It can be done! (BSN straight to PMHNP)

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For anyone who's been thinking about going straight to NP school after undergrad in nursing:

It can be done! I just finished the last exam of my BSN degree. I have no RN experience and have not even taken the NCLEX yet. I graduate next week. I've already been admitted to multiple prestigious PMHNP master's programs (that guarantee clinical placements) and I now officially consider myself a soon-to-be psych nurse practitioner student at one of these schools!!!

The reason I post this is because I got a lot of flack on this website for considering going straight to NP. Some people even told me not to go into nursing if I wanted to be a psych NP just because I wouldn't like the RN education portion.

If you think you want to be a psych NP (or FNP, etc) and you think the path suits you, go for it! The world needs more NPs. :) If you want any specific advice, feel free to PM me. I got a lot of good advice and would love to give back.

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Oh wow!! Congrats! ! What schools did you apply to? What was your GPA ? I aspire to become a PMHNP also. I only have 1 year experience in psych, but was a LPN for 3 years, before achieving my bachelor's in nursing. If you can give me any tips, I would be so appreciative!!!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Good for you!!! Way to pursue your dream. I am assuming that passing NCLEX is actually a requirement though, right?

Psych is a bit different from other fields because the skill set is much less psychomotor and more focused on knowledge and communication techniques. This same process wouldn't be as practical for a CNM, CRNA or ACNP, whose practice encompasses invasive clinical procedures and highly complex physical assessment skills.

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Determinedgrl, I PM'd you!

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I'm also curious about what schools you applied to?

Mostly from what I've seen you're on your own when it comes to finding clinicals.

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Specializes in Psychiatry.

CONGRATS!! Ha, you have no idea what a blessing that is! I PM'ed you.. lets talk.. maybe you can offer up some advice. Congrats again :)

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

And please keep in mind that just because it can be done doesn't mean it is the best path for most people if you strive to be a competent prescriber. I'd urge anyone interested in becoming a psych-np to do some time on an inpatient acute locked unit to get a first hand experience with the different medications, their expected reactions, doses and adverse reactions.

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Specializes in ICU, ER.

Um... Im not smart enough for this path.... just saying 😁

I was an EMT... I learned from doing stupid stuff. No lives lost.. but truly stupid stuff

Went to LPN school; got a ghetto ER gig in a busy fast-track... did more REALLY stupid stuff and learned from it..

Got my RN, More ER.. trauma rooms, red zones for a few years... more stupid stuff to learn from. Took ER manager job.. did many more brainless actions...

ICU gig... man did I do dumb stuff there... learned a lot, from aforementioned idiocy.

FNP school... yep... looking kinda dumb, but learning..

just saying....

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
Um... Im not smart enough for this path.... just saying ������

I was an EMT... I learned from doing stupid stuff. No lives lost.. but truly stupid stuff

Went to LPN school; got a ghetto ER gig in a busy fast-track... did more REALLY stupid stuff and learned from it..

Got my RN, More ER.. trauma rooms, red zones for a few years... more stupid stuff to learn from. Took ER manager job.. did many more brainless actions...

ICU gig... man did I do dumb stuff there... learned a lot, from aforementioned idiocy.

FNP school... yep... looking kinda dumb, but learning..

just saying....

I hear ya and yup been there, done that!! Bless you for having the insight to know what you don't know and pushing forward with an open mind as you continue learning. I have a feeling will be a fantastic NP with a colorful range of experiences to enhance your new advanced practice role.

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Congrats ! I'm currently in my last semester at chamberlain for my BSN and was already accepted into their fnp program to start this fall. I've been struggling with the fact that I just want to take a break and not just go straight through 2-3 more years of school 😒.

Question, what schools did you apply to for pmnhp ? Gpa you got accepted with ? Cause mine is kind of low😔I have 0 experience in psych but it is my first choice !

Thanks in advance !

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Specializes in Mental Health Nursing.

Congratulations!!

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Good for you! I get very tired of the argument that for some reason nurse practitioners desperately need RN experience, but MDs, DOs, and PAs are good to go. No one is saying it isn't beneficial, but RN experience is in no way necessary to be a safe and effective healthcare provider.

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