Question for the PMHNP's

[ItsYourJourney]

Hello all,

I am a new grad with an opportunity to work in either an inpatient behavioral health unit or an outpatient behavioral health clinic. My goal is to become a PMHNP but I am not sure which position to take. Which setting do you think would best prepare me for graduate school and/or my role as a PMHNP?

(Just for context, the inpatient position pays significantly more and the schedule is three 12's prestigious hospital. The outpatient position is at a Non profit organization, salaried and five days a week.)

Thanks for all your help!

[debiklages, MSN, RN]

Hi there, I would say that the inpatient mental health unit would be the best option to consolidate your theoretical knowledge. The increase in salary is a nice bonus too but you would have to work shift work I would imagine.

[Flo., BSN, RN]

Inpatient. You will be able to see a variety of diagnoses at a level that necessitates inpatient care. Personally I find 3x12s a much nicer schedule. You will also get alot of teamwork with other RNs, social workers, and physicans. More so, than if you are doing outpatient.

[sciencer]

It's not as simple as one or the other. Is the outpatient position a Monday through Friday straight day position? Some nurses dream of a position like that.

As a PMHNP, do you plan to work inpatient or outpatient? That may help guide your decision, as well. Either position will be beneficial to help you familiarize yourself with the specialty, but none will completely prepare you for a position as a provider. Therefore, choose the position you think you will enjoy more. The NP role is primarily learned on the job. Just like any other nursing position.

Best wishes whatever you choose!

[ItsYourJourney]

Thank you all for all of your advice. The outpatient position is Monday- Friday. Since my last post, a few things have changed. I no longer have the opportunity to work at the inpatient facility as the position was given to someone else. But the good news is that I took my NCLEX yesterday and finished at 75. I also still have to opportunity at the outpatient clinic where I will start working in August.

Ideally as a mental health NP I would like to work in an outpatient setting, but I want to be able to recognize acute manifestations of mental illness. This is where the inpatient experience will come in handy. I am thankful for the position that I am given and hopefully somewhere down the line I will get some inpatient experience.

Thanks again for all your help.

[HollyPMHNP]

Inpatient absolutely prepared me better for working as a PMHNP. Things are faster inpatient, you see the cause and effects of medications much clearer when you see a patient every day versus every month - and I think it's very important to see how patients present in crisis. Good luck!

[HollyPMHNP]

Posted that a bit prematurely. The good thing about inpatient is that there's always the opportunity to pick up per diem and weekend shifts if you do want more experience! Congratulations on the job :)