Mass psychiatric nurse prescription & salary?

[faith99]

Hi,

I am a BSN RN and thinking about getting into the psychiatric nursing specialty in Massachusetts. I understand in some states the psychiatric nurses can prescribe medications. Is Massachusetts one of them? How about other states in New England area?

Also, what's the salary range for bachelor degree and master degree psychiatric nurses in Massachusetts? Thanks a lot.

[GalRN]

I'm a psych RN with a BSN who is planning on getting my APRN. I am also a pt as I have well controlled bipolar d/o, and my provider is a psych nurse. I am seeing a woman who replaced my first nurse when she retired-i n a wealthy Florida beach town right near the beach, like a few houses away. I would say that it provides enough income for a comfortable lifestyle. My previous nurse worked several jobs (State youth services, on a medical unit as a consultant, and covered on call jobs for psychologists and nurses). She obviously made enough money- she retired in her early 60's and said that she was happier than most other nurses, and had more jobs in her scope of practice than many.

In Mass you would have full rx authority but have to be supervised by a psychiatrist. Mine just gets her stuff signed off once a month, but will consult with him if she needs a second opinion.