Psych Certification for ADN

PMHNP10 · Dec 28, 2003

1 yr of psych experience is all I'm aware you need to work towards the certification.

sbic56, BSN, RN · Dec 28, 2003

Hmmm...I have to get in touch with them after the holidays. I have plenty of psych experience, but it was when I was an LPN. We all know how that experience doesn't really count...(Ooops, wrong thread.)

New Castle Ken · Dec 28, 2003

Originally posted by sbic56
I understand that a BSN is not required for all levels of credentialling in psych. I am an ADN, have recently taken a position in mental health and am wondering if there are any prerequisites for psych certification. I looked at the ANCC site and will email them, but I thought I'd start here to see if any of you who may be an ADN with certification might have any information you can give me. Thanks in advance!

They also require continuing education hours for initial certification as well as a large number for renewal.

Ken

sbic56, BSN, RN · Dec 28, 2003

OK...thx Ken...I knew about the CEU's for the renewals, not the initial. Certification may not be what I am looking for after all.

PMHNP10 · Dec 28, 2003

Originally posted by sbic56
OK...thx Ken...I knew about the CEU's for the renewals, not the initial. Certification may not be what I am looking for after all.

I apologize for not giving a more thorough response originally but I was at work, so didn't have my ANCC booklet. I took a few things for granted about initial certification--eg. CEUs, because I assumed you would have those just for general licensure. There are a ton of renewal CEUs required, but there are resources out there which will get you bundles of CEUs without much problem...the hardest thing is fitting the information on the renewal app. I also didn't mention you need to be practicing as a RN for 2 yrs. You must have 30 direct pt/client contact hrs within the last 3 yrs.

For more info on the specifics, the ANCC website is http://www.nursecredentialing.org

It seems like alot, but many employers offer bonuses or pay increases and will pay for the certification...you might want to see if yours does.

sbic56, BSN, RN · Dec 28, 2003

I have checked out the site. I appreciate your help and am going to see if this is something that will be beneficial to me. The requirements aren't a problem, so it's just a matter of whether or not it is going to be helpful to me with this new position. Are you certified?

As an asside, did you know many states don't require any CEU's to maintain licensure? :eek: Amazing, I think!

PMHNP10 · Dec 28, 2003

Originally posted by sbic56
As an asside, did you know many states don't require any CEU's to maintain licensure? Amazing, I think!

I've been looking into it, but am waiting to see what I do next year with travelling and all...make sure someone will pay for everything whether I stay at my current job or travel

Wow...obviously I had no idea...I'm thinking that's not so good. It's human nature to not always do extra if it's not required, and CEUs are very important in keeping nurses up to date IMO.

sbic56, BSN, RN · Dec 28, 2003

I agree CEU's should be mandatory for all nurses. Seems like that should be standard to me.

I have been out of psych for a few years, so I am looking for the best way to get the freshest information and education available. I can read alot on my own, but I am thinking the certification might be helpful, even if it doesn't show me any monetary gain. If it is just alot of busywork, then it is not for me, though. When I worked L&D, I had seen what some of my peers were doing to keep up their OB certifications and alot of that was not applicable to practice in the least, IMO. Hard to know which avenue to take.

Bjo · Jan 7, 2004

I'm certified in psych and I have my ADN. It took a lot of time to make sure all of the paperwork was completed but it was worth it to me. The test was common sense if you have any psych experience at all. The certification lasts for five years. I say go for it, even if only for your own desire. My facility doesn't compensate for certification.

sbic56, BSN, RN · Jan 8, 2004

Thanks for the encouragement, Bjo.

I think I will go for it in a bit. I'm just settling into this new position, but I figure it can't hurt when I have a little time to devote to it. Psych is fun to learn; comes natural to me, so I will enjoy delving into it more.