What Is a Psychiatric Nurse? Roles, Workplaces, and Career Path

Psychiatric nurses play an essential role in providing care to individuals with mental health conditions.  

This article explores where psychiatric nurses work, how they differ from other mental health professionals like psychologists, psychiatrists, or therapists, and how one becomes a psychiatric nurse.  

Where do psychiatric nurses work? 

Psychiatric nurses work in a variety of settings, reflecting the diverse needs of patients requiring mental health care. Common workplaces include: 

• Hospitals: Both general hospitals and specialized psychiatric hospitals employ psychiatric nurses to care for patients with acute mental health issues. 
• Outpatient clinics: These settings allow psychiatric nurses to provide ongoing care and support for patients who do not require hospitalization. 
• Community mental health centers: Serving local communities, these centers focus on providing accessible mental health services. 
• Residential treatment facilities: These facilities offer long-term care for those with more pressing or chronic mental illnesses. 
• Correctional facilities: Psychiatric nurses work in prisons and juvenile detention centers to provide mental health services. 
• Private practices: Some psychiatric nurses work alongside psychiatrists or therapists in private practice settings. 
• Schools and universities: Providing mental health support to students, psychiatric nurses are vital in educational institutions. 

What do psychiatric nurses do? 

The responsibilities of psychiatric nurses are multifaceted, including: 

• Assessment and diagnosis: Evaluating patients to identify mental health conditions and determine appropriate care plans 
• Medication management: Administering medications, monitoring their effects, and educating patients about their prescriptions 
• Therapeutic interventions: Conducting individual, group, or family therapy sessions to help patients manage their conditions 
• Crisis intervention: Providing immediate support and intervention in mental health crises, such as suicidal ideation or severe anxiety attacks 
• Patient education: Ensuring that patients and their families are well-informed on various mental health conditions, their treatment options, as well as coping strategies. 
• Collaboration: Working with a multidisciplinary team, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and other healthcare providers to deliver comprehensive care. 
• Advocacy: Advocating for patients’ rights and ensuring they receive the necessary care and support. 

How do psychiatric nurses differ from psychologists, psychiatrists, or therapists? 

Understanding the distinctions between psychiatric nurses and other mental health professionals is important: 

• Psychiatric nurses vs. psychiatrists: Psychiatrists are medical doctors specializing in diagnosing and treating mental illnesses, often through medication management. Psychiatric nurses, while also involved in medication management, provide a broader range of care, including therapeutic interventions and patient education. 
• Psychiatric nurses vs. psychologists: Psychologists typically hold a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) and focus on therapy and psychological testing. They do not prescribe medications. Psychiatric nurses, particularly those with advanced degrees, may provide therapy but also play a significant role in medication management and direct patient care. 
• Psychiatric nurses vs. therapists: Therapists, including licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) and licensed professional counselors (LPCs), focus on providing therapy. Psychiatric nurses, especially advanced practice nurses, can offer therapy but also manage medications and provide comprehensive care that includes physical health monitoring. 

How do you become a psychiatric nurse? 

The path to becoming a psychiatric nurse involves the following steps: 

1. Earn a nursing degree: The first step is to obtain a nursing degree, either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). A BSN is preferred and often required for advanced practice roles. 
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN: After graduating, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a licensed registered nurse (RN). 
3. Gain experience: Working as an RN, preferably in a psychiatric or mental health setting, provides valuable experience and insight into the field. 
4. Pursue advanced education: To become an advanced practice psychiatric nurse, you will need to earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a focus on psychiatric-mental health nursing. 
5. Obtain certification: Certification through organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) or Clinical Nurse Specialist (PMHCNS) demonstrates expertise and is often required for advanced practice roles. 
6. Continued education and training: Staying current with the latest advancements in mental health care through continuing education is essential for maintaining certification and providing the best care possible. 

Understanding the path to becoming a psychiatric nurse and the distinctions from other mental health professionals highlights the specialized and indispensable nature of this career.  

If you are passionate about mental health and nursing, pursuing a career as a psychiatric nurse could be a fulfilling and impactful choice.