Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Careers
What is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner?
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are registered nurses (RNs) with advanced education and training in diagnosing and treating individuals with mental health conditions. They also help people dealing with difficult life circumstances, grief, and family issues. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner address physical and mental health concerns, and offer treatment options based on in-depth physical and mental assessments. Interventions can include individual or group counseling, psychotherapy, and the prescribing of medication.
What is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner responsible for?
As mental health specialists, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners are responsible for treating patients while spreading awareness about mental health issues and promoting overall wellness. They educate individuals, families, and communities in an effort to advocate for those affected by mental illness, and to destigmatize mental health conditions.
Where does a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner work?
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners can choose to work with adults, adolescents, or children in a variety of settings based on his/her specialty. Many Psychiatric Nurse work in private practice or behavioral health clinics. Other settings include residential treatment centers or general practitioners’ offices. Working alongside other health professionals often means creating an interdisciplinary treatment plan to address patients’ overall health and wellness.
What other career options are available to a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner?
In addition to practicing in treatment centers and doctor’s offices, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners can work in public health or correctional facilities. Family counseling, substance abuse programs, and consulting for large corporations are also options. Some Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners Jobs are researchers, always eager to learn about breakthroughs in mental health diagnoses and treatment, and share their knowledge with colleagues and the general public.
What degree is required to become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner? What do they study?
Those interested in becoming a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners must obtain a master’s degree in nursing. While it is not a requirement, many Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners master’s students go on to earn a doctorate degree. Those specializing in psychiatric nursing, and who plan to become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners are required to obtain a Registered Nurse license and a certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Many students choose a specialty area which becomes their area of focus. Specialties include working with: children or teens, senior citizens, and individuals struggling with substance abuse, eating disorders, or specific diagnoses.
How much money does a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner earn?
Like with many healthcare professions, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners salaries vary greatly depending on geographical location and demand, as well as level of education, training, and experience. Income also differs based on the Psychiatric Nurs’s specialty and work setting. Experienced psychiatric nurse practitioners get paid about $100,000 per year according to psychology industry studies.
