What to know about psychiatric nurses
This article is shared from MedicalNewsToday. For more information on this topic and other related topics, visit their website.
Psychiatric nurses are specially trained nurses who care for the psychological and physical well-being of people with mental health conditions or behavioral problems.
In this article, we explore what psychiatric nurses do, their education and training, how they differ from other mental healthcare workers, and the conditions that they treat.
We also explain how and when to seek mental health help from a psychiatric nurse or other mental health professional.
Psychiatric mental health nurses (PMHNs) work to improve or support the mental and physical well-being of people with mental health or behavioral conditions.
They may also support the people close to a person with these conditions, such as family members or romantic partners.
According to the American Psychiatric Nurse Association, PMHNs may work with individuals, groups, families, and communities.
They assess mental health needs and develop a nursing plan of care. Then they implement the plan and evaluate its effectiveness over time.
Jobs they do
The jobs that a PMHN does will depend on their clients’ needs, the healthcare setting, and their own specific training.
A PMHN’s job may include:
- assessing dysfunction and observing and evaluating progress
- helping people regain or improve coping abilities
- administering psychotropic medications and helping monitor and manage their side effects
- promoting factors and environments that help prevent further disability
- promoting general health
- assisting with self-care activities
- administering and monitoring psychobiological treatment regimens
- providing health education, such as psychoeducation
- assisting with crisis intervention or management
- offering basic counseling, such as general guidance or other types of interpersonal support
- carrying out the role of case manager to help coordinate and support care with other healthcare professionals
- participating with clients in recreational activities
- conducting group or family therapy sessions
- helping educate families and other interpersonal support members about mental health issues and lifestyle factors that may help improve or worsen someone’s condition
Where they work
PMHNs work in a variety of healthcare settings alongside other healthcare professionals.
Common work settings for a PMHN include:
- inpatient and outpatient general and psychiatric hospitals
- doctors’ offices
- assisted living facilities
- long-term care centers
- rehabilitation centers
- private homes
- correctional facilities
- community mental health centers
- local, state, and federal mental health agencies
- private clinics
- schools and colleges of nursing
- behavioral care companies
- military clinics or hospitals
Clients they work with
PMHNs can work with almost every segment of the population. They may also obtain specialty training to work with specific populations, such as:
- children
- adolescents
- adults
- older people
- people with substance use disorders
- people with eating disorders
A PMHN may also specially train to work in forensics or as a consultant or liaison.
What conditions can they treat?
PMHNs cannot specifically treat any condition.
Instead, PMHNs work with other healthcare professionals, such as social workers, psychotherapists, and psychiatrists, to develop and implement plans of care.
Healthcare professionals design these plans to help people with mental health or behavioral conditions improve their general well-being and functioning.
A PMHN can, therefore, be involved in the care of almost anyone who has a mental or behavioral health condition that is negatively impacting their life and requires monitoring and maintenance care.
Education
Psychiatric nurses are registered nurses who work in the mental healthcare sector.
To become a registered nurse, a person must obtain one of three degrees and pass the registered nurse (RN) licensing examination in their state after graduating.
The three degree options for becoming an RN are:
- 2-year associate’s degree program in nursing
- 3-year diploma program in nursing
- 4-year university or college bachelor’s degree program in nursing
According to the American Psychological Association, a psychiatric nurse must also complete additional training in pharmacology, as well as the social and behavioral sciences.
After a person passes the RN licensing exam, they must also complete the following to become certified as a psychiatric nurse:
- 2 years of practice as a full-time RN
- a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical experience in psychiatric mental health nursing within 3 years of passing the exam
- 30 hours of continuing education in psychiatric mental health nursing within 3 years of passing the exam
A registered nurse can complete additional training, such as a master’s or doctoral degree, to become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).
The salary of a PMHN depends on their level of experience and the amount of specialized training they have undergone.
Meet Alexandra – Sumner College RN to BSN Graduate
Alexandra, congratulations on your graduation! As you’ve embarked on your nursing journey, remember: ‘Nursing is not just a profession, it’s a calling to serve, heal,…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Meet Renee – Sumner College Graduate
Renee, congratulations on your graduation! As you’ve embarked on your nursing journey, remember: ‘Nursing is not just a profession, it’s a calling to serve, heal,…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Meet Serena – Sumner College Graduate
Serena congratulations on your graduation! As you’ve embarked on your nursing journey, remember: ‘Nursing is not just a profession, it’s a calling to serve, heal,…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Meet Amanda – Sumner College Graduate
Amanda, congratulations on your graduation! As you’ve embarked on your nursing journey, remember: ‘Nursing is not just a profession, it’s a calling to serve, heal,…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Meet Natalie – Sumner College Graduate
Natalie, congratulations on your graduation! As you’ve embarked on your nursing journey, remember: ‘Nursing is not just a profession, it’s a calling to serve, heal,…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Now Hiring
Are you a healthcare educator? Sumner College is looking for our next Nursing Educator to join our team. This is a part time position. Read…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Meet Erin – Sumner College Graduate
Erin, congratulations on your graduation! As you’ve embarked on your nursing journey, remember: ‘Nursing is not just a profession, it’s a calling to serve, heal,…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Exploring the Vital Role of Nurses in Heart Health
Article Shared from DiversityNursing.com February is American Heart Month. It's important to promote cardiovascular health and explore the many ways Nurses are engaged in these…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Meet Anne Marie – Sumner College Graduate
Anne Marie, congratulations on your graduation! As you've embarked on your nursing journey, remember: 'Nursing is not just a profession, it's a calling to serve,…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Nursing Ranked Most Trusted Profession for 22nd Year
Article Shared from DiversityNursing.com In Gallup's 2023 Honesty and Ethics poll, Americans' evaluations of almost all 23 professions have experienced a decline compared to previous years.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Helpful Apps Every Nurse Should Have
Article shared from DiversityNursing.com Mobile apps have transformed how Nurses provide care to their patients. Smartphones allow Nurses easy access to applications designed to assist…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
DiversityNursing.com – Helpful Resources
Helpful Resources DiversityNursing.com is a Career Job Board, Community and Information Resource for all Nurses regardless of age, race, gender identity, religion, education, national origin,…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
How to Prepare for College – Oregon Goes to School
Article shared from Oregon Goes to College It’s a plan! No matter what grade you’re in, you can get ready for your future. Getting ready…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Sumner College Clinical Partners
Sumner College clinical partnerships play a crucial role in advancing medical education and training. By offering opportunities for hands-on experience and mentorship, these collaborations help…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Commencement Ceremony
Save the date - April 6, 2024 for Sumner College's Commencement Ceremony. Celebrating cohorts: PN54, PN55, ADN23, RN-BSN10 and RN-BSN11 Congratulations to you all!! Tickets…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Healthcare Hero
Are you aspiring to be a healthcare hero? A common question from our nursing students at Sumner College is about the role of ER nurses…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Dynamic – Interactive – Rich with Real-world Relevance
RNs are you ready to take your nursing career to the next level with a BSN? Guess what - at Sumner College, you can achieve…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
ER Nursing
Have you been thinking, “How can I start my nursing career in an ER?" Begin by obtaining a solid understanding of nursing through an approved…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
LPN
At Sumner College, we understand the importance of every role in the nursing field, including the dedicated work of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). LPNs are…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Flexible – Balanced – Online RN to BSN
Wondering what it's like to pursue a nursing degree online? At Sumner College, our RN to BSN program fits the busy lives of working nurses…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Nursing, beyond direct patient care
Thinking about a career in nursing but interested in roles beyond direct patient care? At Sumner College, we recognize that nursing offers diverse career paths,…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Jobs in 2031 will likely require postsecondary education
Degrees and credentials after high school will become increasingly important in the job market, a new report found. Analysis from the Georgetown University Center on…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Evolving Healthcare Landscape for Job Opportunities
As we enter 2024, the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, bringing exciting job opportunities for Practical Nurses. Nurses are able to work in different environments…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
RNs, what is your next step in advancing your career in nursing?
Are you a Registered Nurse wondering what the next step is in your career? Explore why pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Is Practical Nursing a Career for You?
As a Practical Nurse, you can choose when and where you work. This career path offers an opportunity to enjoy a healthy work-life balance. At…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Why Choose Sumner College for your Nursing Education?
Why Sumner College? Our BSN Program is designed to be completed in 32 months No prerequisites required to apply Small class sizes foster exceptional learning…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Is a BSN required to work in hospitals?
Aspiring nurses often ask, "Is a BSN required to work in hospitals?" There are hospitals and healthcare settings that prefer this licensure because it demonstrates…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Dream More in 2024! – Welcome New Sumner College Nursing Students
The Future is HERE! Welcome, 2024! Dream BIGGER, Reach HIGHER! Sumner College - Dream More in 2024! Our nursing classes enroll every ten weeks. Welcome…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
January Nursing Information Sessions
The on-campus Information Session aims to offer valuable insights to individuals considering a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. During the session, you will receive…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Happy Holidays from Sumner College
Merry Christmas, everyone! 🎄 It's time to spread the festive cheer and celebrate the most beautiful time of the year! Let's make this the most…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn