To PMHNP or to not PMHNP

[LalaRN9000, ADN, BSN, RN]

I went into nursing to specifically pursue psych nursing. I love it, it's rewarding, always super interesting to me. I know it is hard and not for everyone, there was a reason I left after 3 years. After changing to med/surg I think about applying to a PMHNP at least a few days a week. I've done inpatient, clinic and case management. I liked case management a lot just because there was more patient interaction, working to solve more deeply complex issues vs more acute settings. However, I have doubts that it's the right fit, which seems normal?

I went to a private school for BSN, stupid debt, not sure if I can financially swing a new degree or justify it. My spouse has 100k in loans too.

What if I can't take the emotional toll, am I smart enough to get the degree, would I be good at it, trying to get pregnant now but can't really wait on either, unsure about family support? I did have a 3.8 GPA during school, maybe I just lack the confidence?

But what if it changes my life, patient's lives and I love it? Any suggestions or resources would be appreciated, including schools ? Did you have a "lightbulb" moment when you decided? Sorry for the stream of consciousness, my brain couldn't contain it anymore. Thanks in advance!

[RNinparadise]

HI!

I don't have much concrete advice to give but think I'm in a similar situation. I got my BA in psych and then RN (70,000$ debt) with the intent of becoming a PMHNP. I have tried to find a psych RN job that I could do to sustain myself while I go to grad school but after three years, I'm emotionally worn down from fighting to put patients first in a system that's based around short term profit rather than long term human wellness.

My recent "lightbulb moment" was more like the gas of COVID lighting up the previously slow-burning fire of my anger about the current healthcare system. I'd rather be in debt for the rest of my life than be as dependent as I am on organizations that value the bottom line more than my life and the lives of my fellow healers.

I'm hoping with some more education I can have more control over my own safety and the ability to do what I feel is truly best for patients and not what the "higher-ups" think is going to make the most money short-term. I am starting a hybrid/online FNP program and then I'll do post-master's PMHNP so that I have a good foundation and the freedom to work in another area if I choose.

[Beata Reshetar]

A new and free group for PMHNP students to Pass Boards EZ. Please join us

https://www.facebook.com/groups/786841055451310/?ref=share

[sej, BSN, RN]

Is there a difference in a Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner  vs PMHNP program? If so, what are these differences? 

[umbdude, MSN, APRN]

1 hour ago, sej said:

Is there a difference in a Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner  vs PMHNP program? If so, what are these differences? 

No difference. Currently, ANCC only grants one PMHNP certification which is Family (aka Lifespan). It just means Family PMHNPs can treat all ages, from children to geriatric.

In the past, there were separate certifications in adult or pedi psych NP, or psych CNS. These certs are no longer granted, but you'll still see these practitioners out there working. 

[Mabel]

Last minute advice if you are about to take the PMHNP exam,

I did a live review from: www.pmhnpexamprepreview.com. By Yvonne. I also used Purple book, ANCC IQ question bank which resembled the pmhnp exam, pocket prep was a little off but great for content. Don’t waste your money on lantern review, I thought it was outdated to me, Fitzgerald was no good. I bought exam edge but the questions were just vague and I didn’t like it. Please save your money on all of these resources and just use ANCC IQ and PMHNP reviews by Yvonne from the website I listed above. She’s absolutely the best and amazing. Her review was spot on and the truth. Her policy and Ethical review saved my life on the exam because that was my weakest area. She has all 5 domains plus a comprehensive PMHNP review. I did all her domains and the comprehensive review and I was fine. If you are struggling to pass definitely take her review. She also has a study plan she gives to all her students. Absolutely worth the money compared to lantern review, and Fitzgerald. I wasted my money on those and still failed first time but then I found Yvonne’s PMHNP review and I thank God I did. Try her out and also sign up real quick for it because the class gets full very fast. I wish you the best on your exam. Her website is: www.pmhnpexamprepreview.com

[Cascadia57, BSN]

On 7/9/2020 at 2:53 PM, LalaRN9000 said:

I went into nursing to specifically pursue psych nursing. I love it, it's rewarding, always super interesting to me. I know it is hard and not for everyone, there was a reason I left after 3 years. After changing to med/surg I think about applying to a PMHNP at least a few days a week. I've done inpatient, clinic and case management. I liked case management a lot just because there was more patient interaction, working to solve more deeply complex issues vs more acute settings. However, I have doubts that it's the right fit, which seems normal?

I went to a private school for BSN, stupid debt, not sure if I can financially swing a new degree or justify it. My spouse has 100k in loans too.

What if I can't take the emotional toll, am I smart enough to get the degree, would I be good at it, trying to get pregnant now but can't really wait on either, unsure about family support? I did have a 3.8 GPA during school, maybe I just lack the confidence?

But what if it changes my life, patient's lives and I love it? Any suggestions or resources would be appreciated, including schools ? Did you have a "lightbulb" moment when you decided? Sorry for the stream of consciousness, my brain couldn't contain it anymore. Thanks 

What did you ever decide? Are you in PMHNP school?