Jacob Said:

What qualifications would someone need to become a psychiatric nurse?

We Answered:

The clinical practice of psychiatric-mental health nursing occurs at two levels, basic and advanced. At the basic level, registered nurses (RN) work with individuals, families, groups and communities, assessing mental health needs, and developing a nursing diagnosis and a plan of nursing care, implementing the plan and finally evaluating the nursing care.

Advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) earn master’s degrees in psychiatric-mental health nursing and assume the role of either Clinical Nurse Specialist or Nurse Practitioner. Psychiatric-mental health nursing (PMHN) is considered a “specialty” in nursing. In addition to the functions performed at the basic level, APRN’s assess, diagnose, and treat individuals or families with psychiatric problems/disorders or the potential for such disorders. APRN also earn doctoral degrees (PhD, DNSc, and EdD) and they are often professors, researchers or hospital, agency or graduate program administrators.

You can you specialize within psychiatric nursing; APRNs can sub-specialize in such areas as Child-Adolescent Mental Health Nursing, Gero-psychiatric Nursing, Forensics, or Substance-Abuse. Some specialize in the consultation-liaison role in which the APRN provides a service and consultation to clients who are physically ill and experiencing psychiatric problems or their caregiver.

To become a registered nurse (RN), there are two year programs leading to an associate’s degree in nursing, a three-year program for a diploma in nursing (usually hospital-based) or a four-year college or university program leading to a bachelor’s degree. All are eligible to take the RN licensing examination after graduation. To specialize your go on to earn your Masters.

Check out this site for more info:
http://www.apna.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?…

Healthcare HR Manager

Catherine Said:

I want to be a psychiatric nurse, but I'm not sure how to do that?

We Answered:

Maybe repost your question in the health section of YA, where it's more likely to be read by a nurse.

I'd also suggest contacting different schools that you are interested in, and asking them directly if their program will lead to a degree in psychiatric nursing.

You should also take note that in the US, there are fewer and fewer institutions that have nurses for mental health. If you really want to work in the mental health field, perhaps consider counseling or social work, too.

Joshua Said:

Which job is better Psychiatric Nurse or Nurse practitioner? Can't decide what to go into.?

We Answered:

Either way you go, you first need at least your RN, so if you know that you want to go into nursing that is where I would suggest that you start. From there you can decide how much additional education that you wish to get. Nurse practitioners are RNs that have earned at least a masters degree and often specialize in treating a certain type of patient, including psychiatric patients (examples- nurse midwife, family health nurse practitioner, psychiatric nurse practitioner). They tend to work better hours, but have greater liability and may have some authority to prescribe medication. Due to the increase in education and responsibility the pay is higher. Ordinary floor nurses have either an associate or bachelors degree in nursing and are hired into various environments. In most environments, like hospitals and psychiatric facilities, they require staff nurses 24/7, usually 12 hour shifts and a lot more dirty work. It all depends on the kind of work that you want to do. I would say that the majority of people who go into nursing wanting to work in a specific area come out of nursing school, either uncertain or with a completely changed mind due to a better understanding of what the job actually entails and their experience in nursing clinical. Go into nursing school with an open heart and mind, there will be an area or field that will speak to you the most. Once you are a nurse you can work to gain experience, while pursuing a higher degree.

Good luck

Lee Said:

I was wondering if anyone knew the job differences between a regular nurse and a psychiatric nurse.?

We Answered:

They are both regular nurses. The course of study is the same. During nursing school you will have to do clinicals in all sorts of areas including the ones listed above. You will learn what you like then.
Good Luck!

Rene Said:

What qualifications do I need to be a psychiatric nurse?

We Answered:

Nurses do not run most of the therapies that in patient psych patients receive. Those are led by psychologists, therapists, social workers, etc. Nurses have other responsibilities-meds, charting, health care etc. So you might want to look at other careers as well, just so you make the right decision.

Lillie Said:

A teacher or a psychiatric nurse---Which job title is more highly respected in Japan?

We Answered:

In Japan, teachers are highly respected and it is seen as a noble career to pursue. Teachers hold a lot of respect and weight in the community. I would suggest the recommendation from the teacher because in Japan this would carry more value than a recommendation from a nurse (no disrespect to nurses intended).