PMHNPs: where are you working?

I'm about to start my program in January and am curious where current NPs are working. What type of setting? How many hours a week?, etc... It seems like there is a lot of variation when I look at jobs listed. Also, did anyone do a loan forgiveness program?

I am a PMHNP and am practicing in a number of different environments. I am an attending provider on an acute inpatient unit, have a contract with several correctional facilities, provide services in several long-term care and skilled nursing facilities and have my own outpatient practice. I am generally able to make my own schedule and work as much or as little as I would like to in any given week and can take plenty of vacation. I did not do a loan forgiveness program. Best of luck!

Ooh Zenman that sounds really interesting! Can you tell us more or give us some informative links?

I'll be taking my boards next November.

I am working in a community mental health clinic, 40 hours per week.

I am working 40 hours a week out patient psychiatric children's mental health clinic and two weekends a month inpatient hospital (ER, ICU and locked psych units) doing psych f/u, evaluations and discharges.

Do you all feel satisfied with your jobs? Any on call hours?

Ella, I'm starting the same program at your school , also January 14! I've been a nurse for quite a while and have the same concerns you do about loan forgiveness, procrastination, etc. I don't think I have privileges to e-mail you, may try "friending" you in case it might be helpful to stay in touch. Currently I'm working FT, 4 days, in a related field, but not "real psych", where I had worked for several years and really liked it....looking for 3 12's elsewhere, and intake corrdinaqtor for a psych hospital is what I'm interviewing for next week...sounds like a great job, so please cross your fingers for me! PM in Missouri (bu only 200+ miles to KY).

Thanks for the feedback everyone! It seems like there are several different settings to make money in. I think my major concern is having to contract myself out and not being hired under a company with a set salary. Those of you who are independent, do you have to do your own billing/coding? It all seems so overwhelming.