PMHNP or FNP (Dermatology speciality)? Advice appreciated.

[Trueblood83]

Hi all,

I have been seriously considering applying for an online NP program. However, I am torn between applying for an FNP or PMHNP program. I would love to hear advice/opinions.

In school I double majored in Nursing and Psychology. So Psychology has always been an interest for me. I have not worked as a Psychiatric nurse though. I have worked PCU, Med/Surg/Tele, and as a School Nurse. I just moved to Northwest Arkansas and I haven't seen any positions open for a PMHNP. I am concerned that if I go this route that I will have trouble finding a job. I also do not know anyone who has went to school for this. I would love to hear from current psych np's or students in a program how they feel the job outlook is for this position. How you feel that your program prepared you for practice (I realize that all programs are different). Has anyone done an online pmhnp program? If so, I would love to hear how clinicals were for you. Did you have trouble finding preceptors? What is a typical work day like for you?

I have seen a lot of positions for FNP's around here so that makes me think that it would be the safer way to go. If I could pick my dream job, I would be an FNP that works for a Dermatologist. I have had a lot of skin issues over the years (i.e. acne, rosacea, dyplastic nevi, high risk for skin cancer) which has resulted in having frequent visits to the Dermatologist and lots of research on my own. I also worked as a School Nurse, and I saw a lot of skin issues with students (i.e. scabies, chickenpox, mulluscum contagiusum, eczema, etc) so I was always constantly reading up on skin disorders. However, I am worried that going through the FNP program in hopes that I could land a job with a Dermatologist might just be a pipe dream. Anyone have a job working with a Dermatologist? If so, was it hard to find a position? What is a typical work day like for you?

Thanks!

[myelin]

First of all, I would caution you away from any program that is online and is not affiliated with a reputable university and/or doesn't provide you with preceptors - especially if you don't already have a connection with someone who can precept you. Finding a preceptor is becoming more and more of a huge problem for students and honestly, it seems like a scam that a university would charge you money and then not even bother to provide you with quality training. Stay away from for-profit or professional schools.

Secondly, I know that there is a strong need for psychiatric providers, however, it is somewhat location-dependent. As far as I can tell, the best opportunities for PMHNPs are in the west (south and north) and the northeast... I'm not so sure about more rural areas. Although, I've also heard that the need for psychiatric providers in rural areas is huge. I think breaking into derm could be a challenge. Have you tried to network or snoop out possibilities in your area?

[pilgrim192]

i have the same question as OP. Anyone have more to say?