PMH-NP?

[Bonosgrrl]

I am certified as Adult NP........I used to work in an internal medicine/endocrinology practice. Took some time off, now have re-entered the work world very part time. I took a job as a psych NP, mostly medication management for nursing home residents.

I originally took the job because of the flexibility in scheduling, but now I am finding i really enjoy the work.

before I took this job I had planned to go back for post masters certificate for family NP.......I thought I wanted to work in Pedi when i went back to work.

but now i am rethinking and am considering the psych post masters cert.

but I am unsure as usual. I think it would help me gain knowledge for this job I have now, but the Family certification would open other doors if I wanted to do something else later down the road.

any thoughts?

[Smitty08]

Hi - I would go for what you really want. Or...do both! I did (FNPand PMHNP). Its a lot of clinical hours to get certified in both areas. There is much overlap in symptoms from one area to the other, and a need for NP's in both areas to consider the physical if a mental health presentation and vice versa. In choosing one over the other, you will certainly be dealing holistically with individuals, i.e. promoting health in somatic and mental health spheres - they are not mutually exclusive! Best of luck!!

[Mr I Care]

Go for it, psych is a good specialty. My dad wants me to be like him a psych NP, but I find it to physically involved at times based on my dad's experience. I am more of a ER / ICU guy, which lead to my decision of possibly enrolling into a dual FNP/ACNP program.