Hi, I have two areas of NP interest right now: cardiology and psych. I'm a little more skeptical about Psych for one reason.
If clinical psychologists gain more prescriptive rights in the future, what could this mean for PMHNPs (and psychiatrists for that matter)? Will there still continue to be a higher demand for the psych NP over the prescribing psychologist? Like I said, I'm undecided between both right now and I've always had a love for psych. I didn't have an interest in cardiology until nursing school. However, I don't want to spend tons of money on schooling if I won't be able to find a job. Do you think prescribing psychologists could possibly phase out PMHNPs (and psychiatrists) since there are so many psychologists? Or do you think PMHNPs will be more preferred over psychologists due to their medical/nursing background?
I know psychologists do mostly therapy and research while PMHNPs will do more med management like a psychiatrist, but they can do therapy. However, if psychologists are given prescription rights, would there really be any difference between the PMHNP and psychologist?
I know there is a HUGE shortage of psychiatrists and there will continue to be, so this may open up more opportunities for the Psych NP. However, it leaves me wondering if psychologists will use this as an excuse to gain more prescription rights.
So can anybody give me any insight into this so called "turf war" in the mental health field? Also, would you recommend me pursuing this field, given the turf going on?