Question about psychiatric experience

[RHIA, RN]

I am interested in earning a PMHNP degree. Two of the programs I am interested in applying to require psychiatric experience. I have worked on a lock down dementia unit as a LPN and later returned to the same facility as the RN, house supervisor (meaning I covered the lock down unit and all the other units). Would I be able to count this as psychiatric experience? This was at a veteran's facility so outside of the lockdown unit we dealt with other "psych" issues such as PTSD, TBI and substance abuse. After earning a PMHNP degree I would like to return to work with veterans, so I am hoping that this will suffice. Opinions?

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

I suggest calling the programs to find out. Working on any "lockdown" unit sounds like psych experience to me. Geri-psych is still psych.

[RHIA, RN]

Thank you, I just wanted some opinions. I am still working on my BSN but when I get closer to applying I will have to find out a definite answer.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

I too would consider it psych experience, because geropsych is a subspecialty of psych.

[RHIA, RN]

Thank you, I feel better about it now. I guess because it wasn't frankly labeled psych care I was doubtful.

[SHGR, MSN, RN, CNS]

If they don't explicitly state something like "five years experience in inpatient psychiatric unit" that you haven't done, this sounds like strong psych experience to me. What is the rate of psychiatric comorbidity at your VA? Certainly among veterans in general, it is high.

Keep in mind, they will also weigh your essay in the admission process so that is one chance to show how your personal experience and background fits into your decision to be a PMHNP. Best wishes, this is a needed role.

[RHIA, RN]

Guessing, I would say it was around 70- 80% of the patients at that VA and the majority that didn't complain about it, psych issues were ignored.

I certainly appreciate the validation and advice, thank you.