Psych NPs Help!!

Jules A, MSN · Dec 25, 2014

Find out how much the average NP bills at his practice so you can have an idea of how much you will make. With regard to geri-psych I would urge you to be very careful. In my experience it can be an extremely difficult population to prescribe for and I don't think it is a specialty I'd recommend for someone as a post-master's certificate without heavy geriatric and psychiatric experience, just my two cents though. Keep in mind employers often don't care if we are practicing outside our abilities or scope.

Missy89 · Dec 25, 2014

Find out how much the average NP bills at his practice so you can have an idea of how much you will make. With regard to geri-psych I would urge you to be very careful. In my experience it can be an extremely difficult population to prescribe for and I don't think it is a specialty I'd recommend for someone as a post-master's certificate without heavy geriatric and psychiatric experience, just my two cents though. Keep in mind employers often don't care if we are practicing outside our abilities or scope.

Interesting, what kind of work do you think fits the bill for post masters psych? Its an entire year and includes didactic. Almost like another FNP didactic without the theory, intro classes. Yes I definitely want to be sure I'm in my scope if practice. I get to precept with a few of his NPs so I'm interested to see what they say.

Jules A, MSN · Dec 26, 2014

Interesting, what kind of work do you think fits the bill for post masters psych? Its an entire year and includes didactic. Almost like another FNP didactic without the theory, intro classes. Yes I definitely want to be sure I'm in my scope if practice. I get to precept with a few of his NPs so I'm interested to see what they say.

Check with your BON for the scope information. Personally I'd be very hesitant of anyone without first hand experience on an acute inpatient psychiatric unit taking a stab at complicated psych patients, especially geriatrics. Just my two cents. If you decide to do it I would insist on having clinicals with a geriatric psychiatrist.

Missy89 · Dec 26, 2014

Check with your BON for the scope information. Personally I'd be very hesitant of anyone without first hand experience on an acute inpatient psychiatric unit taking a stab at complicated psych patients, especially geriatrics. Just my two cents. If you decide to do it I would insist on having clinicals with a geriatric psychiatrist.

Let me clarify, this is not for an inpatient psychiatric unit. It is for a nursing home with the focus on dementia, Alzheimer's etc. The physician's program is targeted towards weening patients off medications and precring appropriate ones. The NP is also responsible for managing the pt as a whole. It saves medicare money if a trained NP can perform these tasks versus paying a psychiatrist. So no... Its not an inpatient psych unit. These are ALFs with geriatric patients who need both psych and medical services. I'm comfortable that the right training and a post masters certificate will provide me with the right training.

Jules A, MSN · Dec 26, 2014

Let me clarify, this is not for an inpatient psychiatric unit. It is for a nursing home with the focus on dementia, Alzheimer's etc. The physician's program is targeted towards weening patients off medications and precring appropriate ones. The NP is also responsible for managing the pt as a whole. It saves medicare money if a trained NP can perform these tasks versus paying a psychiatrist. So no... Its not an inpatient psych unit. These are ALFs with geriatric patients who need both psych and medical services. I'm comfortable that the right training and a post masters certificate will provide me with the right training.

No need to clarify I got the gist. It sounds like you wanted validation that you will be able to safely treat a complicated and vulnerable patient population with no actual psych experience. Since you are comfortable you will be competent, then have at it.

harmonizer · Dec 29, 2014

I second that you check with your BON for the scope information. Different states have different regulation. You are probably living the in the state where FNP can practice psych. 60/40 is the norm, do not go any lower. Find out the reimbursement and do calculation first. I recommend post-master unless you only want to stay in this specific jobs for year. There have been too many schools opening psych NPs program, unfortunately with some online schools, or doubling class size for the past few year. Once markets get saturated in the next 1-2 years, the employer will be able pick and choose who they want and those with the certification will be chosen even the scope of practice is loose in your state. If you just want to this job, then no post-master needed. If you want to stay in this field, yes. If I were you, personally, I would not go back unless I really want to stay in the field.

Missy89 · Dec 31, 2014

I second that you check with your BON for the scope information. Different states have different regulation. You are probably living the in the state where FNP can practice psych. 60/40 is the norm, do not go any lower. Find out the reimbursement and do calculation first. I recommend post-master unless you only want to stay in this specific jobs for year. There have been too many schools opening psych NPs program, unfortunately with some online schools, or doubling class size for the past few year. Once markets get saturated in the next 1-2 years, the employer will be able pick and choose who they want and those with the certification will be chosen even the scope of practice is loose in your state. If you just want to this job, then no post-master needed. If you want to stay in this field, yes. If I were you, personally, I would not go back unless I really want to stay in the field.

Thanks! Yes I'd like to stay in the field so I definitely would!