Randall Said:

Majoring to be a Psychiatric Nurse (MAJOR HELP)?

We Answered:

You just need your RN license with either an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree, then get a job working in psych. They do incorporate a psych nursing component in nursing school and most places have clinical rotations in psych nursing as well. If you were really ambitious you could also double major in psych or have it as your minor (if you're pursuing a BSN).

After you work in the field for a couple of years, you can earn certification as a psych nurse, and you could also go on and earn your master's degree and become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner or a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Psych.

Mitchell Said:

whats the possibility of moving to another country with a degree in Psychiatric Nursing?

We Answered:

There aren't any jobs in the USA for nursing! Just google "No nursing shortage" or "I hate nursing". Please educate yourself on this field before you waste 4 years and tons of tuition on a dead end major.

Denise Said:

If someone has a history of psychiatric issues, will they not be able to pursue a career in the medical field?

We Answered:

you don't have to disclose that information... it's up to you if you'll be able to achieve it. follow your passion and what your inner self feels

Anna Said:

Nursing career or Psych career?

We Answered:

if you can handle listening to people's problems and enjoy that then do psych....you do need at least a master's degree for that I believe

Pearl Said:

What do i need to do to become a psychiatric nurse, i have just left secondary school.?

We Answered:

Just get into Nursing first..then you decide where you want to practice.

Well most nurses at large hospitals only work bedside for 10 years or so, then they gradually move up to Charge nurse, advanced practice and in the end an admnistrator of the hospital.Most hospital presidents and CEOs are nurses. Big money and you help people.

Tracey Said:

What would I major in to become a Psychiatric Nurse?

We Answered:

In order to be a nurse of any kind, you have to major in nursing. You'll learn all forms of nursing, as there is no "psychiatric nursing" programs that I know of. Once you graduate with your LPN (about a year and a half to two years of school) or your RN (two and a half years at a technical school OR four years at a university), then you can apply for jobs in psych. Having all of those psych classes will come in handy when you apply for these jobs.In other words, you don't specialize until after you graduate and start working.

You can't do anything in psychology with a bachelors degree in psychology, except MAYBE a psychiatric technician, which doesn't have that great of a pay. In order to be a counselor, you need at least a Masters. In order to make any good money in counseling, you need your PhD. It's the same with almost all of the psychology field. A lot of psych majors end up going into business when they realize they can't find work in the field they majored in. Luckily for them, you can enter the business field with a BA or BS in psychology, especially if you took business classes in college.

So, I'd suggest majoring in nursing if that's the career you want. Keep in mind, though, that as a psychiatric nurse you won't be counseling anyone or dealing with the really interesting things that psychologists and psychiatrists deal with. You'll be basically giving medications and treatments, cleaning up after them, and tending to their needs, just like nurses in every field do. I think you should do some internet research on different options you may be interested in. I suggest www.bls.gov. Very helpful.