Psych NP Programs - When & Where?

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Specializes in Addictions/Mental Health, Telemetry.

As an older nurse, coming from a previous career in the mental health field, I want to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I have 10 of my 14 yrs as an RN in psych and addictions treatment. Recently I (finally) completed my BSN, knowing that I had to have the BSN in order to get an MSN.

My problem is the lack of schools offering Psych as a specialty for NP. The closest school to me is Florida International University in Miami, which is an approx 2 hr drive for me, one way. Another option is University of South Alabama online, or a few other programs that offer the program online, but with a short residency. I've also noticed that these schools (including FIU) are revamping their programs to eliminate the MSN and only offer the DNP.

Regardless, I am unable to start any program until Fall 2014, if I do get accepted.

Another option would be to do a local FNP program and later take a post MSN certificate in Psych.

I feel like I don't have time to waste, but then, Psych is really what I want to do.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

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Specializes in Psychiatric Nursing.

I would go for the online with the short residency. 14 years you know a lot and you have seen a lot. This will help your assessment and diagnostic skills. The APRN role is different from the RN role. More responsibility, more decision making. Find a job with good supervision when you are done with school.

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Specializes in Addictions/Mental Health, Telemetry.

Thanks! I appreciate the opinion!

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from the info you've given I would do the online or whatever is the fastest. Also if you havent already worked at a CPEP or Psych ER I would highly suggest getting a job in one of those. Thats where you learn to make quick diagnostic and med decisions. Good Luck!

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Specializes in Addictions/Mental Health, Telemetry.

Thanks for the comment! I currently work in a psych ER!! It's great to hear this will be helpful!

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Specializes in Psychiatric Nursing.

While you are working in the Psych ER p

Pay close attention to the psychiatrist role

Ask questions about meds and

Decision making. You can learn a lot

About the APRN role observing and understanding

that role

Role

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Hi! I don't know how far you are from Valdosta, GA. Valdosta State University is starting a psych NP program. Good luck!!

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Just graduated from University of Alabama at Birmingham , PHMNP. We had a pretty good program, half the class of 14 was from out of state. It's an online course with the exception of an onsite 3 day testing. Best wishes either way you go.

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I would not recommend online program (unless they helps you find preceptor) as I have a few ex-co-workers who had trouble finding preceptors. Sometimes a person can agree to precept but the time comes, he /she may change his/her mind.

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Just as an FYI, Penn's program is 13 months full time and you do not have to go and find your own preceptors.

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Specializes in Addictions/Mental Health, Telemetry.

Hi! Thanks for the info on Penn State. Is there program online?

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It's University of Pennsylvania*

Their*

No, it's not online.

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