PMHNP Burnout

[resilientnurse]

I was wondering if there are any fellow PMHNPs that are rethinking their profession/specialty these days. Frankly, I was burned out prior to the pandemic and have pushed through nonetheless. I have worked in practically every area of psychiatry, except forensics and military, so it is not a question of changing work environments. Not interested in academics. After much sacrifice to obtain my credentials, I am not sure how I can reinvent myself.  Are there any non-direct patient care roles for PMNHPs?

[FullGlass, BSN, MSN, NP]

Sorry you are feeling burned out.  Would it be possible for you to take a sabbatical?  Some time off to recharge might help.

I have seen some job ads for PMHNPs to work remotely focusing on one issue, like ADHD or erectile dysfunction, which seem fairly low stress and routine.  

There are also firms that perform disability exams on veterans - no treatment.  It's a routine exam to determine disability benefit eligibility and the goal is to help the veterans, not to deny coverage, so it's nice to help them out.  You might check to see if some will hire PMHNPs for mental health disabilty exams.

I also met an NP who works at a weight loss clinic and loves it - she said it is very low stress.

Finally, sleep medicine is a very low stress speciality.

 

[umbdude, MSN, APRN]

Our degree is pretty specialized so there aren't a ton of direct opportunities outside of diagnosing/prescribing. Most likely you'll have to do something that's entrepreneurial and outside the box that relies on transferable skills and your own attributes and interests; and you might even need to pursue more education. Some options come to mind include pharmaceutical companies as medical science liaison or rep, nursing administration, case management, utilization review, writing for mental health issues or on social media, expert witness, and ?research.

Also think about reasons for burnout and whether there are solutions. If it's workload, it's possible to work 2-3 days and make good money in some private practices. Perspective and boundaries are pretty important to avoid burnout too.

[Lauren Duroy, DNP]

Yes. Put your Medical Knowledge to use by building evergreen systems that work for you 24/7 So you can work less in office. If "health coaches" can make millions doing it... you darn sure can!

[matthewandrew, NP]

Go to palliative care. ❤️

[G Mpls, APRN]

Hello,

It's great you are willing to change career paths to prevent burn out and find meaning in your work. I am dual certified and maintain two jobs that are very different; which helps to avoid burnout of either. Over the past few yearss I have become more burned out with my PMHNP position. I felt like I was practicing as someone else. My areas of interest include integrative psychiatry and existential therapy; there wasn't space for me to practice how I wanted or to select my patients with care. I decided to open my own practice. I take insurance (including medicaid and medicare) which is different than most private practices in my area. I am just starting out and it  is part time. I maintain benefits through my other position. I love it. I get to be selective of the patients I take, and I get to give them realistic expectations. I have a short consult with each person prior to our intake appointment to be sure we are a good fit. It has really helped with retention. 

I am not suggesting opening a private practice as a cure to burnout. Just wanted to share that change is worth it. I don't make as much money, working alone is intimidating and sometimes overwhelming. But I love it. I am really enjoying my job.