Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner day-to-day work

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Hi y'all,

So I have an interview next week for an alternate-entry PNP program (I have a non-nursing bachelors degree) and it sounds like an amazing opportunity, but I haven't been able to get much information on what the typical day-to-day work life is like for a PNP, in a hospital environment for example. How much time are you spending with individual patients? is it a sit-down therapy style of treatment or you going room to room writing prescriptions all day?

Any help is appreciated!

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I'm always surprised at the number of posts we get here from people who are trying to get into a program for a particular advanced practice role, or are already in a program, who are asking for information about what people in that role do. I'm not being critical, just sincerely curious -- how did you decide you want to be a psych NP if you don't know what they do?

(Also, helpful tip -- the abbreviation for psych NPs is PMHNP (psych-mental health NP); PNPs are pediatric nurse practitioners.)

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Good question.

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It's really not that mysterious. One can have a basic understanding of a type of job from educational program descriptions, reading message boards, and other internet research. However...this is not the same as hearing what the real world day-to-day is like from the "horses mouth". Asking for real world insight and perspective from those currently in the role in no way means the individual has no idea what they do.

I'm surprised at the number of people on this board who make unfair assumptions and passive-aggressively try and shame folks who are just looking for information. :no:

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I'm surprised at the number of people on this board who make unfair assumptions and passive-aggressively try and shame folks who are just looking for information. :no:

Thanks for making the "unfair assumption" that I'm "passive-aggressively" trying to do anything. I am sincerely curious about how one gets to the point of having an interview for a graduate program to prepare one to do something (an expensive, time-consuming, life-changing undertaking) while still having basic questions about what one would be getting into. If the OP doesn't care to respond, that is her/his choice.

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Thanks for making the "unfair assumption" that I'm "passive-aggressively" trying to do anything. I am sincerely curious about how one gets to the point of having an interview for a graduate program to prepare one to do something (an expensive, time-consuming, life-changing undertaking) while still having basic questions about what one would be getting into. If the OP doesn't care to respond, that is her/his choice.

It's not an "unfair assumption", it's a direct and clear assessment of your response. The response of the OP is irrelevant. (Thought I wouldn't blame them for not wanting to respond after your post). Don't dish it out if you can't take it. (But that does tend to be the way of passive-aggressive folks) :yes:

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Elkpark, I understand what PMHNP's general roles are and their various responsibilities. After several months of being unable to find an available PMHNP to shadow, I was recommended this site to get information from those currently working in various nursing specialties. If you have any information pertaining to my question I appreciate the help, if not, then please find another thread to badger.

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Hi LoganNP, the job of a pmhnp and pnp varies. I highly recommend shadowing them or if you cannot find one shadow a physician that works in that area to get an ideal. I do not recommend going through with this path without shadowing someone and researching the field in depth. No doing so may lead to job dissatisfaction. Good luck in your career journey.

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Specializes in Psychiatric Nursing/Case Management.
I'm always surprised at the number of posts we get here from people who are trying to get into a program for a particular advanced practice role, or are already in a program, who are asking for information about what people in that role do. I'm not being critical, just sincerely curious -- how did you decide you want to be a psych NP if you don't know what they do?

(Also, helpful tip -- the abbreviation for psych NPs is PMHNP (psych-mental health NP); PNPs are pediatric nurse practitioners.)

I agree with the information posted, however mental health is an entire ball game. I think that the question is valid as well. I have worked in mental health as a RN for the last ten years so when looking into nurse practitioner programs It was obvious to me that PMHNP is the route for me because I am a Psych nurse. Do I know what PMHNP do on a day-to-day basis no. I personally appreciate the fact that you did take time out to provide education. But the approach of the "tone" seems "judgmental". The truth of the matter is that the question has not been answered. Since I am looking at schools for PMHNP can you tell me what they would do in a let's say a clinic?

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Specializes in Psychiatric Nursing/Case Management.

I have worked with PMHNP at a Psychiatric emergency, they were always on call so I would have to call them with each new clients and get orders to admit to the psychiatric hospital for evaluation, schedule a follow up, or transfer to ha higher level facility. The PMHNP would dx based on my assessment of symptoms. Major depression, psychosis, etc. That’s about it from the “on-call” part that I know about. I am so interested in this area, I now that the PMHNP contributes more to the health field. This is what I observed in my clinical practice. In the AM they would do a full psychiatric assessment and recommendations for appropriate levels of care.

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