Psychedelic Nursing

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Hi all,

I just want to start off by saying that this site has been such a wonderful resource for me since I started nursing school in 06. Since then I’ve worked in a variety of settings from clinical research, to coordinating kidney transplants, to telemetry. This is my first time posting.

I am currently incredibly interested in the re-emergence of psychedelic research and the potential of psychedelic assisted therapy and would like to know if any of you have experience with it. I know it’s still in a bit of a grey area because of all the legal restrictions. I follow MAPS and it seems like they are really making progress towards legalization of substances such as psilocybin and mdma for therapeutic purposes.

I would love to get involved in any way I can but haven’t had much luck in figuring out how to get started. I am considering applying for the next cohort for the psychedelic assisted therapies certificate at CIIS.

Any insights/advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

4 minutes ago, AmandaJaneV said:

I'm so glad you're encouraged! You are way ahead of your colleagues. People are still freaked out when they hear "LSD", but they are just misinformed and uneducated. The truth is, you are right, this is the future of mental health and you are VERY SMART to be interested. My suggestion is, go through school on the Psych nursing track, get your BSN and get a psych job. Meanwhile, do your own studying and reading about psychedelics. There is SO MUCH INFORMATION out there. Read and absorb what you can and get yourself informed and educated. There are hundreds of documentaries and books and websites. One doc I recommend is "Neurons to Nirvana" on Netflix... its a good overview of the history, politics, science and treatment possibilities. Go to the MAPS website (Multidisciplinary Association of Psychedelic Studies) and look around, get on their mailing list. They are at the forefront of research and advocacy. Get the book "How to Change Your Mind" by Michael Pollan. It can be a hard read because it is very detailed and thorough, but it is a great book, and the author includes his own experiences with trying psychedelic therapy. In terms of a career, you are definitely limited living in rural Texas! I imagine that will be a challenge. See if there are any Ketamine Infusion clinics around, or if any psych units or hospitals offer Ketamine therapy. Ketamine is the only "psychedelic" that is already 100% legal for mental health treatment. You should try to get a job involving Ketamine. That would be a good way to be around more open-minded people and get your foot in the door. (Having IV infusion experience would help you get a Ketamine job, so if its not offered in school, you can probably take a separate IV course). And I'd say definitely go for a Psych NP eventually. There will be much more opportunity for NPs, since they can prescribe. I don't really know anything about becoming a nurse psychotherapist, is there such a thing? I know there is a certification course you can take to become certified specifically in psychedelic therapy (but i think right now it is really expensive and only in California, and only available to people with certain credentials. You can look on the MAPS website for more info). Lastly, perhaps there is a psychedelic community forming near you? Look around online for groups and meet-ups. You never know who is out there! I'm excited for you! Good luck.

I am involved with several psychedelic therapy groups on FB, MAPS, and a member of Cannabis Nurses Network. I have watched several great lectures on the subject - how psychedelics reset the brain, ect. I just think of so many patients who have had deep, life altering trauma in their lives who this could help them by allowing themselves to step back from the trauma and view it from the outside looking in. The trauma becomes so ingrained in who we are, just like the ego, we have to separate the two to have clarity and healing. This is a job for psychedelics! I have got my feelers out there for sure. I know in order to pursue what I really want to do I will need to leave where I am living right now and the thought of that gets me excited. Thank you for all of your advice, I will keep on the path that I am on now.

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Specializes in nursing ethics.

As an outsider, I say don't be too optimistic about this. LSD was originally used in early 60's or before to help patients, as I recall, and was then rejected by medical establishment. What actual evidence is there that psychedelics are beneficial, long-term? What serious side effects are common? I tried LSD in the hippie 60's and cannot understand how it is therapeutic. Experiences can be chaotic, strange, disturbing, nightmarish and sometimes pleasant. Maybe it would work as a last resort for desperate cases? I don't know.

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Specializes in PMHNP/Adjunct Faculty.

Hello, I know this is an old post but I'm just now seeing it. I haven't logged in to allnurses in a long time.

I'm a PMHNP and the FDA has granted Breakthrough Therapy designation for MAPS in their study of MDMA for PTSD. I believe it is in Phase 3 for FDA approval. This is not the same thing as ecstasy/molly sold on the streets- the majority of molly pills have been found to be cut with meth and other substances (up to 85%). When pure MDMA produced with consistency in a lab, MDMA has been found to not be neurotoxic. MAPS is also looking into MDMA as a treatment for other conditions. How it works: 3 experimental sessions total with a primary objective of lowering CAPS 5 Total Severity score, secondary goal of improving functional impairment as measured by the Sheehan Disability Score. The dosing in the First Session is 80 mg with the option for a 40 mg supplemental dose. In the Second Session doses range from 80-180 mg, in the third session doses range from 80-180 mg. After three sessions, previous trials have shown little to no risk of MDMA dependence and a reduction in symptom severity. Many patients no longer meet DSM criteria for PTSD after the three sessions. If you would like to read the protocol for the Phase 3 trial that is currently happening you can read more here:

https://mapscontent.s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/research-archive/mdma/mapp1/MAPS-2018-02-26-MDMA-MAPP1-Public-Blinded-Protocol-A1V1-26FEB2018.pdf

It is thought that the treatment will be FDA approved by 2022 but it is very very expensive. For each experimental session a therapist has to sit with the patient for 8 hours and OVERNIGHT. It is mostly just comforting and answering any questions that just come up. Anyone that is going to do this type of work has to be very passionate about it.

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Specializes in psychiatry, mental health, psychedelics, violence.

I have just came across this post, Im C.J. and I go by EntheoNurse. I have been a psych nurse for quite a few years. In the past couple of years I have started to move in a direction of incorporating nursing and psychedelics. I have presented on:

-Psychedelics in Psychiatry at the APNA national conference in 2019

-I have been on numerous podcasts

-I presented 2 master classes on psychedelics of Psychedelics Today's Navigating Psychedelics for Clinicians and Therapists (I presented on Navigating Psilocybin and Serotonin Syndrome).

- Mt. Tam Integration's International Psilocybin Summit- presented on Managing the Worst Case Scenarios in Psilocybin Use.

I have a few other projects going but can't officially discuss yet.

Very excited in the direction this field is going. Just to make everyone aware there is also a newly founded International Association of Psychedelics Nurses. The website is less active than the FB book. (https://www.psychedelicnurses.org/)

If you have specific questions please contact me through my facebook or by email. Links at bottom.

Thanks,

C.J. (EntheoNurse)

[email protected]

page- https://www.facebook.com/EntheoNurse/

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I didn't realize that there was a Psychedelic Nursing section--this is great.

@Mywords1 I hear your concern about bad experiences on entheogens and it makes sense. There is a lot of crap medicine out there and people don't have someone trained to guide them through a healing session. The problem with hallucinogens being a Schedule I is that we can't do more extensive research, we can't regulate adulterated medicine that is being put out into the public, etc.

@dallasmiss makes a good point: the MDMA and LSD that are on the street right now can be compared to street fentanyl that is being mixed with god-only-knows, which is *not* what is being given in a clinical setting.

Ketamine is the only psychedelic that is legal right now--it is a Schedule III. It has helped people with depression, a nice discovery surgeons made after patients with depression came out of surgery/anesthesia. MDMA is on compassionate use only at the moment and as things progress, will probably be administered in a clinical setting only.

I feel very excited by this emerging field and am glad to know about you @EntheoNurse!

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Specializes in psychiatry, psychedelics, cannabis.

Hi There, I'm late to the discussion here, but wanted to encourage you to check out an organization I cofounded, the Organization of Psychedelic and Entheogenic Nurses - openurses.org 

OPENurses exists to establish best-practices; clearly define appropriate care in psychedelic sessions; elucidate a code of ethics and conduct; advocate for the full inclusion of nurses in psychedelic therapy; provide continuing education related to psychedelic therapy; and provide a place for professional networking. 

We also have a private facebook page (so be sure to answer all the questions for entry) at www.facebook.com/groups/openurses

best,

Andrew

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On 8/5/2019 at 1:53 PM, Coffeeandcasemanagement said:

I'm pretty sure this will never become an area of nursing practice- the drugs are illegal and nowhere near legalization. Even if they become legal- look at MJ- it took years for states to catch on and as we know, the BON frowns on it and nurses have lost their licenses for testing positive for MJ- had to enter PAP- can't see the board taking too kindly to mixing psychedelic drugs and nursing. Maybe someone who knows more can weigh in.

I just accepted an offer as a telehealth RN administering ketamine and assisting patients through their sessions. ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE! 

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Specializes in Pain management, psychedelic medicine.

I am a nurse practitioner with a passion for plant medicine and assisted therapies. If you are new to this and want to learn something FUN during Nurses Week 2021 - join my workshops!!

 

I have teamed up with NursePreneurs to offer these - come join for a review the possibilities of taking nursing to a different level. Just click the link to find out more and sign up: Psychedelic Plant Medicine Workshop series for Nurses Week 2021!!

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Specializes in Physiology, CM, consulting, nsg edu, LNC, COB.

There are also educational opportunities for legal nurse consultants interested in this. We had a great presentation at the AALNC annual forum a few years back on the emerging studies on cannabinoidsm and the AANLCP membership is interested in how these are prescribed and paid for as well. I agree, the person who opined that this will never fly (you should pardon the pun) is uninformed. Heck, my ortho surgeon sent me to the local dispensary for CBD cream for my arthritis. The only high I get from it is in knowing that my joints feel better, LOL.

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On 3/8/2021 at 3:57 PM, brockclan3 said:

I just accepted an offer as a telehealth RN administering ketamine and assisting patients through their sessions. ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE! 

Do you feel comfortable sharing more about this? What are hours like? What are your roles and responsibilities? How is pay?

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5 hours ago, EurekaRN said:

Do you feel comfortable sharing more about this? What are hours like? What are your roles and responsibilities? How is pay?

The company is KetaMD. I will be honest with you, it has been a slow start. From the updates we get from the company they are still working out kinks with pharmacies in each state. I haven't had a patient session as of yet. When we do start up we have to commit to (via zoom remote sessions) at least 4 patient sessions per month but can do as many sessions as you want. It is contract work and it pays per session ($40) which each session is around 1-1 1/2 hours. Roles are making sure the client has a sitter in the same location and you have access to them via phone, confirming the client has the right dosage of ketamine (ketamelt) that is mailed to them, make sure you can see them during the session and document their progress. 

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On 2/8/2020 at 6:19 PM, AmandaJaneV said:

I'm so glad you're encouraged! You are way ahead of your colleagues. People are still freaked out when they hear "LSD", but they are just misinformed and uneducated. The truth is, you are right, this is the future of mental health and you are VERY SMART to be interested. My suggestion is, go through school on the Psych nursing track, get your BSN and get a psych job. Meanwhile, do your own studying and reading about psychedelics. There is SO MUCH INFORMATION out there. Read and absorb what you can and get yourself informed and educated. There are hundreds of documentaries and books and websites. One doc I recommend is "Neurons to Nirvana" on Netflix... its a good overview of the history, politics, science and treatment possibilities. Go to the MAPS website (Multidisciplinary Association of Psychedelic Studies) and look around, get on their mailing list. They are at the forefront of research and advocacy. Get the book "How to Change Your Mind" by Michael Pollan. It can be a hard read because it is very detailed and thorough, but it is a great book, and the author includes his own experiences with trying psychedelic therapy. In terms of a career, you are definitely limited living in rural Texas! I imagine that will be a challenge. See if there are any Ketamine Infusion clinics around, or if any psych units or hospitals offer Ketamine therapy. Ketamine is the only "psychedelic" that is already 100% legal for mental health treatment. You should try to get a job involving Ketamine. That would be a good way to be around more open-minded people and get your foot in the door. (Having IV infusion experience would help you get a Ketamine job, so if its not offered in school, you can probably take a separate IV course). And I'd say definitely go for a Psych NP eventually. There will be much more opportunity for NPs, since they can prescribe. I don't really know anything about becoming a nurse psychotherapist, is there such a thing? I know there is a certification course you can take to become certified specifically in psychedelic therapy (but I think right now it is really expensive and only in California, and only available to people with certain credentials. You can look on the MAPS website for more info). Lastly, perhaps there is a psychedelic community forming near you? Look around online for groups and meet-ups. You never know who is out there! I'm excited for you! Good luck.

I just read “How to Change Your Mind” and your response gave me hope that I’m on the right track. I’m about to graduate with my ADN in May and my BSN in December and hope to go on to get my PMHNP so I can be more involved in psychedelic therapy and research. Since it’s such a taboo topic I haven’t shared with anyone in my nursing program what I really want to do but this thread just made me so happy to see there are like-minded nurses out there. 

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