What degree do you need?

MOST Nurses, whether they be LPN or RN usually have some sort of experience in the Behavioral Arts field. But I've many times seen new grads with no experience be Shift Charge Nurse after their orientation.

The State Hospitals will classify a Nurse as, for example, an RN I starting with no experience. An RN II has at least two years experience in the Behavioral Health field.

I worked with an RN who was a certified Psych Nurse, and she allowed her certification to laspe. She said all it did for her, above the other RNs, was to allow her to give her title as "RN-C". Big deal.

I started out as a Psych LPN. One reason I was hired was due to my experience with Developmentally Disabled Clients and Behavioral and Learning Disabled Children. I held no degree outside of my LPN when I started working Psych. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time.

I hold an Associates in Nursing for my RN and I've worked in the Psych feld as an RN I, RN II, and as a Nursing Supervisor for a Home health Agency. Part of my duties were to set up and supervise an At Home Mental Health Program.

So, in a nutshell, Education and Experience are advantages, but not necessary in order to work as a Psych Nurse.

Good luck to you in your endeavors, ryanlou.

Dave

There is no additional education or certification required beyond basic licensure as an RN or LPN; however, different facilities have different standards. Some will hire new grads, some require experience in another nursing setting; some require BSNs, some don't; some use LPNs (in addition to RNs), some don't. A degree in psychology has almost nothing to do with practicing psychiatric nursing, and would not particularly benefit anyone in nursing. Lots of facilities hire people with BAs in psychology to work as techs, and be supervised by the nurses. Nursing school would teach you what you need to know about psychiatric nursing to get started in the field.

Best wishes for your journey!