Psychiatric-mental health nurses (or PMHNs) are healthcare professionals who work with individuals and families suffering from psychiatric disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, dementia and schizophrenia.
Work Environment
PMHNs can work in a variety of locales, where they are called upon to assess mental health needs, assist patients and intervene in crises. These locations frequently include hospitals, outpatient facilities, health departments, mental health agencies and long-term care centers.
Typical Work Responsibilities
PMHNs develop nursing diagnoses, assess patient needs, create plans of care and cultivate nursing best practices.
Similar to most branches of nursing, the highest-performing PMHNs are sympathetic to the needs of their patients, calm in the face of adversity and stress, well-organized and clear communicators. Physical fitness is also important, as PMHNs are typically prone to various physical strains throughout the day, such as physically assisting patients, walking throughout the facility, climbing stairs and standing for much of the workday.
Job Outlook & Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected employment of registered nurses is on the rise. The number of working nurses is expected to increase by 19% through 2022, and employment opportunities for advanced practice nurses are projected to increase by 31% during that same time period.
You Might Also Enjoy: Psychological Therapy Could Help Prevent Childhood Anxiety
Pay scale is largely dependent on level of education, as well as on the job experience, employer size and geographic location. But as of March 2014, according to PayScale.com, psychiatric nurses at the RN level earned an annual salary between $43,430 and $81,063. Nurse practitioners earned between $66,234 and $122,194.
Due to the strong standing of the healthcare industry, there are several financial incentives available to nurses, such as a loan forgiveness program. This program works with nursing students to help pay back their school loans as they work and operate in a nursing setting. This way, new healthcare professionals can gain industry experience and receive reimbursement for their education.
Education and Certification Requirements
Those seeking employment as a PMHN must first become a registered nurse. This requires a two-year associate’s degree in nursing, a three-year diploma in nursing or a four-year bachelor’s degree – preferably a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Graduates from are then eligible to take the RN licensing exam.
Generally, RNs interested in becoming a PMHN will need some additional training on psychological therapies and administering psychiatric medication. Once the training is complete, RNs can take an exam to gain certification in psychiatric and mental health nursing.
Nurses seeking to further their careers can also pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in psychiatric-mental health nursing. This level of education can open the door to positions as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). This level of psychiatric nursing allows for the assessment, diagnoses and treatment of patients with psychiatric disorders.
PMH-focused APRNs can specialize in specific areas of mental health nursing, like forensics, substance abuse disorders or adolescent mental health. They also typically have increased salaries to complement their education and advanced role.
Is Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Right for You?
This position requires someone who can work under pressure to look after patients and help them regain or develop their ability to cope with their situations. Mental health disorders can be crippling, but these types of patients can benefit from the same thoughtful and sympathetic care as those suffering from physical infirmities.
