last year of FNP school but want PMHNP

[jensfbay]

I'd like your non-judgmental advice please

I'm on my last year of my DNP FNP program and becoming more and more interested in becoming a PMHNP. My school does not offer PMHNP, so I do not have the option to simply change specialty within the program.

My decision is to continue and finish my FNP and get PMHNP post DNP certificate after

Any suggestions/thoughts?

[jensfbay, BSN, DNP]

Thank you for such a solid advice and for giving me some creative ways on how I can incorporate psych into my clinicals & future practice as an FNP. Yes, I do see some opportunities for NPs (regardless whether they're FNP or PMHNP) to work in psych, but I wouldn't be comfortable doing that as a new FNP.

Thanks again, FullGlass!

[DrCOVID, DNP]

I don't know if you know, but you can't just up and transfer grad schools. A student in my cohort (from another city) didn't realize this. She got stuck and found out the hard way she can't just transfer her credits. Schools will only take a few courses at most if that.

Since your program doesn't offer psych - 100% you need to complete it, and find a post grad cert later. I wouldn't worry too much of the cost, there are tons of cheap programs.

[phil1968, ADN, BSN, LPN]

I will graduate in December from the University of Southern Mississippi in the FNP track, and I too want to do PMHNP. I was given this tip from a WHNP who is doing FNP and that is to delay graduation from the university that you attend to continue in the PMHNP program. The advantage is to still be eligible to obtain loan help while you are able to take boards and practice and garner experience.

[jensfbay, BSN, DNP]

what an interesting advise, phil. Unfortunately, my current university does not have a PMHNP program ?

I think that would've been a really good option otherwise. Thanks!