Hi, i am an RN considering an NP program in Psyche and i must say that this was a great interview and i learned from it. it has certainly eased a few of my pre-conceived biases about psychiatry. So, thank you for doing this!
This definitely encourages me to become a psych np. I just have to become a BSN first and it’s hard especially memoriazing all these terms for the body needles medication but God help me and to mention the finances. But I want to do this.
Good! Glad you found in encouraging. If you're interested in mental health, then becoming a psych NP is a great path. Medicine is definitely difficult and there is so much to learn, but it is doable, especially if it's something you really want. BUT, please make sure that you go into medicine with your eyes wide open. Be sure to shadow some psych NPs now to see if this is even a path you want to go down! There are definitely many downsides to working in medicine.
Hi, i love his energy and satisfaction with the job. Currently i am finishing Nursing school. I had pretty solid good experience in the Psych rotation. When we interviewed patients, they tend to trust me and gravitate toward me- directly talking to me, and having a positive feedback. I also didn’t find it difficult to listen to them, or interact. I am considering Psych NP career. Is Psych NP similar to Psych PA duties?
Yes! He is definitely passionate about what he does. I think that is great that you have identified an area of medicine that you really resonate with. yes, the duties are the same for either a Psych NP or PA. (There may be some differences at an institutional level, but most of the time they are going to be exactly the same.) I am biased towards the PA profession and feel like a nurse that goes to PA school is one of the best and most prepared providers generally. However, when it comes to psych, there is no doubt that being a psych NP is an easier route than being a psych PA. If you know 100%, that you want psych , I would suggest becoming an NP, but if you think you might want to work in any other area of medicine in the future, I would suggest going to PA route.
Interesting, I feel there's more opportunity in Psych right out of PA school and/or when switching specialties, then other disciplines. Clinics/Hospitals are desperate for Psych APPs! I"m trying to get out of Psych and into Dermatology with my Medical Esthetician background. Derm clinics aren't hiring without experience, even with my Aesthetic upbringing. Also, I'm interested in Locum work, which is rare to find in Psych since you need some stability and longevity in a position to establish patient trust, which Locum doesn't necessarily provide. One thing I want to reiterate from the video: if a job post says Psychiatric NP only, send them your CV anyways, esp on Indeed and with recruiters. With some practices, it may just be they've never hired a PA-C before so presenting the idea to them may be all it takes to change their mind. Good luck and THANKS for the great video!
You’re welcome! That’s great that you’re saying lots of opportunities for psych. I don’t know if it’s just the region you’re in or if they’re just getting so overwhelmed that they need providers! Yes, I have heard that Derm it’s pretty hard to get into! All I can say, is just keep networking and being involved in the societies. Eventually, something should turn up! Thanks for watching, and sharing your experiences!
Unfortunately, it’s almost impossible to get into psych specialty without a “psych residency” in most states. There are a lot of PAs who’d like to enter the psych field but the opportunities are very limited. Also, in some states we lose to NPs due to our restricted prescription privileges. How can I see patients independently if I can only prescribe one week worth of Adderall… My point is, a lot of PAs would be happy to work in psychiatry but it’s very hard to get into the field despite the shortage of mental health providers 🤷♀️ I’ve tried :)
I agree that this may be one of the harder specialties to get into, but I don't think it's "almost impossible" is fair to say. I just did an Indeed search for Psychiatric Physician Assistant. I looked at about 10 postings and only one required PAs to have a residency. Several required some specific experience working in Psychiatry, but a couple were open to new graduates and one even said "new graduates are encouraged to apply". Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying it's easy, but I wouldn't get discouraged. If you really want to do, complete as much online psychiatric CME as possible, become active in Psychiatry societies online, network there and at Psych conferences, and reach out to all potential employers within an hour or two of your location. I feel confident if you do this, you could find something. I wish it didn't have to be this difficult, but sometimes, especially depending on the area you live it, it can be. I would also encourage you to work with your state PA association to help move the state laws forward to eliminate the barriers PAs face. Anyway, I'm not trying to argue with you, I just want to encourage you. We as a profession are moving forward and if you want something, don't let the obstacles get in your way!
Sorry!! I try to find that balance between very quiet, background, music and talking, but I guess I missed the mark. I have recently decided to stop using background music in my interview videos. So if you watch any future ones, you should be happier! Thanks for the feedback and thanks for watching!
Those nurse preceptors for students during their psychiatric clinical, the below information has been sent out to most student nurse sites I could find. I wanted you to have the information as well so it does not come as a surprise if this issue is raised, as I hope it will be by some of them. Nursing students, hello. I loved my career in trauma nursing for 25 years. I hope you too, will get much satisfaction in caring for your patients, for advocating for them, even if it is unpopular. It will take courage to stand up for your vulnerable patients when going against an entrenched system at times, where profits outweigh harm to a patient. I lost my career after consenting to the mental health procedure ECT/ Electroshock. I sustained repeated acquired traumatic brain injuries that result from this practice. I was too drugged, to the point I settled a psychiatric medical malpractice suit, when I was consented. I could not draw on my expertise given this. You will be doing a psychiatric clinical. You may witness the procedure called ECT. There has never been any testing by the FDA for safety or effectiveness. Based on my experience around ECT as a patient and a former trauma nurse I created a website called ectjustice.net that I hope you will check out. My initial site ectjustice.com is still active but is now owned by the firms involved in a suit around ECT. There is another site called Mad in America and if you plug in electroshock in the search bar it will pull up many great articles. When you see the truth of this practice my hope is you will have discussions, write papers, question this practice perhaps as a clinical group, because who wants to be singled out when a student? Your care plans may include alternatives to ECT or referrals into traumatic brain injury programs as part of your discharge planning. Your professors, have been indoctrinated to accept this practice for the most part, and may question your plan of care. You can let your professor have your known resources and point out that the CA courts have at a minimum, proved brain injury outcomes at a minimum in a suit that is ongoing. Much success to you all. ADVOCATE. My gratitude.
I haven't read the studies on this so I can't speak to your claims. However, I urge my viewers to research this topic for themselves and form their own opinions based on research.
As part of general PA training, PAs learn about psych disorders, treatments, and pharmacology. We are also required to have a psych rotation that is generally around four weeks. Granted, this training, usually results in us having a more generalized based knowledge of psychology, but just like any specialty that we move into , we develop the more advanced skills as we go. PAs have the option of gaining a CAQ (certificate of added qualification) , but this is only after they have worked in the professional a while and can meet the requirements.
So much good stuff! What do you guys think? Is Psych a specialty more should consider or do you think this picture of the specialty is too rosy?
Hi, i am an RN considering an NP program in Psyche and i must say that this was a great interview and i learned from it. it has certainly eased a few of my pre-conceived biases about psychiatry. So, thank you for doing this!
You’re welcome! I’m glad you found it helpful. Best wishes on your journey!
He definitely reinforced my desire to be a psych NP. God bless you for bringing him.
You're welcome! Glad you found it helpful! Best wishes on your career path.
The flow of this interview is phenomenal. As a student consisting going into the psych field this has helped a lot. Thank you!
Thank you so much! I’m glad it was helpful to you. Good luck on your journey!
I’m an RN doing Ketamine infusion in a psych office and this was VERY helpful!
So glad you found it helpful!
This definitely encourages me to become a psych np. I just have to become a BSN first and it’s hard especially memoriazing all these terms for the body needles medication but God help me and to mention the finances. But I want to do this.
Good! Glad you found in encouraging. If you're interested in mental health, then becoming a psych NP is a great path. Medicine is definitely difficult and there is so much to learn, but it is doable, especially if it's something you really want. BUT, please make sure that you go into medicine with your eyes wide open. Be sure to shadow some psych NPs now to see if this is even a path you want to go down! There are definitely many downsides to working in medicine.
Excellent interview, thank you for the information!!!
You are very welcome! I’m glad that you found it informative. Thanks for watching, and commenting!
very valuable information and well presented. thank you both.
I'm glad you liked it! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.
I am more impressed to complete training as a Psychiatric MentalHealthNurse Practitioner. Thanks
Great! That is a terrific path and with telehealth opening up, there are even more opportunities for you in psych! Thanks for watching and commenting.
Hi, i love his energy and satisfaction with the job. Currently i am finishing Nursing school. I had pretty solid good experience in the Psych rotation. When we interviewed patients, they tend to trust me and gravitate toward me- directly talking to me, and having a positive feedback. I also didn’t find it difficult to listen to them, or interact. I am considering Psych NP career. Is Psych NP similar to Psych PA duties?
Yes! He is definitely passionate about what he does. I think that is great that you have identified an area of medicine that you really resonate with. yes, the duties are the same for either a Psych NP or PA. (There may be some differences at an institutional level, but most of the time they are going to be exactly the same.) I am biased towards the PA profession and feel like a nurse that goes to PA school is one of the best and most prepared providers generally. However, when it comes to psych, there is no doubt that being a psych NP is an easier route than being a psych PA. If you know 100%, that you want psych , I would suggest becoming an NP, but if you think you might want to work in any other area of medicine in the future, I would suggest going to PA route.
Interesting, I feel there's more opportunity in Psych right out of PA school and/or when switching specialties, then other disciplines. Clinics/Hospitals are desperate for Psych APPs! I"m trying to get out of Psych and into Dermatology with my Medical Esthetician background. Derm clinics aren't hiring without experience, even with my Aesthetic upbringing. Also, I'm interested in Locum work, which is rare to find in Psych since you need some stability and longevity in a position to establish patient trust, which Locum doesn't necessarily provide. One thing I want to reiterate from the video: if a job post says Psychiatric NP only, send them your CV anyways, esp on Indeed and with recruiters. With some practices, it may just be they've never hired a PA-C before so presenting the idea to them may be all it takes to change their mind. Good luck and THANKS for the great video!
You’re welcome! That’s great that you’re saying lots of opportunities for psych. I don’t know if it’s just the region you’re in or if they’re just getting so overwhelmed that they need providers! Yes, I have heard that Derm it’s pretty hard to get into! All I can say, is just keep networking and being involved in the societies. Eventually, something should turn up! Thanks for watching, and sharing your experiences!
Unfortunately, it’s almost impossible to get into psych specialty without a “psych residency” in most states. There are a lot of PAs who’d like to enter the psych field but the opportunities are very limited. Also, in some states we lose to NPs due to our restricted prescription privileges. How can I see patients independently if I can only prescribe one week worth of Adderall… My point is, a lot of PAs would be happy to work in psychiatry but it’s very hard to get into the field despite the shortage of mental health providers 🤷♀️ I’ve tried :)
I agree that this may be one of the harder specialties to get into, but I don't think it's "almost impossible" is fair to say. I just did an Indeed search for Psychiatric Physician Assistant. I looked at about 10 postings and only one required PAs to have a residency. Several required some specific experience working in Psychiatry, but a couple were open to new graduates and one even said "new graduates are encouraged to apply". Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying it's easy, but I wouldn't get discouraged. If you really want to do, complete as much online psychiatric CME as possible, become active in Psychiatry societies online, network there and at Psych conferences, and reach out to all potential employers within an hour or two of your location. I feel confident if you do this, you could find something. I wish it didn't have to be this difficult, but sometimes, especially depending on the area you live it, it can be. I would also encourage you to work with your state PA association to help move the state laws forward to eliminate the barriers PAs face. Anyway, I'm not trying to argue with you, I just want to encourage you. We as a profession are moving forward and if you want something, don't let the obstacles get in your way!
Thank you for the video 🎉
You’re very welcome!
Love the interview but the music in the background is driving me crazy!!
Sorry!! I try to find that balance between very quiet, background, music and talking, but I guess I missed the mark. I have recently decided to stop using background music in my interview videos. So if you watch any future ones, you should be happier! Thanks for the feedback and thanks for watching!
Great interview!
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it Dan.
Those nurse preceptors for students during their psychiatric clinical, the below information has been sent out to most student nurse sites I could find. I wanted you to have the information as well so it does not come as a surprise if this issue is raised, as I hope it will be by some of them.
Nursing students, hello. I loved my career in trauma nursing for 25 years. I hope you too, will get much satisfaction in caring for your patients, for advocating for them, even if it is unpopular. It will take courage to stand up for your vulnerable patients when going against an entrenched system at times, where profits outweigh harm to a patient.
I lost my career after consenting to the mental health procedure ECT/ Electroshock. I sustained repeated acquired traumatic brain injuries that result from this practice. I was too drugged, to the point I settled a psychiatric medical malpractice suit, when I was consented. I could not draw on my expertise given this.
You will be doing a psychiatric clinical. You may witness the procedure called ECT. There has never been any testing by the FDA for safety or effectiveness. Based on my experience around ECT as a patient and a former trauma nurse I created a website called ectjustice.net that I hope you will check out. My initial site ectjustice.com is still active but is now owned by the firms involved in a suit around ECT. There is another site called Mad in America and if you plug in electroshock in the search bar it will pull up many great articles.
When you see the truth of this practice my hope is you will have discussions, write papers, question this practice perhaps as a clinical group, because who wants to be singled out when a student? Your care plans may include alternatives to ECT or referrals into traumatic brain injury programs as part of your discharge planning.
Your professors, have been indoctrinated to accept this practice for the most part, and may question your plan of care. You can let your professor have your known resources and point out that the CA courts have at a minimum, proved brain injury outcomes at a minimum in a suit that is ongoing.
Much success to you all. ADVOCATE. My gratitude.
I haven't read the studies on this so I can't speak to your claims. However, I urge my viewers to research this topic for themselves and form their own opinions based on research.
So do PA's have to do a specialty course to become certified like NP's do?
As part of general PA training, PAs learn about psych disorders, treatments, and pharmacology. We are also required to have a psych rotation that is generally around four weeks. Granted, this training, usually results in us having a more generalized based knowledge of psychology, but just like any specialty that we move into , we develop the more advanced skills as we go. PAs have the option of gaining a CAQ (certificate of added qualification) , but this is only after they have worked in the professional a while and can meet the requirements.
Lose the annoying music in the background, please.
Unfortunately, I can't go back and change this video, but I did learn and stopped having music behind the interviews!