Psych/Mental Health NP

Published

Specializes in Psychiatric NP.

Wondering what kind of job responsibilities psych/mental health np's typically have. What's a typical day like? Hours? Do you have to take call? Job satisfaction? Is there a high need?

I've just started my program but have heard many benefits of being PMHNP and trying to decide whether or not to switch my specialties.

Thanks!:bowingpur

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in cardiac electrophysiology, critical care.

Hi there, I also would be interested to hear from and PMHNP's about their roles, responsibilities, types of facilities, parts of the job that are most liked and disliked... I am an RN considering going this route. If anyone out there would be so kind as to provide some basic info, it would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics.

Hi, I hope there are some PMHNPs out there that can answer these questions. I too am considering returning to school in the fall to obtain my PMHNP. I would also like to know if anyone has advice on the job outlook of PMHNP's. I live in Michigan and would like to stay here, but while researching this speciality, I haven't found many Michigan opportunities for PMHNP's.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

There are many opportunities as a psych NP. You can work in a variety of settings and generally have quite a bit of control over your hours. Your level of independence depends on the state where you practice. My state allows for independent practice and I can do everything a psychiatrist can do on an outpatient basis; I have a thriving private practice with more referrals than I can handle. However, I am also a clinical psychologist and I work with children and adolescents as well as adults. This is a rather rare combination and puts me at an advantage in many ways with regard to my attractiveness to employers. Nonetheless, all the psych NPs in my area are as busy as they want to be and the salaries are good - approximately $85 for hourly work, $100,000-$150,000 salaried with benefits.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

This information is very helpful - I am too either going to school next year and the program I go to will determine my specialty (either psych or family practice). My interests and heart have always been with psych but I am starting to have second thoughts just because psych can be a draining field..

Up Vote Up Vote ×

al dente, what state are you in that allows you that kind of autonomy?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
al dente, what state are you in that allows you that kind of autonomy?

Thirteen states/jurisdictions currently allow for completely autonomous NP practice. Check out the Pearson Report for updated information. http://webnp.net/downloads/pearson_report09/pearson09_tables_maps.pdf

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Al dente,

Thanks for posting the Pearson Report, these statistics are interesting.

Peaceful.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psychiatric NP.

I was pretty excited when I saw how many states allowed for independent practice, but the one problem that I see is that although so many states allow for "autonomous practice" they still require physician supervision with drug writing so this is kind of a false sense of autonomy. How does it work when you need written evidence that a doctor is having oversight of your prescriptions when he's not working with you? I suppose in psych you could just counsel but at the end of the day we would still need that prescriptive authority in order to be truly independent.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in New-FNP(1 week).
Thirteen states/jurisdictions currently allow for completely autonomous NP practice. Check out the Pearson Report for updated information. http://webnp.net/downloads/pearson_report09/pearson09_tables_maps.pdf

Thanks alot for the Report! It was a great Load of Information.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psychiatry (PMHNP), Family (FNP).

The independent practice issue is still in flux, I would expect more states will allow this in the future. In my state (CT) there is some language about having a collaborative agreement for supervision with an MD, however, this will likely change in the future as it is neither very helpful or necessary.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

My state also requires a signed collaborative practice agreement and a separate agreement for prescribing controlled substances. While I have consulted my collaborative physician, mainly because we work together, I have consulted other physicians just as often. My private practice partner rarely has any contact at all with her collaborative physician. I think the main purpose of the requirement is to discourage independent practice.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion