KidPsycho82

Hi, I took the child & adolescent CNS mental health exam and then took the family MHNP exam, passed them both. Have been working as a psych NP for about 5 years now. Prior to that, worked on an inpatient unit in several areas. Looking for the best state to start an independent practice in. Good luck in passing the exam!

great post and so true.

location, location, location....husband is retired and we live in a frozen world about 7 months out of the year.

Hi, I became a Psych NP after psych staff nursing on inpatient unit for about 6 years. The salary you make will depend on where you work and each state has slightly to significantly different scope of practices. Florida for example, restricts prescribing many medications so your scope of practice will be different then say the midwest where you have much more autonomy and make more money. In my opinion, if you can work and get your facility to cover your tuition etc. that is the way to go. The hospital I worked for required I work 32 hours per week and gave me tuition waivers which helped significantly. I went to grad school one day per week from 9am to 9:30 pm and took as many online courses in the evening and weekend and summer courses as I possibly could. Took 3 very long years but I did it. good luck:specs:

Do any of my fabulous coworkers have any experiences, good or bad, working for this type of facility? I am trying to gather as much info. as possible before I go for this. It would mean selling my home and moving my family with me which is a lot to ask so I want to research what working there would be like from actual nurses and not just read what is posted on the different job sites (which, by the way, tells almost nothing). thanks

Hello, I am a Psych NP in New England and am interested in applying for a position in Florida working in a Veterans Admin. Outpatient Clinic. Does anyone have any experiences working in a facility like this? I have no idea what to expect as to working conditions. The starting pay posted is about 50% less than what I currently make although the top of the range is only a few thousand less than I make now. I am thinking a nurse must be employed with this type of a facility for many years before reaching that salary, does that sound right? Any advice, experiences and opinions will be greatly appreciated. Thank you! KidPsycho82

Thanks for the prompt reply Quickbeam, I really needed to hear that right now. I hadn't considered the disability determination career, any idea how to get info on that?

Hello to any nurses reading this. I am a PsychNP. I worked in a child psych inpatient unit that was more politically charged than the recent clinton vs. obama race. I left that facility after about 6 years and went into out patient clinic in the inner city. I have held that position for the past two years. I would have to say that I have become disillusioned with this job. I am concerned that a disability income is becoming the primary reason for seeking care for many of the clients. I know that statement may not be popular and I have had second thoughts about writing it. I hope I am wrong but am looking to cross train into another field before becoming completely burnt out. Does anyone have any ideas that would be a likely field to cross train into while still being able to build on the education and experience I already have? Thanks for listening.