Advanced Psychiatric Nurse

Your Fit

Income

$86K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

5.6%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Advanced Psychiatric Nurse?

An Advanced Psychiatric Nurse, also known as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), specializes in the care and treatment of patients with mental health disorders. They provide a range of services from diagnosis to the management and treatment of psychiatric conditions.

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Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Advanced Psychiatric Nurse.

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Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

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How much does an Advanced Psychiatric Nurse earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$64K per year	$76K per year	$86K per year	$105K per year	$133K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $38K above the national average.

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What does an Advanced Psychiatric Nurse do?

Work environment

These specialized nurses work in various settings, including hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, outpatient mental health clinics, private practices, community health centers, and schools. They may work in teams with psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals.

Quick task list

Conducts psychiatric evaluations and assessments.
Diagnoses mental health conditions.
Develops and implements treatment plans.
Prescribes medication and monitors its effects.
Provides psychotherapy and counseling.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Focusing on younger patients with mental health issues.
Geriatric Psychiatry: Specializing in the mental health of elderly patients.
Substance Abuse and Addiction: Treating patients with addiction issues.
Forensic Psychiatry: Working within the criminal justice system.
Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry: Bridging mental health care with other medical disciplines.

Description

Advanced Psychiatric Nurses play a critical role in the mental health field, offering a holistic approach to patient care. Their training allows them to understand the complex relationship between emotional, behavioral, and physical health. They are trained to conduct thorough assessments, which include not only mental health evaluations but also consideration of physical health and lifestyle factors that could influence a patient's mental well-being.

In their practice, these nurses use a range of therapeutic techniques, including psychotherapy, counseling, and medication management. They must stay current with the latest research and developments in psychiatric care and medications. Their role extends beyond individual patient care, as they often provide education to patients' families and communities about mental health, reducing stigma, and promoting mental wellness.

Given the nature of mental health work, Advanced Psychiatric Nurses need strong communication skills, empathy, and the ability to build trust with patients. They often work with vulnerable populations and must navigate complex emotional and ethical situations, making resilience and adaptability key traits in this profession.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Making a significant difference in the lives of people with mental health challenges.
The intellectual challenge of diagnosing and treating complex psychiatric conditions.
Opportunities for building long-term therapeutic relationships with patients.

You might make a good Advanced Psychiatric Nurse if you are...

Compassionate and empathetic, with a strong desire to help those with mental health needs.
A good listener and communicator, able to build trust with diverse individuals.
Interested in the complexities of human behavior and mental health.
Resilient and adaptable, capable of handling emotionally challenging situations.
Committed to lifelong learning in the evolving field of psychiatric care.

Pros:

High demand for mental health professionals.
Opportunity to make a profound impact on patients' lives.
Diverse work environments and patient populations.

Cons:

Emotionally taxing nature of mental health work.
Potential for high-stress situations and burnout.
Necessity to manage complex and challenging patient behaviors.

How to become an Advanced Psychiatric Nurse

Typical education

Becoming an Advanced Psychiatric Nurse typically requires a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), which can take 2-4 years post-bachelor's degree. This is in addition to the 4 years spent obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and acquiring a registered nurse (RN) license.

High school preparation

Courses:

Psychology and Sociology to understand human behavior and social dynamics.
Biology and Chemistry for foundational knowledge in health and medicine.
Advanced Placement (AP) courses in relevant subjects for college preparation.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering in community mental health settings.
Participating in peer counseling or mentorship programs.
Joining health-related clubs or organizations.

Preparation after high school

Obtain a BSN and RN license.
Gain experience in psychiatric or general nursing.
Complete a graduate program in psychiatric-mental health nursing.
Obtain certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).

More resources

American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) - Professional organization offering resources and certification information for psychiatric nurses.
International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses (ISPN) - Provides education, policy advocacy, and networking for psychiatric nurses.
American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) - Offers PMHNP certification details and resources.
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice - A comprehensive guide on the standards and scope of psychiatric nursing practice.

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