The Psych NP: Should you get Psych RN experience before becoming a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner?

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  • Опубліковано 15 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 74

  • @Nahhmah
    @Nahhmah 3 роки тому +73

    This makes me want to start a channel. I went from being a classically trained chef to LPN to ADN then to BSN, now in PMHNP and hopefully next to opening my own private practice.

  • @healthwire.pro860
    @healthwire.pro860 2 роки тому +39

    I have been an RN for 40 years and am turning 64 today (June 12) and I am enrolling in a PMHNP MSN program. I have wanted this decades ago, however back then no NP could ever practice independently. Now my state (1st 3 years under supervision) and the state that borders me allows for independent practice. I am now in a place in my life where I can do this. I am very excited, and somehow laughing at myself. Decades ago I always thought that if I could I would slow down when I reached my 60"s and now I find myself a little bored. To enroll in grad school blows my mind, but I am ready!! This video is helpful as I don't have allot of direct psych RN experience, but I know from my previous experience and interest that I will be fine.

    • @nadiamalik6987
      @nadiamalik6987 2 роки тому +2

      Good luck to you Michelle! You're a role model for many!

    • @HOPROPHETA
      @HOPROPHETA Рік тому +2

      Same. I am in my 36th RN year and have a DNP but I want to practice as a PMHNP in my retirement. In 1st semester of PMHNP school now.😊

    • @thehelm658
      @thehelm658 4 місяці тому +1

      If you do NOT have direct psych RN experience= Psych NP route is not for you. Get Psych RN experience first 3-5 years then think about it.

    • @healthwire.pro860
      @healthwire.pro860 4 місяці тому

      @@thehelm658 Being open to other professionals bringing their experience into the realm of psychiatry is imperative.

    • @thehelm658
      @thehelm658 4 місяці тому

      @@healthwire.pro860 It depends. Psych is more of an art than it is a science, so direct psych experience is necessary. For example I see ALOT of Primary care Family providers prescribing anti depressants and psych meds for insomnia for patients which is not a bad thing since referrals take so long at time; however there is a major difference in prescribing a SNRI versus a SSRI to patients with clinical depression- if the clinical depression is concurrent with Generalized Anxiety or any form of Anxiety disorder ie. PTSD/Panic disorder= than a SNRI= will more than likely worsen the patients symptoms. I just finished respoding to a person commenting asking about why PROZAC does not work for her and how it made her depression and anxiety wors= come to find out she also had bad ANXIET= Wel= EXPERIENCE would have taught her psych provider that PROZAC is basically a more energizing "UPPER option" and only appropriate for those with lower end energy depression as it causes and contributes to higher energy level= hence it worsens Anxiety so otherwise NOT appropriate. ALSO Men of COLOR PO= teypically suffer from side effects ie. Priapism when prescribed the commonly over prescibed "Trazodone" often thrown at them for Insomnia etc etc= YOU CANNOT AND WILL NOT LEARN THIS simple concept in Text Book= from experience only. Psych experience is critical before ever considering working as an actual provide= which is so much different than working as a psych adjunt and or even a PSYCH RN. Before considering working in psych I was mentored by a psych professor in undergrad because at that time I thought I wanted to be a CLINICAL Psychologis= the best advice he gave me was to "FIRST WORK in an Inpatient psych unit and then decide"= That advice was PRICELESS and the best advice anyone has ever provided. I learned NOT only I DID NOT WANT TO BE A CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST at that time but I also wanted to continue to pursue psych/mental health but I also wanted to not limit my practice area to psych alone. Again Priceless advice= it has also contributed to my proficient psych/mental health treatment knowledge and psych medication mgmt skill set. I am typically hired in any environment because of my psych skill set and people hire me in whatever area to typically care for and perform audits/medication mgmt on psych patients. I cannot begin to tell you how many SHITTY inappropriate psych medication combinations I come across and with that comes along with PATIENT SUFFERING. At the end of the day Be the best you can be especially as it pertains to the very difficult non-straight forward practice of Psych/Mental health. Other areas of medicine are TEXT BOOK SMART in which PSYCH IS NO= Psych is truly experience and observation worthy of an abundance of knowledge Critical thinking skills coupled with EXPERIENCE in direct treatment and observation are KEY in becoming a noteworthy and/or otherwise successful and efficient Psych provider. Hope this helps. sorry for any typo= keyboard is doing something weird today. lol

  • @audreyhanley215
    @audreyhanley215 2 роки тому +26

    I’m graduating in May with PMHNP and I have no mental health nursing experience. This is a such hot topic and also concerned me enough which kept from applying sooner. I know a lot of great providers who did not have any psychiatric experience. I’m glad to hear you hired the new graduate who is very compassionate. I think having experience as a nurse is important, not mental health nursing specifically. Having a solid nursing foundation will allow PMHNPs to assess patients not only form mental health issues but other health problems that can be found.

    • @Bayoubebe
      @Bayoubebe 2 роки тому +8

      Yes, yes and yes 🙌 as a chronic care nurse, I speak to 20+ patients daily and I do a TON of counseling/ psych work. Being a nurse in itself consists of having to deal with psych issues. And now days, who does not have issues?!

    • @Jaycarbrownie12
      @Jaycarbrownie12 9 місяців тому

      Did you find a job

  • @Andrea-ct6fx
    @Andrea-ct6fx 3 роки тому +24

    I’m a new subscriber. Love the content you bring., I am an Adult-Geriatric Primary Care NP since 2018. I’ve been a nurse 21 years. I am about to begin classes soon to get my second post masters NP certification in Psych. I will say you don’t necessarily need to have worked in a psych specific setting because when you have been a nurse as long as I have you have been around a lot of psych. Patients are struggling emotionally and mentally in all settings. I’ve done years of home health where you see a lot of psych, diagnosed and undiagnosed, and I’ve worked in jails for many years and that’s a-lot of psych. I have been doing hospice and palliative care for the last few years as an NP. You are right in that it needs to be a passion. Otherwise you shouldn’t bother with it. It will take true dedication and patience to do this specialty. I look back and wish I did it first but I’m here now. Appreciate the videos.

    • @ThePsychNP
      @ThePsychNP  3 роки тому +1

      Thank you Andrea! Good luck with everything 👏

    • @Bayoubebe
      @Bayoubebe 2 роки тому +2

      Your comment is spot on! 🙌

    • @HOPROPHETA
      @HOPROPHETA Рік тому +1

      I am a public health nurse and acute care psych is so downstream. Upstream methods help clients so they do not have need of acute psych help or at least have diminished need for acute psych help. Keeping people stable is far better and less costly than treating them acutely.

  • @Bayoubebe
    @Bayoubebe 2 роки тому +5

    As a nurse who has struggled with my own anxiety/mental health struggle and 2 decades in nursing; I can tell you that any nurse that has a long enough career has psych experience. I as a nurse do research on my own in psych snd have a passion/ interest for it. IMO if you have passion for it, then you are better off than a psychiatrist that also never had experience and does not have a passion for it.

  • @AlexandryiaJae
    @AlexandryiaJae 3 роки тому +3

    This was such a great conversation. I’m trying to decide where I want to take my NP (haven’t started yet) I have a friend who is jazzed to precept me but she works in oncology. I worked corrections as a nurse very closely with psychiatry and psychology and loved it! Lots of psych there for sure. I’m think of going to psych unit while in school.

  • @ginahall820
    @ginahall820 11 місяців тому

    This was very honest and very helpful. Thank you

  • @TFQ161
    @TFQ161 2 роки тому +6

    Hey! Thanks for your videos, really, I appreciate you so much. I’ve been an RN for 26 years(since age 20) and after Covid, I am heading back to school as management isn’t for me. I have chosen PMHNP as I know I’ll be really great at it, I am looking for any info as I am currently applying. Thank you so much!!
    P.s. I have no acute psych Experience, but as a bedside acute care RN in the inner city, I have cared for so many psych patients that aren’t acceptable (yet) for a psychiatric hospital. They have to have their medical needs resolved before going to an appropriate mental health unit/facility. Many psych holds on my unit I’ve learned a lot from working in the city. Patients with poor access to mental health, etc

  • @AlexandryiaJae
    @AlexandryiaJae 3 роки тому +1

    To your point about not really being sure, I will say providers consult each other all the time and I think that’s a good thing!

  • @kai-gj7lr
    @kai-gj7lr Рік тому +1

    I am starting PMHNP school next year without any psychiatric nurse experience. This will not hinder me from pursuing my dream, though. Thank you for your video.

    • @thehelm658
      @thehelm658 4 місяці тому

      You will get sued and or overall will not make it. Psych NP provider work is NOT FOR BOOK SMART- Its not something you can look at a chart or a book for the "right med" to prescribe. SMFH. Good luck= psych is 100 percent a calling and not a profession.

  • @healthwire.pro860
    @healthwire.pro860 4 місяці тому

    Some professionals are adamant about having psychiatric experience before obtaining PMHNP. I have over 40 years of RN experience, most of it in home health care, hospice, cardiac, and rehab, with over 30 years of administrative experience. I have been an administrator for behavioral health and feel competent to work in Psychiatry. I just completed my PMHNP program and will begin studying for the ANCC exam. Working with patients and staff for so many years builds interpersonal skills. It is passion and desire that counts. Thank you for being open to this.

    • @thehelm658
      @thehelm658 2 місяці тому

      Have you sat on a chronic care long term psych unit and or prescribed for the psychotic disorders? if Not administrative experience will not get you far. You need on the floor experience in order to actually make a difference in psych.

  • @ttw12295
    @ttw12295 2 роки тому +1

    I appreciate this video! I applied to start my PMHNP program in the fall and am excited to start. I have been interested in psych since high school stemming from my personal life experiences, and every time we did psych rotations in nursing (LPN & RN), I loved it. I wish psych rotations were longer because there is a lot of psych encountered in many other healthcare settings. Even though I have inpatient psych experience, you guys answered my concerns on this topic, and I appreciate you all for having this discussion.

  • @Jessica_PMHNP
    @Jessica_PMHNP 7 місяців тому

    I agree! You need the passion!
    Any PMHNP here in Tampa??
    I'm in grad school now, 1 more year to go!🙌

    • @thehelm658
      @thehelm658 4 місяці тому

      Psych is a calling not a profession! There are enough shitty ass psych providers we dont need anymore in this profession. Experience is 100 percent necessary!

    • @thehelm658
      @thehelm658 2 місяці тому

      You need the CALLING before passion. Alot of people are going into PSYCH for the MONEY. PSYCH IS A CALLING BEFORE IT CAN BE A PASSION.

    • @Jessica_PMHNP
      @Jessica_PMHNP 2 місяці тому

      Yep! I agree with that and I know this is God’s calling for my life!

  • @jesuslovesyou948
    @jesuslovesyou948 9 місяців тому +1

    I want to try outpatient psych as a registered nurse .

    • @thehelm658
      @thehelm658 2 місяці тому +1

      YES, YOU ARE SMART THAT IS THE CORRECT WAY TO GO ABOUT IT.

  • @blackbutterfly2380
    @blackbutterfly2380 3 роки тому +4

    Thanks to you I decided to get my PMHNP. I have a lot of pathology in my family, just watching them decompensate and the mistrust they have with the medical community is real. This in itself has lit a fire in my soul and has given me the strength and courage to back to school. This video let me know that I made the correct decision even though I don't have any psych experience but I have passion for pysch because of my family. I live in southern Pa near MD, do you know any receptors in this area?

  • @nwright14
    @nwright14 Рік тому +1

    This is topical for me! I am about to start my PMHNP MSN program, and have been working in step down and telemetry my entire time as an RN. However, I i worked as a psych tech for about 3.5 years before i went to nursing school. I'm pretty nervous to get started since i dont have any psych RN experience, but this video makes me feel more reassured that I'm making the right decision.

    • @thehelm658
      @thehelm658 4 місяці тому

      your psych tech experience sounds good enough you can always get a adjunct job in a inpatient or outpatient psych unit while you are in school. I worked as a unit coordinator in psych unit during school.

  • @matthewandrew
    @matthewandrew 3 роки тому +1

    Yay for PMHNPs!

  • @sjhopper4990
    @sjhopper4990 Рік тому +4

    I’m a BSN considering PMHNP. However, I have a tendency to carry the weight of the traumatic situations or stressful situations others have endured. Some situations I am referring to are things such as rape, molestation, and severe physical abuse, etc. After being told about whatever the situation or trauma my patients or even my friends and family have gone through, I think about it long afterward and it really bothers me on a deep level. I am worried that if I become a psych NP, that I will carry the trauma every patient has been through. How do you care for and empathize with your patients while also not allowing their trauma to become your trauma? How do you separate yourself from that to be the best Psych NP you can for your patients while also protecting yourself? This may sound stupid or selfish, and I don’t meant it to sound that way if it does. I’m just seeking to understand how to not carry the weight of the tragedies others have endured for my own mental wellbeing as well as for the wellbeing of my family. I want to add that I have no experience as an RN in psych. My experience is in surgery, urology, primary care, and quality. I have been an RN for over 13 years.

    • @Shanteria_H
      @Shanteria_H Рік тому +1

      I agree with everything you mentioned in your post and can totally relate. I’m also a BSN, RN who considered PMHNP but decided to go the FNP route because I fear I’ll hold on to others trauma!

    • @thehelm658
      @thehelm658 4 місяці тому

      @@Shanteria_H Great personal insight- Psych work is not for you then. Its ok to recognize this and find another field.

    • @thehelm658
      @thehelm658 4 місяці тому

      You should definately consider another MEDICAL area and avoid PSYCH at all costs. Psych NP Provider work is not for everyone and is definately a TRUE CALLING. its not for people looking to make money as you will not excel you will burnout and also possibly will get sued! Its good you reconized this and can move on to a different route.

  • @jessicao2290
    @jessicao2290 2 роки тому

    This was very valuable information. I always appreciate the knowledge I gain from your videos.
    If you’re accepting NP students to precept or interns please let me know!

  • @sarahcanlas3592
    @sarahcanlas3592 3 роки тому +2

    I love this video! I’m in nursing school right now and I have watched a lot of your videos and have done my psych clinicals already. I’m interested in becoming a PMHNP, but with that being said should I do my first year in a med-surg unit to have my clinical skills solidified or should I directly apply for psych rn jobs?

    • @ThePsychNP
      @ThePsychNP  3 роки тому +1

      Hello Sarah, thank you! Knowing what I know now, I would directly apply for a psych rn job if you're dead set on being a PMHNP. 👍

  • @chicanica64
    @chicanica64 3 роки тому +2

    Meds and therapy best outcome.

    • @ThePsychNP
      @ThePsychNP  3 роки тому +6

      Definitely agree.. Nutrition, exercise, sleep, self care with that in conjunction

    • @sallyjane8274
      @sallyjane8274 3 роки тому +2

      @@ThePsychNP do you get to advise much on lifestyle factors and do counseling very much? Or is it pretty much just medication management? I'm looking into whether I should go down the psych nurse path or become a LCSW doing psychotherapy. I'm currently a massage therapist, nutrition coach and personal trainer.

    • @Bayoubebe
      @Bayoubebe 2 роки тому

      @@sallyjane8274 same exact question! I’ve been an RN for 17 years and wonder the same for my own path

    • @jesuslovesyou948
      @jesuslovesyou948 9 місяців тому +1

      Medications have lots of side effects

  • @sarahtorreros4119
    @sarahtorreros4119 3 роки тому

    Your videos are so helpful! Could you make a video on how to find jobs as Psych NP?

  • @BriNJ1983
    @BriNJ1983 2 роки тому

    Thank you for this video!!! Do you guys have any PsychNPs in NJ? I’m about to enroll and don’t know if I should go the AGNP or PMHNP route. Please, if you have someone that can give me a little guidance, I would be beyond appreciative!

  • @anupbhullar9220
    @anupbhullar9220 3 роки тому +1

    I’m also a icu nurse who is starting PMHNP school with a great program in the fall. I’m currently accepting a contingent psych nursing job at a local outpatient psych facility it operates like a psych urgent care. Would you recommend a more inpatient psych facility for experience? I would work part time until I begin school full time and then probably just stay contingent.

  • @Baheieujlsksnen
    @Baheieujlsksnen 9 місяців тому

    Do psych NPs receive calls and emails on their days off???

    • @jesuslovesyou948
      @jesuslovesyou948 9 місяців тому

      Yes they stated that in video you are a provider the patient's are your responsibility

    • @thehelm658
      @thehelm658 4 місяці тому

      Hell yes

    • @thehelm658
      @thehelm658 2 місяці тому

      YES AND ALSO PATIENTS TRACKING YOU DOWN AT OTHER PERSONAL LOCATIONS SO BE PREPARED

  • @elizabethmorton8998
    @elizabethmorton8998 2 роки тому

    How to find a job as a new psych NP

  • @HappyLife8
    @HappyLife8 2 роки тому

    Can anyone recommend courses for starting NP business ?

  • @joshuamiddlekauff4262
    @joshuamiddlekauff4262 2 роки тому

    Can I email U and ask U a few questions psych np?

  • @MyPMHNPJourney
    @MyPMHNPJourney Рік тому

    How is the practice going now? You have been a huge inspiration for me as I move through my program. It's been almost a year since the last video, hope all is doing well for you. 🙏🙏

    • @ThePsychNP
      @ThePsychNP  Рік тому +1

      Rick, I really appreciate the comment. I am just about to finish my DNP in 2 weeks so I will have some video updates coming up shortly. Good luck with your schooling !

    • @MyPMHNPJourney
      @MyPMHNPJourney Рік тому +1

      @@ThePsychNP Congrats! Would be great to see a video sometime about how you decided to pursue the DNP and the benefits you expect to receive.

  • @KiplingGeorgia-e6p
    @KiplingGeorgia-e6p 4 місяці тому

    Garcia Shirley Thomas Laura Walker Donald

  • @chicanica64
    @chicanica64 3 роки тому +1

    We have a profession not a job. A job is a job at an office or in retail. As professionals we are constantly educating ourselves and learning about new treatments.

  • @healthwire.pro860
    @healthwire.pro860 4 місяці тому

    Never fear not having experience; as a past administrator, oftentimes HR prefers professionals with no or little experience because the person can be molded and start at a lower salary.

    • @thehelm658
      @thehelm658 2 місяці тому

      PSYCH requires experience as it is not for the book smart. you simply cannot treat it like any other profession and prescribe from clinical guidelines from a book, it requires experience and critical thinking otherwise you will get sued along with the facility. Spoken from a NP and a medical advanced practice legal consultant.

    • @healthwire.pro860
      @healthwire.pro860 2 місяці тому

      @@thehelm658 While I agree that experience is beneficial for PMHNP, it is not necessary. There are many types of learners and providers in this world, and it is important to acknowledge that some providers can be excellent with little hands on experience, while some experienced providers are horrible PMHNP's. It's essential to have an open mind.

    • @thehelm658
      @thehelm658 2 місяці тому

      @@healthwire.pro860 Not when you see first hand that inexperienced non hands on providers have no idea what they are doing and need to go back and gain experience rhen start over again lol. Psych is not for the book smart.

    • @blilycat7020
      @blilycat7020 Місяць тому

      @@thehelm658 you're so tickled.

  • @Sebbo2524
    @Sebbo2524 10 місяців тому +1

    You can always tell who nurses are who didn’t have psych experience vs ones who did. PMHNP schools need to start requiring the experience.
    She has a “passion” but never got into the field, like, c’mon.

    • @melindawilson4470
      @melindawilson4470 10 місяців тому +2

      You can learn and train . When you begin as a nurse you generally don’t have experience so what is the difference? The main ingredient is to truly care and having empathy for your patients.

  • @healthwire.pro860
    @healthwire.pro860 4 місяці тому

    You don't need experience in psychiatry to stand out.

    • @thehelm658
      @thehelm658 2 місяці тому

      Actually you do hun, book smart clinical guideline following psychiatry providers always quit, or get sued prior to being terminated. Psych is NOT for the book smart. it requires deep rooted psych experience.

    • @blilycat7020
      @blilycat7020 Місяць тому

      @@thehelm658 ok butt hurt, aint u pill passing behind a glass?