sanctuary18

I was referring to other avenues in SW. If you're interested in administrative or case management, would you consider working in a non-psychiatric hospital? I don't know about salary comparison to nurses working in same setting but it's been my experience that SW's do a lot of D/C placements and case management type work.

I never did pursue a MSW. I was interested in working directly with clients, either psychotherapy and groups, but as you said, it takes yrs to become a LCSW. I seriously considered going the route of a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I'm in PA and PMH-NP's can practice psychotherapy and have prescriptive authority). However, the PMH-NP programs offer little in comparison with programs in clinical SW. The NP programs mainly include core nursing courses, regardless of specialty, and very limited focus on MH. Therefore, this path would still necessitate further training/supervision. I'm not saying post graduate training and supervision is not a good thing. In fact, it is essential to help ensure effective and safe relationships between practitioner and client. It's just that I do not wish to spend so much time to get to my destination. I have facilitated support groups for trauma/abuse survivors and for individuals/couples experiencing miscarriage, stillbirths, and infant death. Also, I started a support group for parents of children with Down syndrome (I have a son with DS). I am frustrated because I've been told repeatedly and believe that I have strengths in the MH area and am committed to helping others receive quality MH care. Working as an RN in a psych facility is mostly about meds (and paperwork - but that's with any field today). I am not interested in this role. Currently, I am not working as I've been raising 3 kids, 2 with significant chronic medical conditions requiring frequent hospitalizations. I am going back to nursing but before jumping back I am considering my options. I've worked in Med-Surg, Oncology, Critical Care, Infusion Home Care and Psych. I really do not want to return to hospital nursing (hrs and awful nurse-pt ratios). So, not sure where I'll end up but am researching doing some group therapy on the side to fulfill that interest. I guess anyone can put up a shingle but I would not want to do it if it wasn't legal or if it wasn't in the best interest of the clients. Let me know if you have any thoughts or ideas. I still think you might want to research other avenues utilizing your SW education and background. Thanks and take good care.

Thank you so much for this info. Interestingly enough, I considered going back to school to be a clinical social worker! Nursing is frustrating in that there is not enough time to be with your patients to address their emotional needs. Medical models typically ignore emotional/spiritual needs of pts. Thanks again and good luck in your pursuits.

I'm interested in facilitating group therapy. I have experience in facilitating support groups and have yrs of psych experience. Can RN's provide group therapy? Is anyone doing group therapy? If so, please tell me if you're certified/trained in group therapy and how it's going. Thanks.