Hello all, I am hoping to get the low down dirty truth here. I've recently found myself at a dead end in my current M.S. level career (not nursing) and need to make some decisions. I have kicking around the idea of becoming an NP. I have a friend who went to PA school and tried to talk me into that, but NP is more appealing to me for a number of reasons. I am especially drawn to PMHNP for a number of reasons, and the fact that I can do it in an AE program in only 3 years adds to the appeal. I do however have concerns about the job market for PMHNP.
I am in a financial situation with current student loans and a family to support that just will not allow me to gamble with this. I spent too many years and way too much money on my first M.S. only to find myself unable to even keep up with the interest on my student loans for over a decade. While I have always been a proponent of doing what you love, at some point I have to make a large part of my decision based on the ability to find employment and make a reasonable living for my family. My first degree was chosen by following my heart and it has been a financial disaster. I can't afford to make that mistake twice.
What does the job market look like for PMHNP? I have read some instances where PMHNP's have complained that they are unable to find jobs or MD's willing to allow them to work under them. I know that money should not be the primary reason you choose a specialty and I realize that FNP or even PNP would offer more flexibility in finding a position. However, I also realize it would take more time, which means more time until I can start earning a living, and I really do keep feeling myself pulled to PMHNP.
I also realize the AE PMHNP programs can be highly competitive and therefor it may not even end up being an option, but I don't want to count it out, if it is where I want to be, then it makes sense to just try for the AE program.
Also, it is my understanding that if you get your MSN without doing NP, then post graduate work can not be funded with student loans, if that understanding is correct then it puts me in a further predicament, once again making the PMHNP AE program seem appealing.
I would appreciate any insight into the realities of finding work as a PMHNP. Additionally, I am located in Texas and would not be able to move in the near future.
I really can't imagine feeling prepared to work as a PMHNP prior to having RN psych experience.
Could you do it? Probably. You could you apply and be an intelligent person who breezes through school and passes your exams. That said, there are things you will not learn in school that you will learn and see through time on the floor. You can read about EPS and rattle off what its presentation looks like, but would you really recognize it if your patient described it or presented that way? There is a difference between meeting requirements and pushing yourself through, and truly being prepared to provide the best care. Another important question to ask yourself- how do you know you will even like nursing? Nurses and teachers have some of the highest rates of entering then exiting their field of study. It isn't for everyone. You are shooting for the moon before reaching the stars. If you are already in debt, what would taking more debt on mean if you ended up unsuccessful in the field? I'm a risk taker, but this is a big gamble.
Could you do it? Yes. Would you be responsible doing it? No. My humble opinion. Best of luck whatever your decision is.
DallasHC
9 Posts
Good afternoon,
Just wanted to see if I could network with you, I'm on the market for a PMHNP for a client I have in Tyler, TX.
If you know anyone, please contact me to discuss.
Eric Butler
Sr. Executive Recruiter / President
Dallas Healthcare Consultants
Office- 214-613-1582 Ext: 222 Fax- 214-613-1597
mailto:[email protected]
Dallas Healthcare Consultants - Home
If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door.â€