What Type of Setting Do You Work In?

zenman · Feb 27, 2013

I think we've already had a thread like this before.

GinaCat · Feb 27, 2013

i looked through the first several pages w/ no finds. i will look further. thanks.

forthebirds · Feb 27, 2013

I'm not an NP either, but I am interested in pursuing my masters. Below is one thread that may give some information, though it only answers a few of your questions. It would still be good to hear from others if they are so inclined. There is definitely a lot of info, but maybe not as concise as what you are looking for.

https://allnurses.com/advanced-practice-nursing/acnp-vs-fnp-712118.html

Trauma Columnist · Feb 28, 2013

I work in dialysis clinics and hospitals. I travel extensively.

Psychcns · Mar 1, 2013

I do locums and like working in different settings. I think I like outpatient clinic the best. My next assignment is inpatient and I look forward to the change. I did work in a doctors office for a while and this particular place was very disorganized. I worked several years in management and I have a good sense of how systems work and When i do locums i try to fit in and help things run smoothly. I love clinical work and I can focus on this doing locums and stay away from system problems.

forthebirds · Mar 1, 2013

For both traumaRUs and PsychCNS, do you feel your training has helped/hindered in anyway? I think I saw you both followed the CNS path. In the end, do you feel it matters? Sorry for the ignorance, just when I think I understand the differences/similarities of CNS or NP... Well, I realize I'm missing something! I know the state you are practicing in can have a significant impact too.

PsychCNS, I really like the idea of locum tenens. Seems like a great way to do the work you enjoy without the system issues you reference. How long were you practicing before you decided to work independently?

Thanks!

Psychcns · Mar 1, 2013

For both traumaRUs and PsychCNS, do you feel your training has helped/hindered in anyway? I think I saw you both followed the CNS path. In the end, do you feel it matters? Sorry for the ignorance, just when I think I understand the differences/similarities of CNS or NP... Well, I realize I'm missing something! I know the state you are practicing in can have a significant impact too.
PsychCNS, I really like the idea of locum tenens. Seems like a great way to do the work you enjoy without the system issues you reference. How long were you practicing before you decided to work independently?
Thanks!

I had 5 years prescribing experience before I started locums. I used to like the system issues and trying to make things better as a manager and eventually gave up trying but I have empathy for people in these roles and try to support them. I think my training and experience helps me in my jobs now. But expectations can be different place-to-place so it is also important to know a facility's culture. I liked the cns role but this was all there was for psych in 1994. The psych NP has pushed us aside since 1999. We are grandfathered for now-our credential has been retired.. The psych NP degree is more versatile now..I liked my training because I learned a lot about therapy (as well as meds) and people aren't learning this so much now.

CNS can prescribe in 36 states, NP in all 50. Probably more role preparation in CNS. But not for psych. Psych is not offering CNS anymore.

allnurses Guide · Mar 1, 2013

I work in an outpatient private specialty practice. I enjoy what I do, and I like developing expertise in a specific area. I like having regular hours, and having weekends and holidays off. I started off in primary care and got some great experience, which helped me determine what type of specialty I would prefer.

forthebirds · Mar 2, 2013

I work in an outpatient private specialty practice. I enjoy what I do, and I like developing expertise in a specific area. I like having regular hours, and having weekends and holidays off. I started off in primary care and got some great experience, which helped me determine what type of specialty I would prefer.

Thanks BC! Did you do adult or FNP?

forthebirds · Mar 2, 2013

I had 5 years prescribing experience before I started locums. I used to like the system issues and trying to make things better as a manager and eventually gave up trying but I have empathy for people in these roles and try to support them. I think my training and experience helps me in my jobs now. But expectations can be different place-to-place so it is also important to know a facility's culture. I liked the cns role but this was all there was for psych in 1994. The psych NP has pushed us aside since 1999. We are grandfathered for now-our credential has been retired.. The psych NP degree is more versatile now..I liked my training because I learned a lot about therapy (as well as meds) and people aren't learning this so much now.
CNS can prescribe in 36 states, NP in all 50. Probably more role preparation in CNS. But not for psych. Psych is not offering CNS anymore.

Thanks for the great info. Really helps to know how others have forged their path.

zoidberg, BSN, RN · Mar 2, 2013

psychcns,

i am accepted to nursing school, and waiting to hear back from PA school. Psych is my primary interest.(im aware of the learning curve of a psych PA...). Correct me if i am wrong, but is seems most psych PA's and NP's simply do short medication management appt's now. How bad is it? any room for psychotherapy left in the system? How much psychotherapy training is there in PMHNP programs? What kinds of jobs are out there for people who want more then the outpatient med-check life? I know inpatient can be tough, but does it give more room for appropriate treatment?