What pmhnp program did you attend?

[IndyGypsyNurse, BSN, RN]

0Hi All,

I have been contemplating becoming a PMHNP for years and think that I am finally ready to take the plunge back into school. I have been researching on and off for years now but could use some advice. I live in INdianapolis, IN and IU (IUPUI) has a Psych NP program now but the deadline was 2/15 so I missed it and they only admit once a year. I have found some other schools that are distance learning and have more of a rolling admission. EKU and Wilkes are the two that have stood out for me. Can anyone comment on these programs and schools? Is anyone attending them? How is it going? I will admit that I prefer to actually go to school, I am a social learner and do not find Online learning to be particularly fun...I am a bit worried about this. I did my BSN online and did not find that to be enjoyable...all work, no play or connection with others..I really want an enjoyable, progressive, thought provoking experience..any recommendations? Thoughts?

EKU is 46 credits total, no onsite visits

Wilkes is 42 credits total, 3 onsite visits of 3 days per visit (9 days total) located in Wilkes Barre Pa...so theres travel costs, time away from home, etc.

I have 10 years nursing experience to include ER, Maternal Child/womens health, Infusion, Case Management, and have also worked as a Nurse Educator and Clinical Consultant in the Biotech realm. I loved my psych rotation in nursing school and have always wanted to try working in psych. I do not have any dedicated psych experience but psych is everywhere, and I have had personal life experience amongst family members with various psych issues. I find it fascinating and feel it is the underdog of health issues, the things that get swept under the rug. I have always had a love for psychology and psychiatry/Mental health. I would love to be able to work in psych as an RN while going through school, but this may not happen, do you all think I will still be ok? Has anyone else gone through the PMHNP program without having dedicated psych specialty experience?

[elkpark]

I suggest that, instead of shopping around for an online program that will let you start ASAP, you get a job working as an RN in psych, and focus on making the deadline for the local B&M program next year. There's a big difference between having enjoyed your psych rotation in school and having had family members with psych issues, and enjoying working in psych. I've precepted one psych NP student who had no psych background, and she was really struggling with basic issues and skills that anyone with any psych experience would have easily grasped.

Any grad program in nursing is going to be a sizeable investment of time, effort, and $$$. You might as well make sure that it's a program that is what you really want. Working in psych will give you a better idea of whether that's something you actually want to pursue professionally, and, IMO, it's a mistake to compromise on schools (in this case, an online program when you know you prefer a B&M program) just to save time. Best wishes!