The Role of a Psychiatric Nurse

By: Ananya Meenakshi

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work in the role of one of the most popular behavioral health specialists? If yes, the role of a psychiatric nurse would be the perfect fit for you!

What do they do?

Psychiatric nurses are normally referred to as mental health nurses, psych nurses, and by the abbreviation PMHNs. Psychiatric nurses play a sensitive and crucial role in the healthcare industry and being a psychiatric nurse requires a wide range of expertise in subjects such as psychology, nursing, and neurobiology. PMHNs are responsible for promoting well-being through prevention and education as well as assessment, diagnosis, care, and treatment of mental health and substance use disorders. Psychiatric nurses typically work with patients to achieve their recovery goals, provide health promotion, conduct intake screening, provide case management, teach self-care activities, administer psychobiological treatment regimens, practice crisis intervention, and engage in psychiatric rehabilitation. Overall, their care is mandatory in order to help patients manage symptoms, discover their inner strength when faced with disorders, and live a fulfilling life.

Educational Requirements

Volunteering in a behavioral health setting provides valuable insight for those interested in a career as a psychiatric nurse. Nursing students are introduced to disciplines of healthcare during their schooling and many programs provide a rotation in PMH nursing that allows students to explore the field. To obtain a certificate in PMH nursing you must have an active registered nurse (RN) license, complete two years of practice as a full-time RN, practice a minimum of 2,000 hours in a clinical PMH nursing environment practice within three years, and earn 30 hours of continuing education in PMH nursing within three years.

Where do Psychiatric Nurses work?

PMH nurses work in community capacities to provide mental health services while others help patients accomplish daily tasks and enhance their lives. They work in various settings which provide mental health treatment services. This means they do not have one set workplace, rather multiple ones including hospitals, specialty psychiatric or substance abuse hospitals, clinics, private practices, community mental health centers, primary care, academia, telemedicine, public health facilities, forensic health settings, substance use treatment programs, and nursing homes.

Psychologists vs Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists are licensed medical professionals capable of diagnosing and treating mental health disorders with therapy, medication, and other medical interventions. They are allowed to prescribe medications and perform medical procedures related to mental health. It normally takes four years of undergraduate study, four years of medical school, and three years of residency to become a psychiatrist. Psychologists, on the other hand, are professionals with an advanced degree in psychology. They are able to diagnose and treat mental health disorders through multiple forms of therapy, but cannot prescribe medications. However, they often work closely with psychiatrists and other medical professionals to provide care for their patients. It typically takes 5-7 years of postgraduate study and 1-2 years of clinical training to become a psychologist.

Sources:

Kichefski, Kristen. “Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing - Psychiatric Nursing.” American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 2023, www.apna.org/about-psychiatric-nursing/.

“Psychiatric Nurse: Career Overview - Nightingale College.” Nightingale.edu, http://nightingale.edu/blog/psychiatric-nurse.html.

“6 Things to Know about Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing | Joyce University.” Joyce, 4 Apr. 2022, www.joyce.edu/blog/what-is-mental-health-nursing/.

Sievert, Diane . “Psychologist vs Psychiatrist.” UCLA Med School, 22 May 2023, medschool.ucla.edu/news-article/psychologist-vs-psychiatrist-what-is-the-difference.