RN to PMHNP

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Specializes in PACU, LTC/SNF, Home Health.

Hey y'all! I have been a nurse for two years. I started out with my ADN. I did PACU for a year and I'm currently in Home Health. I've also done LTC/SNF on the side. I'm currently in a RN-BSN program and will be graduating soon! I'm a forward thinker and always plan ahead. It was always my dream to be a NP! I decided against FNP because I decided not to do Med-surg. I'm considering applying to a PMHNP program! I feel like I would do better in this and enjoy this better because psych is a more focused specialty compared to FNP, and I really enjoy caring for those that are under served! I feel as though I have some psych experience from caring for Alzheimer's/Dementia patients as well as patients dealing with depression, and anxiety. I'm hoping to go travel nursing soon and expand my work history in LTC/SNF in other states. If there are any PMHNP's or psych nurses out there that have any advice for me going forward, I am open to hear your opinions. Any advice or comments on work/life balance, jobs in outpatient settings, job demand, work experience, school programs etc would be helpful! Thanks so much!! 

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I'm not an NP yet, I am about to graduate from a BSN program. I also want to be a PMHNP! Good Luck!

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Specializes in Psychiatric and Mental Health NP (PMHNP).

I suggest you try to work as a psych RN for awhile 

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Specializes in PACU, LTC/SNF, Home Health.
9 minutes ago, FullGlass said:

I suggest you try to work as a psych RN for awhile 

Thanks! I’m planning to travel as a LTC nurse for awhile. I really enjoy caring for Alzheimer’s/dementia patients. 

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I suggest working as a psych RN inpatient with children, adolescents, and adults. 

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I agree with the above, alzheimers/dementia patients are in memory care/SNFs and such, but not mental health facilities. As a psych RN for 5 years I do not work with these types of patients. You need to experience the acutely sick, Bipolar, Schizo, borderline, etc., just an idea

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Specializes in Psychiatric RN: ED, Gero, Detox, Med-Surg,.

There are units that admit patients with gero psych/ senior care (Alzheimer's/ dementia diagnoses). I have worked these units specifically for this patient population. It is very rewarding and some of my favorite patients to care for. Their life histories are fascinating and they are a true joy. You have a few different options available: PMHNP or specialization as an Adult Gerontological NP. As many have stated, these patients have very complex medical histories / care and  you might consider working as a Psych nurse for a few years before going for the NP. Inbox me if there is anything I can do to help.  Wishing you success!

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I recently received my PMHNP.  It is just another cluster @!&k of nursing with the burnout rate just as high.  The $$$ promised is not there. The market place is becoming utterly saturated with new grads with no where to go for viable, stable employment.  Silicon Valley has jumped into the game (Cerebral for one, look at the employee reviews on glassdoor) and is turning mental health into McDonalds with NPs dispensing pills only.   Unless you already are a mental health nurse and are passionate about mental health, the burn and churn can be exhausting. I have only done psych and I love it, but the reward to risk is tilted in favor of this was a bad decision to obtain my NP.  I mean to be realistic in this reply, know what you are getting yourself into.  If you have a job already lined up and they are just waiting for you to graduate, then go for it. 

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Hi Lilly,

I found your post to be enlightening. I have been persuing a PMHNP degree at an online school but experiencing difficulties securing practicum sites. There are vultures out there that want to charge me $4000-5000 for finding placement for a 10 week practicum. Did you have to resort to means like this? What is your opinion on paying a third party for a practicum?

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There aren't a whole lot of preceptors for PMHNP students. I was lucky, I was an inpatient acute care psych nurse for 8 years and my co-workers were invaluable in finding me a good preceptor I didn't have to cold call.

I find that most PMHNPs know that preceptors are hard to find, and if you don't have the connections, do some cold calling and see if anyone is willing to take you on, but I wouldn't pay for a preceptor. No way!

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Let me also say that background in psych is invaluable for getting your foot in the door as a PMHNP. Because of my background, I had a job offer from word of mouth recommendations before I even graduated. Started a job with decent benefits and decent starting pay. Being known in the circles is so important for success depending upon where you live (I live in a fairly small town in Mississippi).

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