What does a Psychiatric Nurse do?
Published 3 min read
A psychiatric nurse is a nurse who specializes in mental health. They work with patients who have mental illness and help them manage their symptoms.
Psychiatric Nurse job duties include:
- Assessing patients for signs and symptoms of mental illness
- Developing treatment plans in collaboration with patients and other health care professionals
- Providing individual and group therapy
- Conducting psychiatric evaluations
- Prescribing medication
- Monitoring patients' progress and response to treatment
- Coordinating care with other health care professionals, such as primary care physicians, social workers, and psychologists
- Providing crisis intervention services
- Educating patients and their families about mental illness and its treatment
Psychiatric Nurse Job Requirements
A psychiatric nurse is a registered nurse who has specialized in mental health. In order to become a psychiatric nurse, one must first obtain a degree in nursing from an accredited institution. After obtaining a nursing degree, the individual must then pass the NCLEX-RN exam in order to become licensed as a registered nurse. After becoming licensed, the individual can then pursue further education in psychiatric nursing if they so choose. Many psychiatric nurses have at least a bachelor's degree in nursing, although some have gone on to obtain master's or doctorate degrees. In addition to education, most states also require that psychiatric nurses be certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Psychiatric nurses must also have experience working with patients suffering from mental illness.
Psychiatric Nurse Skills
- Psychiatric assessment
- Psychiatric nursing diagnosis
- Psychiatric medication management
- Crisis intervention
- Psychotherapy
- Patient and family education
- Discharge planning
- Case management
- Consultation-liaison psychiatry
- Forensic psychiatry
- Addictions psychiatry
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How to become a Psychiatric Nurse
Psychiatric nurses are responsible for providing care and support to patients with mental health conditions. They work closely with patients to assess their needs and provide them with the necessary treatment. Psychiatric nurses also work with families and caregivers to ensure that they are able to provide the best possible care for their loved ones.
To become a psychiatric nurse, you will need to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing. You will also need to obtain a license from your state’s Board of Nursing. Once you have your license, you will be able to find employment at a hospital or other healthcare facility that provides mental health services.
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