it would be best to do FNP and then go back and get PMHNP certification of some sort, but I just cannot decide! Have you had any further luck with your decision??

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Specializes in Psych, Chem Dependency, Occ. Health.

I say go with what your gut tells you. There is a desperate need for mental health providers out there in most areas of the country. I'm going the Family PMHNP route because I know that I do not want to work in any other area but psych.

Sue, RN

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Specializes in allergy and asthma, urgent care.

I'm an FNP in a community health center, and would give a lot to have a psych NP on staff for med management and therapy. The need is huge and the wait is so long for mental health services. I've found myself prescribing a lot more psych meds than I ever thought I would, just because there's no one else to do it. It's not my area of expertise, and I think the patients would be far better served by a psych NP. So the need is definitely there, and if it's what you love, you should go for it. Then come work with me!!!!

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Hi Sue,

Where are you getting your psych NP? I am waiting to hear from online program. How has school been for you?

Thanks,

peaceful

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BCgrad,

Thanks for your input. I love working with the mentally ill, and am finding more and more that there is a vast shortage of good, quality mental health providers. Although I am "scared" of pigeonholing myself and not getting something that is a little more broad, like FNP, I know that if I really want to be a psych NP, I should just go for it. The job will find me. :-)

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Specializes in Psychiatry (PMHNP), Family (FNP).

Sometimes you can get lucky and get into an FNP program and continue on and get a certificate in Psych. I did that - the downside was I had to do 6 clin. placements - YIKES- 3 in primary care medicine and 3 in psych. I thought I would have the benefit of lots of job options, which I do! But its a lot of clinical time. :eek: MY background was in psych. nursing, and I realized the huge amt. of "medical" problems that were really psych and sometimes the other way around too! Its great to have both under my belt, and it has helped me in my practice (psych.) Good luck!

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