Psychiatric nurses have a very challenging career. They must be prepared to manage patients with both mild and complex mental health disorders, and be alert to any deviations from their baseline. Because of the wide variety of mental health disorders and complex ways they can present, psychiatric nurses must be thoroughly trained and familiar with the care of this patient population to ensure treatment is leading to the best possible outcomes.
Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse Practitioners are also highly specialized. They frequently serve as a patient's primary mental health provider, developing treatment plans and monitoring outcomes. Psychiatric/Mental Health NPs complete a specialty track while in school, but must still become certified upon graduating.
For nurses, obtaining certification may be required for a position in a mental health facility or department. Certification in this specialty demonstrates that the nurse is highly competent in caring for patients needing mental health services, and are experts in the field. Certification also serves as a professional accomplishment for nurses.
For nurse practitioners, certification is usually required for licensure as an APRN. Completing a specialty track in mental health is one thing, but NP graduates must still complete the exam for certification. It is also required for a position as a mental health provider.
There are a couple of options for nurses and NPs seeking certification in the psychiatric/mental health specialty. Certification agencies are as follows:
Certificate Name: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification
Credential Awarded: Registered Nurse-Board Certified (RN-BC)
Cost:
Requirements for certification include:
Certificate Name: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) Certification
Credential Awarded: PMHNP-BC
Cost:
Certification requirements for Psychiatric-Mental Health NPs are as follows:
Certificate Name: Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist
Credential Awarded: PMHS
Cost: $300
Eligibility requirements for this certification include:
*Note: this certification does not replace the certification needed for APRN licensure
