Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (NP) Career Overview
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, often referred to as Psychiatric NPs, primarily work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, psychiatric facilities, outpatient clinics, substance abuse programs, and private psychiatric or mental health practices.
They are responsible for diagnosing mental health conditions and prescribing appropriate treatments. Additionally, the field of behavioral telehealth is on the rise, providing virtual mental healthcare to patients, regardless of their location.
Nurse Practitioner Psychiatrist
Time required to become a Psychiatric NP:
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To become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, you will typically need at least 6 years of education and training.
Job outlook for Psychiatric NPs:
The career outlook for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners is positive, with a projected 45% job growth from 2019 to 2029.
Various Nurse Practitioner Roles:
Psychiatric NPs have the potential to earn an average annual salary of $120,000, as reported in the 2019 AANP National Nurse Practitioner Sample Survey.
How to Become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
What is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner?
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners mainly work in hospitals, psychiatric facilities, outpatient clinics, substance abuse programs, and private psychiatric or mental health practices. They are responsible for diagnosing mental health conditions and prescribing treatments. An emerging field is behavioral telehealth, offering accessible virtual mental healthcare to patients, regardless of their geographical location. Some Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) may specialize in specific patient populations, such as pediatrics or military/veterans.
Salaries for psychiatric NPs are significantly above the U.S. average, and like other healthcare practitioners, PMHNPs enjoy a high degree of professional autonomy.
What Does a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Do?
Educational requirements:
To work as a Psychiatric NP, you need to hold either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Certification is optional but beneficial.
Psychiatric NPs are responsible for providing care to patients with psychiatric and mental health conditions. Many also supervise registered nurses (RNs) or nursing assistants. Depending on the state they practice in, PMHNPs may require minimal supervision or collaboration with a physician. Some key responsibilities include:
Primary Responsibilities:
1. Ordering relevant diagnostic tests, including blood-work to monitor psychotropic medication levels.
2. Diagnosing mental health conditions.
3. Prescribing treatments, including medications.
4. Educating patients and their families.
5. Collaborating with physicians as necessary.
Skills Developed:
– Empathy
– Dedication to continuous professional education
– Integrity
– A deep understanding of medicine and the healthcare field
Where Do Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners Work?
Hospital Psychiatry and Mental Health Departments:
In hospitals, Psychiatric NPs provide direct care to patients, oversee nursing assistants or RNs, and collaborate with physicians on care planning and delivery.
Private Psychiatric Practices:
In some states, psychiatric NPs may have their own practices or work alongside physicians. Their responsibilities typically include diagnosing patients, overseeing their care, and prescribing medications.
Social Services Settings:
In schools, especially colleges and universities, PMHNPs offer counseling and other psychiatric services to students, referring them to psychiatrists as needed. In some states, PMHNPs can work independently. In shelters, they work with individuals who have experienced domestic violence, helping them recover from psychological trauma.
Why Become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner?
Psychiatric NP salaries are significantly above the national average, and professionals in this field enjoy a high level of professional autonomy. However, it’s essential to note that working with patients with psychiatric conditions can be emotionally demanding.
Advantages of Becoming a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner:
– Increasing demand for psychiatric NPs to assess patients who are a danger to themselves, others, or gravely disabled.
– Above-average salaries.
– Trusted and respected profession.
– Emotional rewards of helping those in need.
Disadvantages of Becoming a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner:
– Emotionally and mentally demanding work.
– Potentially high-risk work settings.
– Extensive administrative and paperwork demands.
How To Become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
For a more comprehensive overview of becoming a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, refer to “How To Become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.”
1. Graduate with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or associate degree in nursing (ADN).
– An associate degree takes two years, and a bachelor’s degree takes four years to earn. However, to become a psychiatric NP, students must have a BSN or earn the equivalent through a bridge program as part of their master of science in nursing (MSN) program.
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN exam to receive RN licensure.
– The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) is the national exam to ensure graduates possess the required knowledge to practice nursing. States may have additional requirements for RN licensing, such as a criminal background check.
3. Complete the required nursing experience.
– Many master’s programs require at least two years of full-time experience as an RN. All accredited nurse practitioner programs require an unencumbered RN license.
4. Attend an accredited MSN or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.
– The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits nurse practitioner programs. Students aspiring to leadership roles or teaching may consider a DNP program, as it can open opportunities for leadership or academic roles.
5. Graduate with your MSN-PMHNP degree or DNP.
– The MSN program typically takes two years of full-time study and includes fieldwork or clinical rotations in various settings. Online programs generally allow remote students to do their fieldwork or clinicals in their own communities, but they typically require students to coordinate their clinical sites and preceptors.
6. Apply for your PMHNP board certification.
– The American Nurses Credentialing Center administers the credentialing exam. Applicants must submit transcripts and documents verifying their education; they may apply with unofficial transcripts but must submit official transcripts before receiving their PMHNP certification.
How Much Do Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners Make?
Psychiatric NP salaries are considerably higher than the U.S. average median annual salary of $39,810. As of 2019, the median annual base salary was $120,000, and the total median annual compensation was $131,500. Psychiatric NP salaries for family practice were slightly lower at a median of $125,000 total annual compensation, and psychiatric NPs specializing in adult care earned a median $135,000 in total annual compensation, making this the highest paid specialty among NPs.
The number of NP jobs in the U.S. is growing dramatically, with approximately 24,000 new jobs projected each year between 2019 and 2029. While this figure includes all NP jobs, not just PMHNPs, it is indicative of strong growth in the field.
For specific salary data by state, you can refer to state-specific salary resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of conditions do psychiatric nurse practitioners treat?
Psychiatric NPs treat a wide range of mental health conditions, both chronic and acute, as well as neurodevelopmental disorders. Common conditions they address include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, trauma/stressor-related disorders, and eating disorders.
What is accreditation, and why is it important?
Accreditation by organizations like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Accreditation Commission for Education
in Nursing ensures the quality and integrity of nursing programs. The accreditation process evaluates the curriculum, faculty qualifications, policies, and other academic and administrative aspects to determine if a program provides the education and training needed for safe and effective psychiatric NP practice.
What is the curriculum for psychiatric nurse practitioner programs?
The curriculum for psychiatric nurse practitioner programs typically includes courses in nursing, psychological and psychiatric assessment, advanced physiology and pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, cognitive science, counseling, and psychopharmacology. It also involves fieldwork in various settings, such as mental health centers, clinics, hospitals, private practices, residential programs, and emergency psychiatric services.
What kinds of questions are on the PMHNP certification exam?
The PMHNP certification exam includes questions covering the content taught in accredited programs’ curricula. These questions assess practice skills for working with patients and their families, diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions, the scientific and biological foundations of mental health, psychotherapy and counseling techniques, as well as legal and ethical principles and considerations.
Resources for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners
1. American Psychiatric Nurses Association:
– The APNA serves both RNs and psychiatric NPs and offers services like continuing professional education, publications, online resource collections, awards, and scholarships. About 40% of its members are psychiatric RNs, while the remaining 60% are PMHNPs.
2. International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses:
– ISPN’s mission is to support advanced-practice psychiatric-mental health nurses in promoting mental health care, literacy, and policy worldwide. The society conducts research on best practices, publishes members’ research, advocates for psychiatric advanced practice RNs and NPs, holds conferences, and provides networking opportunities, including mentorships. Although its focus is on PMHNPs, membership is open to all nurses, students, and retirees.
3. The Society of Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses:
– This society aims to foster excellence in psychiatric advanced practice nursing. Member services include continuing education, networking, mentoring and peer supervision, scholarships and awards, meetings, and advocacy. The society also works to educate the public on the value of psychiatric NPs’ work. Full membership is open to PMHNPs, and there is a student/associate membership option for students and recent graduates awaiting their certification examination results.
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