What Is a Psychiatric Nurse?
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Psychiatric nurses and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are the second-largest mental health providers in the U.S.
Statistics show that more than 1 in 5 U.S. adults has a mental health condition, and 1 in 6 young people has experienced major depressive episodes. However, only half of these populations have received mental health services.
The role of psychiatric nurses — also known as mental health nurses — is to treat and advocate for patients with mental health conditions. They also educate communities on mental health awareness.
Learn more about what psychiatric nurses do, where they work, and how to become a psychiatric nurse.
How Long to Become
2-4 years
Optional Certification
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification
Average Annual Salary
$86,659
Learn More About Herzing University’s PMHNP Program
What Does a Psychiatric Nurse Do?
Psychiatric nurses are educated and trained to provide mental healthcare services to patients of all ages. One of the main responsibilities of psychiatric nurses is keeping patients safe from themselves and others.
Other key responsibilities include:
- Counseling patients and family members
- Leading group counseling sessions
- Patient assessment and evaluation, questionnaires and interviewing
- Medication administration
- Assessing and supporting crisis intervention
- Providing immediate responses to emergencies
- Case management
- Coordinating care
- Offering emotional support
Psychiatric nurses need specific skills to work closely with psychiatric patients, including:
- Passion for working in behavioral health/behavioral science
- Recognizing that mental health conditions do not define the person
- Having a sense of empathy and compassion
- De-escalating conflicts
- Excellent communication skills
- Making quick decisions
- Multitasking
Psychiatric nurses help individuals with mood disorders like major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders like schizophrenia, neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, and substance use disorders.
Psychiatric nurses can choose to become psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) after earning a master’s of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP). PMHNPs treat mental health and substance use disorders.
Where do Psychiatric Nurses Work?
Psychiatric nurses work in settings that provide mental health treatment services. In addition to hospitals and clinics, psychiatric nurses can work in:
- Rehabilitation centers
- Schools and universities
- State or federal agencies
- Community centers
- Correctional facilities
- Private provider offices
- Substance use treatment centers
- Assisted living facilities
Psychiatric nurses perform different duties depending on the work setting.
General and Psychiatric Hospitals
Psychiatric nurses admit or discharge patients, monitor the safety of patients admitted for psychiatric hospitalization, perform high-risk assessments, manage medications, and, in some cases, groom and bathe patients.
Correctional Facilities
Psychiatric nurses facilitate social and emotional needs, provide crisis intervention and treatment, and administer cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Assisted Living Facilities
Psychiatric nurses assess patients’ mental and physical health, consult with psychiatrists and other health professionals, and manage medications. They also collaborate with patients, families and caregivers to create treatment plans.
How to Become a Psychiatric Nurse
- 1
Earn Your Degree
The first step in becoming a psychiatric nurse is earning a nursing degree. Once you complete your nursing courses, nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and apply for their nursing license through their state’s board of nursing.
You can earn a two-year associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). If you plan to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner, having a BSN gives you a broader range of options for continuing your education.
- 2
Gain Experience
The second step is gaining nursing experience. Becoming a psychiatric nurse requires working with patients with mental health conditions.
If you are a new nursing graduate and aren’t working directly with psychiatric patients, keep track of the patients you’re caring for. Many may have underlying mental health conditions.
Note these patients and what you did to address their mental health. If you want to transfer to a psychiatric floor and become a psychiatric nurse, you can always refer to these patients during your interviewing process.
- 3
Consider Certification
While you do not need certification to become a psychiatric nurse, certification can be advantageous in the job market or when seeking a promotion. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers the psychiatric-mental health nurse certification. You can also pursue specialized certifications from organizations like the Addictions Nursing Certification Board or the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation.
How Much Do Psychiatric Nurses Make?
According to ZipRecruiter, the average yearly salary of psychiatric nurses is $86,659. (Salaries vary by geographic region, workplace, responsibilities, and other factors).
While the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not track psychiatric nurse salaries specifically, it reports California, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska as the highest-paying states for all nurses. Psychiatric nurse salaries are likely to be highest in these states.
There is a great need for psychiatric nurses. According to the APNA, more than 75% of all U.S. counties have a mental health worker shortage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psychiatric Nurses
The most important role of psychiatric nurses is keeping patients safe from themselves and others. Other roles include counseling and therapy, administering medications, coordinating care, communicating effectively with patients and their loved ones, and helping to create treatment plans.
Related Pages
How to Become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Read this guide to learn how to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner, along with information on their work environments,and education requirements.
The Best Psychiatric NP Programs Online of 2023
There is a growing need for psychiatric nurse practitioners. Explore the top online psychiatric NP programs and what factors to consider.
Nurse’s Guide to Caring for Patients With Mental Health Challenges
Nursing care of patients with mental health challenges calls for understanding, empathy, and skill. Learn more about best practices in mental health nursing.