Psych NP in California

al dente · Dec 5, 2009

I was hoping someone here could tell what it's like to work as a PMHNP in california. I'm currently in school in Arizona and looking to possibly move to southern cali when I graduate. I know Arizona is great with NP's and give them full autonomy. Is that the case in CA? And if not, what are the regulations? and how much oversight by a physician is needed. My goal is to open my own practice in a few years and would like to be in a state that will let me do that. Any help would be great!

Arizona is currently the best state in the nation to practice as a NP. The Pearson Report gives Arizona a score of 100 out of 100, the only state in the nation to get a 100 rating.

California is generally awful for NPs with regard to NP autonomy. I don't even think it is possible to have a private practice there because everything a NP does has to be specifically outlined in a protocol with your supervising physician. In essence, ALL your practice authority is delegated to you by your supervising physician.

If you want a private PMHNP practice, stay in Arizona or go to one of the other independent practice states.

MunkiRN, BSN, RN · Dec 11, 2009

Thanks for the information. I wasn't aware that California was so strict in regard to NP practice. I may end up there whether I want to or not, so what type of Psych NP jobs would you recommend. My husband may have to move there and I will need to find a job. I will just have to postpone my own practice for a while, but at lease I can gain experience in a clinical setting in the mean time.

I could use your help, thanks.

zenman · Dec 11, 2009

This will tell you about all the states. I can tell you Arizona is probably where I'll be heading.

http://webnp.net/downloads/pearson_report09/ajnp_pearson09.pdf

al dente · Dec 11, 2009

You probably won't have a problem finding a job as a Psych NP in California, but your autonomy will be limited. It basically comes down to the psychiatrist who ends up supervising you and what authority he/she will delegate to you. It will be very hard to have a private practice there, though, unless you're functioning out of a psychiatrist's private practice. But it won't be your practice - it's the psychiatrist's.

peaceful · Dec 11, 2009

Al Dente,

Do you think the salary for psych NP in CA is any good compared to RN? I am about to start grad school. I worry if all the effort and expense of school will be worth it in the end. I am interested on any input on the subject of CA and PMHNP.

Thanks,

peaceful

al dente · Dec 12, 2009

I don't know what current CA salaries for PMHNPs are. I've heard 85K or so, perhaps up to 100K? It really comes down to your employer and how much they value your service and what they're willing to pay. Not having independent authority puts you at a considerable disadvantage because your employer still needs to have a physician present in some capacity to oversee your work.

peaceful · Dec 12, 2009

Yes, not having independent authority in Calif. is an extreme disadvantage. My current salary is about 85,000 at a job I dislike. Not sure if getting my NP will help me much salary wise. I sure hope having an NP will help lead me to a job with increased autonomy. Just hope all the effort of graduate school time wise and expense wise will be worth it. Are you in California?