Psych NP - peds

[RN007]

I started clinicals yesterday for my psych NP program. I love the system I'm precepting with, but they do not let NPs see kids. I would like to specialize in treatment of children if possible. Is anyone here in peds psych and how did you get where you are?

[zenman]

The Family Psych NP's see all age ranges. The Adult Psych NP's, like me, don't recognize the existence of children.

[RN007]

Yeah, I was just curious how people who see kids got to their jobs.

[lucianne]

That isn't a universal practice. One of the places I did my clinicals was a community mental health clinic and they were thrilled to have someone who was willing to see children (and I ended up working there after graduation). Of course, I had to have my preceptor in the room so they could bill, but she would often do other work while I was doing an evaluation or follow-up. If you want to get family psych certification, you will have to get the pediatric experience somewhere. You could see if one of the child psychiatrists will precept you. Your preceptors do not all have to be NPs and that would give you the exposure.

[foxyhill21]

I work at a childrens hospital and we have psych np's

[tchrnrse]

I have been the permanent charge nurse on a pediatric psych unit for the last 6 years and love my job.

I was on med /surg step down unit but needed a more challenging role so I transferred over to psych. I have never had the same two days in a row nor have I been bored.

Where else can you play chutes and ladders or watch disney movies or go to the playground for work?

It is great.

[luckylady5]

I would also like to know if/how psych NPs are able to see children - would I have to become a Family NP and then get a Psych certificate, or could I see both children and adults as a Psych NP? Thank you!

[t2krookie]

There are usually two different types of Psych APN programs. Those Adult Psych programs concern 16+y/o (varies by state) and those who see all ages (Family Psych). I don't remember ever seeing a child psych NP program and I reviewed a heck of allot of them before making my choice.

You do not need to go FNP first and then psych. FNP is general practice medicine (we call it advanced nursing). Psych programs are completely psych focused though there are many medical (oops I said it again) comorbidities that influence the psychiatric evaluation and treatment modalities that we need to be aware of and treat. FNPs often deal with minor psych issues but are not trained to handle refractory or complicated psych cases, just as Psych NPs are not trained to handle much of the general medical issues. Both can often do refills and a general screening, but I wouldn't go to my dentist for an ear infection just because he can prescribe antibiotics