Mental Health Nurse

Specialties Psychiatric

Published

Hey Guys,

I recently just graduated with my BA in Psychology and after long months of research, questions, and doubts about what I wanted to do after Undergraduate School, I have found my Nitch!

I want to become a Mental Health Nurse. I love everything from the assessments, counseling, meds, diagnosis, and treatment, everything about it. I had once thought that not pursuing a Masters in Psychology made me less than the rest of mental health professionals and that I was not gonna be fulfilled/happy if I didn't become a counselor. However, now after careful research, talking to people and doing some internal soul searching; I have come to love Psychiatric nursing. Psychiatric Nursing is giving me more opportunities and fulfillment than counseling alone ever would. What do you guys think about how I felt about this before I decided on pursuing this?? I had really felt ashamed of myself because I wasn't planning on going for a MA in Psych but now I know I don't need a MA in Psych to be the best caregiver I can be with mentally ill patients.

My question to you now is, do you guys know of any accelerated RN or BSN programs in Massachusetts that I can pursue this degree in?? I have a great community college in mind, but If I could go for my BSN in less than 2 years that would be great!

Also do you guys know of any Psychiatric Nursing books and Anatomy and Physiology books that could help me on this journey ill be starting next Spring?

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I recently just graduated with my BA in Psychology and after long months of research, questions, and doubts about what I wanted to do after Undergraduate School, I have found my Nitch! I want to become a Mental Health Nurse. I love everything from the assessments, counseling, meds, diagnosis, and treatment, everything about it. I had once thought that not pursuing a Masters in Psychology made me less than the rest of mental health professionals and that I was not gonna be fulfilled/happy if I didn't become a counselor. However, now after careful research, talking to people and doing some internal soul searching; I have come to love Psychiatric nursing. Psychiatric Nursing is giving me more opportunities and fulfillment than counseling alone ever would. What do you guys think about how I felt about this before I decided on pursuing this?? I had really felt ashamed of myself because I wasn't planning on going for a MA in Psych but now I know I don't need a MA in Psych to be the best caregiver I can be with mentally ill patients.

My question to you now is, do you guys know of any accelerated RN or BSN programs in Massachusetts that I can pursue this degree in?? I have a great community college in mind, but If I could go for my BSN in less than 2 years that would be great! Also do you guys know of any Psychiatric Nursing books and Anatomy and Physiology books that could help me on this journey ill be starting next Spring.

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Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.

Welcome aboard!

I'm not clear if you want to be psychiatric nurse on the unit, or as an APN. The latter would be more of you've described you are looking for. It's a great field, a challenging field.

you might want to consider getting a job as a Mental Health Worker/tech/counselor (titles vary) for a real feel as what it's like on the floor.

Your state BON site may list all approved programs in your state.

Also, take a look at Home - American Psychiatric Nurses Association

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

duplicate threads merged as per the Terms of Service

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Thank you! I want to work in a hospital unit. Do you know of any books that might be useful for me to get a heads up on the medical stuff I'm gonna face in Nursing School?

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How do I cut off a duplicate?

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).

Wecome, Solcita!

How do I cut off a duplicate?

Request through a PM to this Wonderful Individual: Meriwhen

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I work as an MHS on a ped psych unit, and I've gained a ton of experience with direct patient care, basic assessments, running groups, and getting a feel for the population. I highly suggest working as a MHS while your in school if that's the specialty you're interested in! The hospital I am at often hires MHS's in RN school and then hires them as RNs - so it can be a good 'in' down the road as well.

I started this position with an almost completed B.S. Psych. So it's a great way to start before nursing school.

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SORRY for the late response, I haven't made a concrete decision on my direction for a MA. Emilli, Please give me more info on what you do with a MHS?

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