What to do before my Psych-DNP

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Specializes in Psych.

Hey everyone! I was just accepted into a psychiatric BSN to DNP program which will be about four years long part time. I know psych is my passion but I want to make sure I get all of the hands on knowledge I can prior to becoming a nurse practitioner. I've been working on an involuntary psych floor for two years and that is all the nursing experience I have. I learned alot but I want to know if anyone has any advice as to what other units whether within or outside of psych that I should work on to be the best psych np I can be.

Any advice at all would be greatly appreciated. Also if there are any psych np's please message me! I would love to connect.

Thanks

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Emergency department. They get everything.

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Specializes in school nurse.

If you mean more (and different) psych experience, try dedicated Addiction Services. (I know you get that now, but I mean a program specific for delivery of treatment for that issue).

If you want medical with more than a little psych, think about Corrections nursing...

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Specializes in ICU, LTACH, Internal Medicine.

1). Even if you know 100% that Psych is your passion, get a job there. Apart from ER, you can try SNF locked unit (gery/psych), mental health youth program and outpatient clinic. Four years is a good chunk of time and you may afford to forget about "job hopping" as whatever you did as RN won't count much once you graduate.

2). Once COVID19 situation clears out, start volunteering. Especially in SNF locked units, if possible. Doing that opened many eyes of aspiring Mental health professionals, to the better or worse.

3). As you going to DNP, get in every committee in your workplace you physically can. See if doing it aligns with what you really like, because as DNP you likely be expected to participate in them and more.

4). Study above and beyond what school is requiring from you. It will give you "starter pack" of knowledge but not more than that. Pharma should become your favorite.

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Specializes in Psych.
15 hours ago, Jedrnurse said:

If you mean more (and different) psych experience, try dedicated Addiction Services. (I know you get that now, but I mean a program specific for delivery of treatment for that issue).

If you want medical with more than a little psych, think about Corrections nursing...

Thanks for responding! I have thought about corrections nursing. I want to get more medical experience along with psych so I think that would be a great option. I've looked into eating disorder units also because I figured I would experience both medical and psych but unfortunately there are no openings.

Thanks

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Specializes in Psych.
14 hours ago, KatieMI said:

1). Even if you know 100% that Psych is your passion, get a job there. Apart from ER, you can try SNF locked unit (gery/psych), mental health youth program and outpatient clinic. Four years is a good chunk of time and you may afford to forget about "job hopping" as whatever you did as RN won't count much once you graduate.

2). Once COVID19 situation clears out, start volunteering. Especially in SNF locked units, if possible. Doing that opened many eyes of aspiring Mental health professionals, to the better or worse.

3). As you going to DNP, get in every committee in your workplace you physically can. See if doing it aligns with what you really like, because as DNP you likely be expected to participate in them and more.

4). Study above and beyond what school is requiring from you. It will give you "starter pack" of knowledge but not more than that. Pharma should become your favorite.

1. I'll have to try look into SNF. I'm not sure if I just put it in my head but the ER just has never caught my eye. That was my least favorite clinical experience personally

2. If I have the time to volunteer I'll try it out. I'll be honest with school and work that might be tough

3. I've been saying I need to join committees or at the very least organizations that focus on Psych. I must admit I've been slacking in that department

4. Thank you. I plan to take schooling this time around even more seriously than I did with my BSN. I didn't that was possible but I must especially now that I will be the prescriber. ]

Thank you so much!

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