How to Become A Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric disorders can afflict people from any age group and can have a devastating effect on the patients’ lives. A psychiatric nurse practitioner can help such people live a normal and healthy life by helping them through their treatment.
Working as a psychiatric nurse practitioner requires a formal education. Degrees offering this specialization will focus on developing skills like diagnostic reasoning, health and psychiatric assessment and the clinical management of psychiatric disorders. You will also learn about the importance and application of individual, family and group psychotherapy sessions. Expertise in case management, scientific research and leadership development are also developed.

Currently, there is a focus on diagnosing psychiatric disorders and adopting treatment modalities according to DSM criteria. Your educational program will ensure that you are well aware of these. As part of your practical training, you will also be required to often travel to different clinical sites.

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs

A master’s degree in the field may be obtained even if you have a different academic background. However, make sure that you choose a school which is approved by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. Also ensure that you fulfill all the criteria for obtaining a license to work as a psychiatric nurse practitioner.

A psychiatric nurse practitioner can work in various settings. They can work at hospitals and health clinics, participate in community based intervention plans and at community health centers offering psychiatric services. Most states allow them the privilege of Psychotropic medication prescription. They are also employed by colleges and universities to provide counseling to students. Some may choose to have their own private practice; others collaborate with federal, state or local governments.

The profession of psychiatric nursing requires much investment in terms of time and money. But fortunately, there are many nursing scholarships that can be easily availed. Additionally, psychiatric nursing is a financially rewarding profession. The average annual salaries range from $62000 to $107,000. The exact figure will depend on your experience, skills, employer type and location. The United States Department of Labor has estimated a growth of 26% in nursing associated jobs from 2010 to 2020.