Pursuing FNP as a psychiatric RN

[distantmiao]

Hi!

I recently graduated as a RN and have been working in psych for a little under a year, but I've been thinking about pursuing a NP degree. I've been considering a FNP degree, but I'm a little worried about my lack of med-surg/acute care area and how that would look when applying to FNP programs. Has anyone gone through a similar transition (from psych to non-psych NP programs), or have seen others who have? How important is getting some med-surg experience in applying for such a program? Additionally, if I also wanted to incorporate PMHNP along with/after my FNP, how feasible would this be?

I would love to hear any thoughts or tips on this matter! Thanks so much in advance!

[ToFNPandBeyond]

What setting do you want to work in as an NP? If it's acute care, why not become an acute care NP? You have ample experience so you'll have a better chance at getting in.

[distantmiao]

5 minutes ago, ToFNPandBeyond said:

What setting do you want to work in as an NP? If it's acute care, why not become an acute care NP? You have ample experience so you'll have a better chance at getting in.

Thanks for your reply! Currently I work acute setting in-patient as a hospital. I was thinking about FNP mainly because I wanted to be able to work outpatient in the future, too.

[missladyFNP]

Hi distantmiao,

I was a psych and addiction RN for 6 years. I pursued the FNP route because I wanted to challenge myself, be more marketable and it worked. FNP is a completely different role and way of thinking which is why it is very possible to be successful at it with a limited med/ surg background. Because I didn't have a strong med/surg background as an RN, I was determined to get strong experience as an FNP in primary care after graduation. I graduated in May 2019, passed boards June 2019, and I was hired as a primary care FNP at an FQHC that I did clinicals in July 2019. One of their main reasons for hiring me was my psych/ addiction background. My success was greatly dependent upon 1. Where I went to school and 2. My clinical sites. Because of your limited med/surg background you are going to need the support from your school. I would recommend really being mindful of where you do the FNP program and clinicals. I have a friend whose background is ER and med surg. She has really struggled in her role as an FNP because she went to an online program that did not foster her learning. On top of that, it took her a year after graduation to find a job and she has her PhD (NOT DNP). Now she is pursuing her psych NP. I know many FNPs that are pursing the psych NP certificate. Majority don't have psych experience, they are motivated by the job demand and pay. I hope this helps, Best Wishes ?

[Rnis, BSN, DNP, APRN, NP]

I think the acute care experience helps you grasp the bigger picture/pathophysiology when you are in school. I don't know that it is necessary to have the experience, but maybe there is a higher learning curve if you don't?

at least 20 % of my visits are related to mental health, so I think your background may be beneficial in a different way.

I do think you need to be uber prepared when you go into your clinical. I form my impressions quickly, and I do quiz students on observations and treatment, most of the time my students strong nursing backgrounds shine through. One of the Drs. I worked with commented that my students seem to be better prepared than his med students. Partly that is because he mentors baby med students....but partly that is because I screen who I am willing to mentor.