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Did you know that 1 in every 8 people has a mental health disorder, according to the World Health Organization? As a result, demand is on the rise for medical professionals with advanced training in mental healthcare.
Psychiatric nurse practitioners (NP) assist people with mental health conditions, providing patients and their families the treatment and support they need throughout their journey to wellness.
In this article, we explore psychiatric nursing, how to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner (NP), and earning potential and job outlook for this role.
What Does a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Do?
A psychiatric nurse practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who diagnoses and treats patients with mental health challenges. They provide care to various patients, including people suffering from depression, addiction disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, neurodevelopmental disorders and schizophrenia.
Psychiatric NPs work in psychiatric hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, military facilities, outpatient settings and private practices. Many provide mental health support through telemedicine.
Psychiatric nurse practitioners typically work Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some work off-hours shifts to support patients requiring round-the-clock monitoring.
Psychiatric NPs typically see roughly 15 patients daily, each with unique needs and concerns. As a result, their daily duties may vary depending on their practice setting and the patients they treat. Below are some common responsibilities of psychiatric nurse practitioners:
- Reviewing patient medical records
- Conducting psychiatric assessments
- Diagnosing mental disorders in patients
- Identifying potential risks to patients’ mental stability
- Creating comprehensive treatment plans
- Prescribing medication
- Monitoring and tracking patients’ progress
- Educating patients’ families and communities on mental healthcare
In addition to clinical expertise, psychiatric NPs must possess compassion, patience, analytical and observational skills to Boost patient outcomes.
How to Become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Earn an Accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Obtaining an accredited bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) is the recommended pathway for entering the nursing field. A bachelor’s degree qualifies candidates for RN licensure and admission into advanced degree programs.
While prospective nurses can earn licensure with an associate degree in nursing (ADN), a BSN degree is generally the minimum academic prerequisite for most NP programs.
Specific coursework may vary by institution, but a typical BSN curriculum explores pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, physiology, and principles of nursing science. Full-time students complete their BSN programs in four years, while part-time students take longer.
For ADN holders interested in an RN-to-BSN track, completing a bridge program can take about 18 months to two years.
Obtain RN Licensure
After earning an accredited degree, the next step is to become a registered nurse (RN) by passing the Next Generation National Council Licensure Examination. The licensure examination is a computer-based test administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. The test measures candidates’ clinical judgment and decision-making skills.
Additionally, you must fulfill any other state-specific requirements to become a licensed RN. Upon passing the exam, contact your state’s nursing regulatory body to ensure you meet their specific requirements to complete the licensing process.
Gain Nursing Experience
It’s common for prospective nurse practitioners to obtain nursing experience before enrolling in master’s degree programs. According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), on average, psychiatric NPs have 12.8 years of experience.
Some NP programs accept latest BSN graduates. However, gaining practical nursing experience can enhance your understanding of advanced courses and help you choose a specialty that aligns with your strengths and interests. A minimum of one year of clinical experience is recommended to qualify for most advanced nursing programs.
Earn an Advanced PMHNP Degree
An accredited master’s in nursing (MSN) is the minimum qualification to become an NP. Candidates can also pursue a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) with a concentration in Psychiatric Mental-Health.
An advanced PMHNP degree builds on your undergraduate knowledge and RN experience. The degree also prepares you to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders and undertake leadership roles in clinical settings.
A PMHNP curriculum typically covers courses such as advanced pathophysiology and advanced pharmacology, psychiatric assessment and diagnosis and management in psychiatric-mental health.
A PMHNP master’s program takes about two years of full-time study, while a doctorate in nursing can take four to seven years to complete.
Complete Supervised Clinical Hours
Faculty-supervised clinical training is a prerequisite for earning your NP degree. Training involves the hands-on application of all psychiatric nursing concepts learned in the classroom. Aspiring psychiatric nurse practitioners should prepare to invest at least 500 hours of clinical work to fulfill supervised experience requirements.
Earn Psychiatric-Mental Health NP Certification
Every state sets its own requirements for NPs to practice; however, passing the PMHNP national certification exam is standard for all psychiatric nurse practitioners.
Psychiatric NPs can earn the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) Certification (PMHNP-BC™) from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The PMHNP-BC demonstrates entry-level clinical knowledge of psychiatric care. ANCC offers exam prep sources to eligible candidates.
You must hold an active RN license and a postgraduate degree from an accredited program to qualify for this credential. Initial certification costs $295 for members of the American Nurses Association and $395 for nonmembers. NPs must maintain certification and renew their credential every five years.
Salary and Job Outlook for Psychiatric NPs
According to an AANP survey, full-time nurse practitioners earned a median annual salary of $137,000 as of 2020. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that NPs earned a median wage of $121,610 as of May 2022.
The BLS also projects an impressive 46% employment growth rate for NPs from 2021 to 2031. For comparison, the average projected growth for all jobs is just 5%.
Challenges Facing Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners
According to the American Psychological Association, 21% to 61% of mental health practitioners experience burnout.
Healthcare environments are high-stress settings where psychiatric NPs frequently work with patients experiencing pain, anger or other struggles related to their condition. Often, the patient’s family members may feel powerless to assist.
Psychiatric NPs are exposed to trauma and emotional exhaustion, which can impact the quality of care they provide to patients. Depending on the specific work environment, psychiatric NPs also may work long hours due to a heavy workload or a lack of support for team members.
Despite their challenges , psychiatric NPs must navigate and address the complexities of mental health with empathy and expertise. Psychiatric NPs need adequate support from employers and their families to provide optimal mental health care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners
How many years does it take to be a psych nurse?
Becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner takes around six years of full-time study. Associate degree holders and part-time students may require additional time to fulfill their prerequisites and complete the necessary coursework.
How do you become a psychiatric nurse practitioner in the U.S.?
To become a psychiatric NP in the U.S., you must earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing, obtain RN licensure and gain some experience before applying to a postgraduate nursing program. After earning a graduate degree, you can obtain a specialized certification, then apply for APRN licensure.
Is being a psych NP stressful?
It can be. Psych NPs deal with challenges including burnout, heavy caseloads and patient communication issues. However, with adequate professional and emotional support, psych NPs can excel.
