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.
Honor HealthCare Heroes – National IV Nurse Day
INS celebrates IV Nurse Day each year on January 25th, to recognize the decades of continuing education, advocacy, and professional development that have driven the…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Enroll Now in our Phlebotomy Tech Program
Have you been dreaming about a career working in healthcare? Sumner College Arizona can get you there with classes in Phlebotomy Tech, Medical Assisting and…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
2023 Nurse Appreciation Calendar
Enjoy The DiversityNursing.com, 2023 Nurse Appreciation Calendar and remember to honor our healthcare heroes for their dedication to our health and work in our world.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Honor our HealthCare Heroes – National CRNA Week
A Celebration of CRNAs Since 2000, National CRNA Week has been our annual celebration of the nearly 59,000 practicing nurse anesthetists in the U.S. From…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Laboratory Phlebotomist Projected Growth in the US
Research Summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that: Salaries have increased 11% for laboratory phlebotomists in the last 5 years…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Mobile IV Nursing Is Trending Due to Earning Potential
Mobile IV nursing is growing and offers nurses the opportunity for higher pay and a flexible schedule. Explore this popular career. Mobile intravenous (IV) nurses…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
How You Can Set SMART Goals for 2023
Did you know 91% of people don't reach their New Year's goals? Dive into how SMART goals for nurses may increase your potential success. SMART…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
How the Improving Care and Access to Nurses (I CAN) Act Impacts Nurses
The Improving Care and Access to Nurses legislation significantly impacts nurses and their patients. Consider seven ways to advocate for improved access to care. The…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Dream It. Do It.
If healthcare is your passion, and a career in the field is your dream, it is time to look at Sumner College. 2023 nursing classes…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Happy New Year!
Make way for 2023!…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
The Future of Oregon’s Nursing Workforce: Analysis and Recommendations
The Oregon Center for Nursing recently published "The Future of Oregon's Nursing Workforce: Analysis and Recommendations The Oregon Legislature directed the Oregon Health Care Workforce…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Happy Holidays from Sumner College
…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
What’s the work environment for a Phlebotomy Tech?
Phlebotomists work mainly in hospitals, medical and diagnostic laboratories, and doctor’s offices. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Phlebotomists held about 135,500 jobs…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Holiday Break – December 19 to January 2nd
There will be no classes at Sumner College during Holiday Break - December 19th thru January 2nd.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Expert Simulation Educators Across Oregon – OCN
Sumner College's Simulation Lab provides a comprehensive learning experience for our students. As nursing education and professional development needs evolve, schools and healthcare systems are…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
2022 Holiday Greetings
Sumner College President, Joanna Russell, shares a big announcement for our nursing school happening in April 2023 and wishes a warm holiday greeting to all…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Finding balance around the holidays
The holiday season can be a stressful time. For years, I allowed this time of year to completely take over my mind and wellbeing because…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
It’s a good time to pursue a career in healthcare. Joanna Russell and Nicole DeCosta discuss nursing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GQA8dkHbFc…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
RN Well-Being Project
The well-being of all licensed LPNs, RNs, and APRNs, as well as their certified and unlicensed support staff, is essential to Oregon's health [Article shared…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Oregon Facing Nurse Shortage by 2025
With demand for registered nurses in Oregon continuing to grow, Oregon is facing a nursing shortage by 2025, according to The Demand for Nursing Professionals…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Occupational Outlook Handbook – Phlebotomists
Sumner College's Phlebotomy Tech classes are held in Mesa, Arizona Next classes start in January 2023 Quick Facts: Phlebotomists 2021 Median Pay $37,380 per year…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Professional Nursing Organizations
There are more than 100 different national and international nursing organizations, many of which have chapters in Oregon. You may want to consider the benefits…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
How a nurse is improving health equity with a touch of a button
This article is shared from Johnson+Johnson's Nursing website. LINK Watch a special TODAY show segment featuring nurse innovator Bre Loughlin, MS, RN This segment features…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Now Hiring – Assistant to the President
Sumner College is accepting applications for the position of Assistant to the President. Visit the Careers at Sumner page for details on the position and…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Now Hiring – General Education/ Science Instructor
Sumner College is accepting applications for a general education/science instructor position that is part time and hybrid. Job Description - General Education/Science Instructor - Part…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Bringing Well-Being into the Workplace
For healthcare to work, it takes a thriving nurse workforce. From nurse-led solutions to evidence-backed guidelines, innovation in workplace well-being isn't just possible, it's happening.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Thanksgiving Memorable Recipes from Sumner College’s Team
Thanksgiving is a time to show gratitude for friends, family and business associates. This year, the Sumner College team is sharing a few delicious, must-have,…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Why Phlebotomy is a Good Career
Entering this field as a phlebotomist offers one of the fastest entry routes and is one of the few positions that does not require a bachelor's…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
5 Ways to Reduce Test Stress
Article shared fro GreatSchools.org Does your child get stressed about taking standardized tests? Follow this checklist to help ease their worries. In many states children…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
# Hiring – Accreditation and Compliance Officer – Remote
Sumner College has been educating leaders in workforce for almost 50 years in the Portland metro area. Join a team that is passionate about educating…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn