PMHNP or FNP ?

PG2018 · Mar 16, 2015

If you pursue FNP and want to focus on psych then that's certainly an option. However, you may be unable to be paneled for "all things psych."

If I could avoid the repro/women's health component of FNP I'd probably pick that additional cert up to manage comorbid stuff more effectively. However, neither I (nor my wife) wants me doing a semester of pelvic exams.

Anonymous1257 · Mar 16, 2015

If psyche is what you enjoy, then go for the PMHNP. An FNP can't perform psychotherapy legally, at least in my state. Even if this differs in your area, your going to be a generalist attempting to work in a specialty. Unless you want to risk being pigeon-holed into med management and competing against psyche NPs for specialist jobs, go psyche.

If you value marketability over passion, go FNP.

allnurses Guide · Mar 17, 2015

PMHNP or FNP? FNP

Why?-I don't like psych very much and would not want to do it exclusively. I wanted to be a PCP, and that did include doing some psych. I did a few years of primary care and now work in a specialty practice.

My day-I work 4 days a week. My patient load is very reasonable and I have a lot of time to spend with each patient. I rarely stay late, never take work home, and never work weekends or holidays. I see adults and children. I missed seeing kids when I worked in primary care.

Flexibility and Pay-I don't have a ton of flexibility in hours or days. If I need time off on short notice one of my colleagues will almost always cover for me. I will occasionally work on my day off if coverage is needed, but I am always compensated for it, even though I am salaried. I do get a percentage of my billing. I feel I'm well paid for working in the suburbs and not in a major city. It's a pretty good gig.

Psychcns · Mar 17, 2015

I only do psych. Inpatient or outpatient. For past 4 years have been doing locum tenens

I love the field. Working 1:1 with patients, working with a team to best treat the patient. Prescribing medication , counseling, diagnosing, formulating cases. I find it all very interesting- been around psych for 30 years. Would not want to do FNP work at all. I keep up somewhat with diabetes treatment and psych has become very biological. I think of it as trying to treat the mind through the brain. I like that I have opportunity to provide therapy and connect with patients emotionally as well as diagnose and prescribe meds. Like family and couples work too. I like having time to reflect and discuss cases with colleagues.

Chocolate_RN85 · Mar 18, 2015

Thanks for the reply,@BCgradnurse! Sounds like you is all working out for you:yeah:Question..how many hours a day do you work? Also what is your salary range a year?

Chocolate_RN85 · Mar 19, 2015

Thanks Psychcns! :) ay I ask, about how many patients you see a day? Are you in charge of a unit or a Psychiatrist? What is you salary range?

allnurses Guide · Mar 19, 2015

Thanks for the reply,@BCgradnurse! Sounds like you is all working out for you:yeah:Question..how many hours a day do you work? Also what is your salary range a year?

I work 2 8 hour days and 2 10 hour days. My base pay is in the low 6 figures, plus a few thousand more with my bonus.

I also moonlight 1-2 shifts a month at an Urgent Care center. It's a nice little income supplement and helps keeps my skills current.

Psychcns · Mar 19, 2015

Re: OP questions

#pt per day. For inpatient, my locum tenens company will tell me about 8 patients per day. The work day involves ongoing patient interviews to assess, interdisciplinary meetings , writing orders. You see patients as many times as you need to. I have been the sole psychiatric provider. For inpatient you are working as a team and there are always people to consult with.

For outpatient, in clinics the patient often has a therapist and you consult when you can. It is a faster pace but you can find places that give you 1/2 hour for follow up and 1 1/2 hour for initial eval.

Pay is $60-$65 per hour. Housing, car, travel provided. I saw an ad once for $100 per hour-last minute Xmas coverage

you may want to shadow some NP's to help with your decision

Chocolate_RN85 · Mar 27, 2015

Thanks jlmPMHNPstudent and Psychguy! I decided to go with Psych! I've done enough school in my lifetime, thats over 20 years:banghead: dont think I have the energy or time to go back for a Post masters. Time to enjoy life! travel, see the world, have a baby,lol.

Again thanks for your comments!

Chocolate_RN85 · Mar 27, 2015

Wow Psychcns! PMHNP sure pays! Sounds lke something I would like to spend my day doing. I honestly don't wasnt the fast pace of screaming kids, anxious moms, no potty breaks, I want to have a life. I always wanted to be a psychotherapist, therefore PMHNP hits home for me.

Thansks for taking out the time to post!:)

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Mar 28, 2015

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