Vistarob

I am a PMHNP with a DNP and I had to find my own clinical placements. There are few things that are as stressful as having to find your own placements. This is especially true for PMHNP programs due to the lack of providers in most areas. Knowing that your clinical placements are secure is worth the extra cost alone. Additionally, it is my opinion that the DNP is worth the extra year of school. Having to take courses a second time is pretty ridiculous, but it's not surprising and also not the end of the world. I wish you the best!

I am a PMHNP and work as a C-L in multiple settings. This is an extremely common dilemma for future NPs, and the question is nearly impossible to answer. Since I know nothing about you or your situation, my default answer is to go the FNP route. You can always go back for the PMHNP cert. There are far more PMHNPs that wish they had a FNP than the other way around.

I just saw an opportunity for a PMHNP in San Diego. Outpatient w/no call and a salary of $180k/yr. Sounds pretty good until you take a look at the cost of living out there. If you're deciding on what specialty to pursue please don't let the numbers decide what you will be doing almost everyday for the rest of your working life. I know countless FNPs, ACNPs, PNPs, and PMHNPs and all of them live comfortable lives. Pick the specialty that best fits your personality and strengths, and remember that there's no such thing as a free lunch.

It is true that you can make a good bit of money working on a 1099, but it depends on your area and I would caution doing so for new grads. If you do get involved in a 1099, be prepared to pay your own taxes, malpractice, benefits, time off, CME, and so on.... I understand that all of you know that there is more to working a job than making money, but from most of the PMHNP posts I see on here it seems otherwise. While its important to make a good living at what you do, please do not go into psych for the money because I promise you will not be a happy camper. After doing this for a while now, I would say that who you work with is just as critical as salary. I have seen several individuals come into the psych field only to find themselves miserable. Many of them are going back to get an FNP certification. I'm not trying to suggest that this field be avoided, but know what your getting into and love it before you do it. If you could make 80k as an FNP or 120k as a PMHNP, but prefer the job of a FNP then please do that. It's not worth the extra money, you will be happier and healthier, and your patients will be better served. One of the many wonderful things about being a nurse is that it's not too difficult to change specialties. I would encourage any NP student who has the slightest doubt to get the FNP first, and then once you get some experience go back and get the PMHNP certification.