How to become a psychiatric nurse

Is becoming a psychiatric nurse right for me?

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Overview
What do psychiatric nurses do?

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How to become a Psychiatric Nurse

Becoming a psychiatric nurse involves obtaining the appropriate education, licensure, and experience. Here are the steps to become a psychiatric nurse:

  • Obtain a Nursing Degree: The first step to becoming a psychiatric nurse is to obtain a nursing degree. There are three options for obtaining a nursing degree: an associate degree in nursing (ADN), a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or a diploma in nursing. A BSN degree is recommended as it offers the most comprehensive nursing education and can provide better job opportunities.
  • Obtain RN Licensure: Once you have completed your nursing degree, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain your registered nurse (RN) license. Each state has its own requirements for RN licensure, so you should check with your state board of nursing to determine the specific requirements.
  • Gain Nursing Experience: After obtaining your RN licensure, it is recommended to gain experience as a nurse, ideally in a psychiatric or mental health setting. This can be done by working in a hospital, clinic, or other healthcare facility that provides psychiatric care.
  • Obtain a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification: Once you have gained nursing experience, you can obtain a certification in psychiatric-mental health nursing through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The certification process involves completing a certain number of hours of psychiatric nursing practice, continuing education, and passing an exam.
  • Pursue Advanced Degrees: Psychiatric nurses can further their education by pursuing a Master's or Doctoral Degree in Psychiatric Nursing or a related field. This can lead to advanced practice roles, such as psychiatric nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist.

Certifications
There are several certifications available for psychiatric nurses who want to demonstrate their expertise and enhance their career opportunities. Here are some of the most recognized certifications for psychiatric nurses:

  • Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification (PMHNC): This certification is offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and is designed for RNs who specialize in psychiatric-mental health nursing. To be eligible, you must have a current RN license, have completed a minimum of two years of psychiatric-mental health nursing practice, and have completed at least 30 hours of continuing education in psychiatric-mental health nursing within the past three years.
  • Psychiatric Rehabilitation Certification (CPRP): This certification is offered by the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (PRA) and is designed for professionals who work in psychiatric rehabilitation. To be eligible, you must have a bachelor's degree and a minimum of two years of experience working in psychiatric rehabilitation.
  • Addictions Nursing Certification (CARN): This certification is offered by the International Nurses Society on Addictions (IntNSA) and is designed for nurses who specialize in addictions nursing. To be eligible, you must have a current RN license, have completed a minimum of two years of nursing practice in addictions, and have completed at least 30 hours of continuing education in addictions nursing within the past three years.
  • Forensic Nursing Certification (CFN): This certification is offered by the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) and is designed for nurses who work in the intersection of law and health care. To be eligible, you must have a current RN license, have completed a minimum of two years of nursing practice in forensic nursing, and have completed at least 60 hours of continuing education in forensic nursing within the past three years.
  • Gerontological Nursing Certification (RN-BC): This certification is offered by the ANCC and is designed for nurses who specialize in caring for older adults. To be eligible, you must have a current RN license, have completed a minimum of two years of nursing practice in gerontological nursing, and have completed at least 30 hours of continuing education in gerontological nursing within the past three years.

Associations
There are several professional associations for psychiatric nurses in the United States. Some of the major ones include:

  • American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA): This is the largest professional organization for psychiatric nurses in the United States. It provides education, research, and advocacy for psychiatric nurses and works to improve mental health care in the country.
  • International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses (ISPN): This organization focuses on promoting mental health and preventing mental illness. It provides education and training for psychiatric nurses, as well as research and policy development initiatives.
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): While not specifically for psychiatric nurses, NAMI is a grassroots organization that advocates for better mental health care in the United States. It offers resources and support for individuals and families affected by mental illness, as well as education and training for mental health professionals.
  • American Nurses Association (ANA): The ANA is the largest professional organization for registered nurses in the United States. While it is not specifically focused on psychiatric nursing, it offers resources and support for all types of nurses, including those working in mental health care.
  • National Association of Psychiatric Health Systems (NAPHS): This is a trade organization for behavioral health providers, including psychiatric hospitals and treatment centers. While not specifically for psychiatric nurses, it provides resources and support for those working in the behavioral health field.