There is a high demand for psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners
(PMHNPs) as they play a vital role in healthcare. PMHNPs provide care to patients with mental health disorders or substance use disorders by assessing, diagnosing, and developing treatment plans. Reassessing the effectiveness of treatment plans is also an essential role of the PMHNP. They can also provide physical and psychosocial assessments and emergency psychiatric care.
Are you interested in becoming a PMHNP? Continue reading to learn more about becoming a PMHNP, including the key responsibilities and skills needed to succeed.
Key Responsibilities of a PMHNP
Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners make a lasting impact on their patients, but what exactly does their role entail?
Assessment and Diagnosis: As a PMHNP, you will perform comprehensive mental health assessments to formulate patient diagnoses.
Developing Treatment Plans: Once a diagnosis is made, the PMHNP will develop a treatment plan for the patient, which includes pharmacological and non-pharmacological remedies such as cognitive behavioral therapy or medications. Treatment also includes close follow-up.
Collaborating with other health professionals: PMHNPs collaborate with other health professionals, including the patient’s family practice provider. They may also refer patients to other providers who specialize in specific behavioral health concerns, such as schizophrenia, dissociative identity disorder, or borderline personality disorder.
Education: PMHNPs educate their patients and family members about their diagnosis and treatment plan. They also teach them what to do in a mental health crisis.
How to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Below are the steps to becoming a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
Graduate from an accredited BSN program.
Pass the NCLEX and obtain RN licensure in your primary state of residence.
I recommend a minimum of one year of experience as a nurse before applying for graduate school to gain experience, better understand the career path you want to pursue, and gain knowledge. However, this is not required for the majority of nurse practitioner programs.
Research and apply to PMHNP programs. Consider whether an MSN or DNP program is a better fit for you.
MSN: On average, it takes 2 years to complete and emphasizes clinical practice. This is not a terminal degree, and if you choose this path, you can always return to school later and complete your DNP if desired.
DNP: This is a terminal degree and takes, on average, 3 years to complete. During this program, you will learn the required clinical skills for the PMHNP role, leadership skills that prepare you for management positions, and how to apply nursing research to practice.
After graduating from an accredited PMHNP program, you must pass the board certification exam and obtain APRN licensure in your primary state of residence (or where you will be working).
Apply for PMHNP jobs. This step can start before graduation.
Enjoy your new career as a PMHNP!
Skills and Qualities of a Successful PMHNP
To be a successful PMHNP, you must possess specific skills and qualities, and I have listed a few of these below.
Clinical Skills: You must possess strong assessment skills to formulate diagnoses and the knowledge to develop appropriate treatment plans based on the findings. This also includes the knowledge to alter the plan when the desired results are not achieved.
Strong Communication: Communication is key to being a PMHNP. This includes communicating clearly with patients, their family members when applicable, and other healthcare professionals involved in the patient’s care.
Compassion and Empathy: Compassion and empathy are strong qualities in a PMHNP. These qualities allow for a trusting relationship to occur, leading to deeper communication and more honest and open communication, which will only lead to better outcomes for the patient.
Professional Development: The desire to participate in professional development demonstrates passion and commitment to nursing. It also demonstrates a desire to better oneself as a PMHNP, ensuring the most up-to-date practices are used.
PMHNPs are essential to the healthcare system, and their impact on their patients’ lives makes it a fulfilling career path. PMHNPs play an essential role in diagnosing, treating, and managing patients with various mental health conditions. By becoming a PMHNP, you can enter a rewarding field with opportunities to make a difference in the lives of individuals facing mental health challenges.
The post PMHNPs Explained: Key Responsibilities and Steps to Pursue This Career first appeared on Daily Nurse.