akcompton1

That is exactly the setup I want...I would think that this would continue to expand with the provider shortage we are experiencing. Thanks for giving me hope that this is possible for me!!!!

Ok dumb question...what is the difference? Do you mean they want an NP with a DNP? I thought PMHNP was the designation regardless of whether you have an MSN with psych post masters or a DNP...

This is all excellent advice. I'd like to second the midwife idea :-) Also, if I may chime in on the type of program...I took out a 100,000 loan....and while my program was excellent and prepared me well, I feel that the opportunity for loan repayment is exaggerated. Health service corps, nurse corps, etc are all highly competitive. Go somewhere with a reasonable cost. You will stand out from the crowd anyway if you get peace corps under your belt. Real life experience is priceless.

Hmm...so maybe obtain a license in a few states and create my own "region"? Thanks for the input!

I'm interested as well... a "day in the life of" would be great :-)

I know this most likely varies from region to region, but here in Missouri you don't have to have CNA certification to work as an NA/tech. The hospital provides its own orientation which is generally less time consuming. I think anything you can do to get experience with direct patient care will give you an advantage down the road, but it definitely won't break you if you don't have it. If you do wind up working in a hospital setting, try to learn the workflow of the RNs as much as you can.

Thanks for the reply, all the details are MUCH appreciated... I guess I started wondering about it when you see these companies advertising "talk to a therapist right now" on the internet. I need to find details on the type of system these people are using... The unicorn I am chasing is a situation in which I could theoretically work from a laptop, regardless of physical location, so that I can travel with my spouse. Cash only appeals to me even if I don't make much more than what Medicaid would pay, just to simplify the process. To make things even more challenging, I'm big time "in the hole" for my masters degree already, so startup costs might be out of reach for me. The VA would pay for me to complete the DNP but I'd be committed for an additional three years, during which time I probably wouldn't make significantly more than what I'm already making as an RN.....Argh the stress is getting to me already!

I understand your consternation. You are asking a question about a problem that plagues the industry-MD to RN hostility- and instead of support you are getting... more hostility. Unfortunately lateral violence is a problem in nursing, as well. To address your actual question of how to react should you be on the receiving end of such a rude reaction from an MD: DOCUMENT. Use times, names, and direct quotes. Mention that you were hung up on. Mention that you were following unit policy or physician orders, etc. Mention that charge RN was notified. And should anyone, physician or RN, speak to you that way again, keep calm, retain your dignity, and remind them that you expect to be treated in a civil manner. This crap wouldn't fly in a regular office environment. It shouldn't in healthcare, either.

I am a master's educated RN thinking of going back for psych NP. I currently work in adult psych, but find that I really want more autonomy and flexibility in my job. I would love to establish my own telehealth practice but have not come across any NPs doing this...Is there anyone out there who could offer some insight? I currently work with the VA and there are expanding opportunities through that organization with telehealth...but again, I want autonomy :-) Another barrrier I will need to examine...I currently live in a state requiring collaboration and I don't know what the laws would be if I, say, treated patients only in states allowing independent practice? Is this completely out there? I can re-locate if needed eventually. Any insight at all would be very helpful. Thanks in advance!

I'm a psych RN at a Midwest VA. I'm keeping close tabs on NP pay scales here as I hope to go back for PMHNP. Unfortunately the pay has not changed and is contingent on experience, degree type, etc. The VA pays well for RNs but apparently not as great for NPs, which is baffling considering that there is a system wide effort to recruit mental health providers currently underway. Also, the psychiatrists here make less than in private sector. The consensus amongst the docs is that they are willing to trade this for lots of vacation time, retirement, etc.