New Grad PMHNP

[BSN_DEC_2006]

Any insight into what to take into consideration as a new grad PMHNP? Inpt psych hospital or outpt private practice psych clinic (as an employee)?

[smartypant]

Pls what school did you attend for the pmhnp ? Thanks

[srwilkinson2002]

Very curious too! What are the benefits of each?

[Psychcns]

I would start with asking about a typical day. For inpatient, how many people do you see. Are there team meetings? How often? Who else is on the team? Types of diagnoses. Do they do seclusion/restraints? How is unit organized--ie are there groups? How many admissions/discharges per day/week. Average length of stay. How is medical clearance done.

For outpatient, how long are the medication or diagnostic evaluations? How long are med check follow-up visits. Does every patient have a therapist?

For both: what kind of psychiatrist supervision/collaboration is available. For inpatient, it is probably best if psychiatrist is on the unit. do you have sit-down meetings on regular basis. For outpatient, how often do you see them. Are they willing to review cases by email.

For you, how much supervision/collaboration do you think you need.