Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

[luckylady5]

I have a non-medical background and am very interested in starting a Nurse Practitioner program, specifically to work in mental health. I am wondering if anyone can give me an idea of what exactly a PMHNP does besides medication management. I'm interested in this particular program not only because I have an interest in mental health, but also because I'm not sure I could deal with other areas of nursing - I don't think I could handle some things well (bodily functions, bodily fluids etc.) - and so I guess I just need to know if there is a lot of that type of care in the mental health area. My goal would be to work in a private practice. I don't mean to offend anyone or sound ignorant - I give so much credit to those of you who help the sick, and I know a good nurse can make all the difference in a patient's care, but I know that I am just not able to do certain things and want to have a clear sense of what will be required of me before I commit myself. Thanks so much for any information!

[clinical.lab.rat]

I'm not a nurse...although in the future I hope to become one, specifically PMHNP. However, I was a clinical microbiologist for three years. All of the disgusting specimens collected by the lovely nurses got sent my way; stool, sputum, pus, parasites, swabs, toenails; every bodily scraping or fluid was packaged and sent my way for inspection. If you are truly passionate about your goal I would recommend Vick's Baby Rub up the nose and a pair of gloves...it's amazing how things suddenly become much less gross when you're properly equipped (and much more tolerable when you can't smell them). And then keep your eye on the prize of working with patients in the setting of your choice.

PS-I still gag changing diapers and if one person pukes I am shortly behind them. But put me in a lab with Vick's and gloves and give me your most disgusting and I can handle it. If you want it bad enough and you believe you can you will.