Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

I have a few questions I want to ask a Psy NP.

1. What is the salary for Psy NP? The salary varies depending on where you live, prior experince, type of service (community health or private pay, etc). Most average similar to fpecialty NPs about 60K+/yr. Check http://www.salary.com for more specifics in your area

2. I see a lot of job openings in Psy NP, is that the case nationwide? It depends on the area once again. Areas with inner city needs, rural areas, etc. usually have more demand, if you're interested you should look in your area to see what the field is demanding. There are fewer psychiatrists coming out from residencies and this trend will likely increase the number of Psych NPs needed. Also rural and loan payment areas are plentiful. I went for a job that offered loan repayment and never regret it one minute.

3. Could you work in different shifts for example, day, evening, night? etc. Most community health Psych NPs work M-F 8-5, but other shifts and times may be available again based on need. On-call may be required for some positions. It would depend on the position

4. Please describe your work. "a day in the life of psy np".

I work in community and inpatient mental health- M-F 8-5. I see about 15 patients a day, 2 new patient initials, the rest 20 minutes followups. Diagnoses range the gamut from simple depression, anxiety to schizophrenia, bipolar and dual diagnosis. I cover in inpatient and see patients there as well when the attending psychiatrist is off.

Hope this gives you some insight, it varies considerably, but look for Psych NPs in your area for more information.

Thanks[/quote

Thanks for taking time to post info on Psych NP. The only thing i wonder about is the salary of $60,000, seems so low! Right now as a RN BsN I make 54,000 with raises above 62,000 in 2 yrs. I want to go back to school for NP but hate to get in more loan debt and make less than what i make now! Anyway will keep researching.

I have a few questions I want to ask a Psy NP.

1. What is the salary for Psy NP? The salary varies depending on where you live, prior experince, type of service (community health or private pay, etc). Most average similar to fpecialty NPs about 60K+/yr. Check www.salary.com for more specifics in your area

2. I see a lot of job openings in Psy NP, is that the case nationwide? It depends on the area once again. Areas with inner city needs, rural areas, etc. usually have more demand, if you're interested you should look in your area to see what the field is demanding. There are fewer psychiatrists coming out from residencies and this trend will likely increase the number of Psych NPs needed. Also rural and loan payment areas are plentiful. I went for a job that offered loan repayment and never regret it one minute.

3. Could you work in different shifts for example, day, evening, night? etc. Most community health Psych NPs work M-F 8-5, but other shifts and times may be available again based on need. On-call may be required for some positions. It would depend on the position

4. Please describe your work. "a day in the life of psy np".

I work in community and inpatient mental health- M-F 8-5. I see about 15 patients a day, 2 new patient initials, the rest 20 minutes followups. Diagnoses range the gamut from simple depression, anxiety to schizophrenia, bipolar and dual diagnosis. I cover in inpatient and see patients there as well when the attending psychiatrist is off.

Hope this gives you some insight, it varies considerably, but look for Psych NPs in your area for more information.

Thanks[/quote