Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners... are there jobs available?

[jawijrn]

I'm a relatively new grad RN (six months of psych experience so far--still peeking around for med/surge and other arenas). The main reason I got into nursing was to work in psych and become (what was at the time an ARNP, but is now moving into) a DNP in psych. I'm working on my BSN now and would like to continue onto my DNP, I already know what university I would attend... but when I searched for Psych DNP nursing jobs, nothing much comes up?

This is rather distressing. Is it just that most places don't advertise for DNP jobs? Most of the DNP's I know work with a psychiatrist in their office, which I suppose wouldn't really advertise, but as for working in hospitals or acute care settings, wouldn't I be able to find those job postings?

So, psych dnps/arnps/etc, is it easy to find jobs? Or am I just wasting my time pursuing this expensive degree?

[angelalala]

I've been researching this as well, and most of the jobs I've seen are in the pacific northwest and the southwest.

[Smitty08]

I'm a relatively new grad RN (six months of psych experience so far--still peeking around for med/surge and other arenas). The main reason I got into nursing was to work in psych and become (what was at the time an ARNP, but is now moving into) a DNP in psych. I'm working on my BSN now and would like to continue onto my DNP, I already know what university I would attend... but when I searched for Psych DNP nursing jobs, nothing much comes up?

This is rather distressing. Is it just that most places don't advertise for DNP jobs? Most of the DNP's I know work with a psychiatrist in their office, which I suppose wouldn't really advertise, but as for working in hospitals or acute care settings, wouldn't I be able to find those job postings?

So, psych dnps/arnps/etc, is it easy to find jobs? Or am I just wasting my time pursuing this expensive degree?

Hi-

The DNP is a relatively new degree, so the DNP prepared psych. nurse will, at this time, be working more typically in an APRN role. This will continue to evolve and there may be a distinct role for the DNP in the future. The DNP has been very challenging academically for me as I went to a rigorus university. Job options, oh yes!

[elkpark]

Perhaps the problem with searching is that "DNP" is a degree, not a role or job title; the advanced practice role in psych (whether MSN-prepared or doctorally prepared) is typically and officially (per the ANCC) referred to as "PMHNP" (psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner). I suggest you try searching with that term instead, "psych nurse practitioner," or something similar.

[TCASII, ADN]

Plenty of jobs out there. So far, about 70% of the PMHNPs I've dealt with are extremely flaky. Don't answer phones when needed, quite or move around between jobs a lot. I'm kinda shocked actually.

[mentalhealthnurse32]

Hello I'm a PSYCH Nurse with my BSN, and working on my MSN in Family PSYCH NP. I'm starting to see alot of jobs open up at the VA. I plan to go back in the military once I'm down in two years, because they really have alot of great opportunties with great benefits.

[Simply Complicated]

Hello I'm a PSYCH Nurse with my BSN, and working on my MSN in Family PSYCH NP. I'm starting to see alot of jobs open up at the VA. I plan to go back in the military once I'm down in two years, because they really have alot of great opportunties with great benefits.

Where are you doing your MSN at? I'm working on my BSN now, but hope to apply as soon as I finish with this, which should be April.

OP, I think a lot of it is going to just be looking around at psychiatrists offices and such to find the jobs. I currently work in psych, and I know a few of our docs have talked about bringing on NP's for their outside practice, but have not actually advertised it. Also, as Elkpark said, you may not be searching for it with correct key words. Good luck!