Mkim680

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who is doing the pre-reqs to apply for a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner program. I got most of my psychotherapy experience after graduate school by reading lots of books, clinical supervision, attending psychotherapy institutes, and learning on the job. There are many psychotherapy institutes which are very helpful in teaching psychotherapy specifically to the style you choose such as psychoanalysis, cognitive behavioral therapy, EMDR etc..

Thanks everyone for all the responses. I had one question to ask everyone. Currently, I am torn on whether to get my BSN first then apply for a psychiatric nurse practitioner program or go straight into a MSN program that offers the psych nurse practitioner NP speciality. I just want to make sure and get the right license for employment after graduation. What would people suggest? Also, i already have a LMHC license and have been doing psychotherapy for 6 years.

Hi everyone, I had a question regarding becoming a nurse practitioner. I have been reading on these forums that it would be beneficial to obtain BSN before getting a MSN/NP. I was considering a direct program that would bypass the BSN to go into a program obtaining a MSN and NP. I definitely know that I would like to become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I heard the BSN would be a good idea because hiriing managers look favorably on them instead those that went a direct route into a masters program. I have a masters already in counseling and have worked for the government as a psychotherapist. I've grown a recent interest in prescribing and the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner seemed the best route to go. What suggestions would people make? Would it be better to just apply to a direct MSN/NP program or get the BSN, gain some experience as a RN then apply for a NP program? I definitely know that I only want to do psychiatry and not anything else related to nursing. thanks, Mark

Hi everyone, My name is Mark and I wanted to seek some basic advice about the psychiatric nurse practitioner specialization. Currently, I work at as a mental health therapist and wanted to prescribe. In order to do so, the best way I have found is to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner. I thought about medical school but with my current life situation it might be difficult. I was reading a lot on the forums here that it would be advisable to obtain a BSN first before going into a direct entry level NP/Masters program? I was reading that hospitals and other employers prefer the BSN. Is this true especially since I want to stay with psychiatry? I have been a therapist for 6 years working in government hospitals the entire time. Any advice would be appreciated. thank you, mark Kim

Thanks for the information everyone. I just registered for my introduction to biology course. I am hoping to do all my prereqs before applying. Do people recommend an entry levels masters NP program or doing a accelerated bsn and then work as a nurse first then apply to a DNP in psychiatric nurse practitioner program? I am confused on which route would be best to take. I definitely know that I want to be a psychiatric nurse practitioner after working with a few of them at different jobs I have had. Mark

Hello everyone, This is actually my first post on allnurses.com. Currently, I am a licensed psychotherapist working for the U.S. Army's addiction clinic. At my current work site, a recent legislation was passed that anyone possessing a LPC or LMHC license would have difficulty moving into management positions. I have encountered this at several places I've worked in for the federal government. Actually, this worked out because I was thinking about going back to school anyway. I've grown a great interest in the psychiatric nurse practitioner route and wanted to ask a few questions. What does the current market look like for employment, salary available, and job flexibility? I don't want to make the mistake of getting the wrong degree or license and hear that I will never be able to move up in any company I work for. Also, can psychiatric nurse practitioners be employed overseas by different organizations other than military branches? I looked at the U.S. embassy positions but they only hire family nurse practitioners and MD Psychiatrists. Any advice would be appreciated. Mark