mojopsych

Hi all, I'm a PMHNP and I did not have psych experience prior to becoming an NP, but that was only because I got a great offer to work as a CVICU RN instead. I've always had a love for psych but I was actually scared of it initially after my nursing school psych clinicals. Before I started my NP program I shadowed a Psych NP and loved it!! I graduated undergrad and grad school with a 4.0 and acclimated into my current role easily with no prior psych experience. I did, however, try to get as much clinical experience as possible. I opted for all of the "hard" clinical sites, like psych ERs, rehab facilities, MHMRs, etc. and I did not just sit back and watch!! I participated and tried to do as much as I could on my own and I never hesitated to ask questions or admit when I didn't know something. I'm writing all of this to say that I don't feel that psych experience is needed to be a good Psych NP but one should truly want to make a difference in the field. I love my patients and I don't think that anyone who doesn't really want to help those with psychiatric disorders would do well at this job. I have good days and bad days but I never leave work wanting to do anything else but this. I actually look forward to going to work (most days)!! I work 4-10 hour weekdays in a private practice seeing children, adolescents, and adults and do hospital rounds every 6th weekend. I'm in Texas and I believe that the pay typically starts in the high $90's but could easily be six figures for a new grad with good clinical experience, research experience, and good grades. Anyway, I'm not sure if I answered the OP's initial questions but I hope that I have. I guess I'll have to sit back and await punishment for the Psych NP Illuminati!! BTW, I am willing to answer anyone's questions but I'm usually pretty busy so it might take a while.

Congrats!!! It's a great feeling!!!:yeah:

Thanks everyone!! It is a great feeling and I already have a job!!!! I'm so excited!:yeah:

Just passed the ANCC Family PMHNP exam!!!!! I'm officially a psych NP!!!!

Actually there is a need in Houston and Dallas. Most of the positions aren't posted and you find out about them through networking. I just graduated this month and I already have a position waiting. I interviewed and was offered 4 positions in Houston and have had about 6 interviews so far in Dallas. I turned down at least other practices that offered an interview. The market is really good you just have to research and network really well. Good luck!!

I am currently entering my final semester of a PMHNP program and I have worked fulltime and gone to school fulltime throughout the program. I am a single parent with two kids that are now 9 and 7 years of age. I started my program in Fall 2009 and will be done this August. I currently work overnight 7p-7a but I did work 7a-7p for the first year of my program. It has been tough but it is possible. I am going to go down to part-time or not work at all for the summer semester, which is my 360 hour practicum. Anyway, good luck with whatever decision you make.

Amen to that. Obviously if no one here were thinking about pay and doing what we loved, we'd all be working with the peace corps and saving children in Africa or something to that extent but for some people that is unrealistic. Some of us have families to support and are willing to do the best job that we can for the best pay that we can find. The op asked about nursing salaries and not about finding her bliss so could we please stop with all of the platitudes.

One of my best friends went to William Carey and a couple of other people that I know. None of the people who I have come in contact with that went to William Carey were satisfied with their education there. I've heard complaints of it being extremely unorganized among other things. Anyway, as far as admissions are concerned, my best friend got in pretty easily there when she couldn't get in anywhere else because of her grades (she told me that should've sent up red flags for her then). Just my 2 cents, msjoseph

Thanks for the response. I'll look up some of those hospitals online and PM you with any specific questions that I have. What nursing school are you attending?? I was in my first semester at LSUHSC before Katrina. Thanks, Monique

I am originally from New Orleans but relocated to Texas due to Hurricane Katrina. I graduate from a BSN program in December and I am contemplating returning to Louisiana. Since New Orleans still isn't completely back to normal, I was thinking of moving somewhere close like Baton Rouge or Mandeville. Does anyone have any suggestions on any decent areas. I have kids so I need somewhere with a good school district and I need to find out about hospitals that hire new grads. Are there any good hospitals in Baton Rouge or the surrounding area?? Any input is appreciated. Thanks, msjoseph

Quest, I also have aspirations to become a CRNA someday. Currently, I am in my last year of a BSN program. I can understand that you are anxious to achieve your ultimate goal of being a CRNA as soon as possible (I feel the same way) but maybe you are focusing too much on your future long term goals and not on the short term goal of becoming proficient in the area that your currently in. If I were in your situation, I would be more worried about not being able to handle the duties that I would have as an ICU nurse and hold off on pursuing a more advanced role. Maybe it'll take a while longer for you to achieve your goal if you take another route (i.e. Med-Surg then ICU) but it would probably be to your benefit to be able to perform basic nursing duties before taking on all the extra stress of an ICU. Like I said, I know how you feel because I can't wait until I'm able to apply for CRNA school, but I would not feel comfortable trying something as challenging as being a CRNA without having all of the skills needed to be a good nurse that is comfortable with handling the responsibility of patient care. So I don't know how long it'll take but I don't plan on applying to CRNA school until I am really good at being a registered nurse first. Whatever you decide, I wish you the best in achieving your goals. MJ

Has anyone ever heard of the Golden Key Honor Society?? I got a letter inviting me for membership but I'm not sure if it's a reputable honor society. Any info would be appreciated. Monique

Thanks for the advice. Although I'm nervous about it, I will contact a recruiter. I just have to weigh the options between the Army and the Air Force.

I am currently a student in a BSN program and I am seriously considering joining the military because of the great benefits (paying off loans, retirement, etc) and the work environment. I have two children ages 4 and 2 and I was wondering what advice anyone who has experience as a military nurse might have? Here are some of the many questions I have. 1.I have read that there is always a chance for deployment but what really is the likelihood of it?? 2. Are there physical requirements for nurses joining the military (like weight, flat feet, etc)?? 3.Would I have to go through basic training?? 4.Is it true that nurses get stuck on the med-surg floor and don't get a chance to specialize?? 5. What is the difference between active and reserve duty?? 6.Do you have to move around alot and live in military housing? 7. What are the differences and pro's and cons of each military branch? I am planning on contacting a recruiter but I don't want to look like an idiot by not being qualified enough to join. And I've been told that recruiters are kind of like used car salesmen and will only tell me what I want to hear (this is only what I've heard and it may be complete fiction). I would appreciate any advice or info that anyone has to give.

My daughter who is now 4 was getting strep every time I turned around. Turns out she was getting it from me since I have chronic tonsillitis. I never know when I have strep because I don't get any symptoms, but everytime she would get it she would have the fever, sore throat, etc. Well everytime she went to the Dr. they prescribed antibiotics and they would always say that if she got it again she would have to get her tonsills out but they never actually made plans to do it. So I took her to an EENT and when the Dr. saw how large her tonsils were from all of her previous infections, she was shocked and said my daughter needed her tonsils and adenoids removed. I was nervous about the procedure and her recovery but everything went perfect. She had little bleeding, and although she was in pain for about a week after it was tolerable and she was still sort of active. Anyway, since then she doesn't get strep anymore (which is good since I'm a carrier), she doesn't snore anymore, she is a much better eater (before she would barely eat anything)and she does not wet the bed anymore. It all just stopped like magic. I am so happy that she had it done because everything is 100% better now.