[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Psychiatric nurses and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]advanced practice registered nurses [/hen-ui-link](APRNs) are the second-largest mental health providers in the U.S.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Statistics show that more than [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness” target=”_blank”]1 in 5[/hen-ui-link] U.S. adults has a mental health condition, and [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/myths-and-facts” target=”_blank”]1 in 6[/hen-ui-link] young people has experienced major depressive episodes. However, [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics” target=”_blank”]only half [/hen-ui-link]of these populations have received mental health services.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The role of psychiatric nurses — also known as [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/mental-health-nurse/”]mental health nurses[/hen-ui-link] — is to treat and advocate for patients with mental health conditions. They also educate communities on mental health awareness.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn more about what psychiatric nurses do, where they work, and how to become a psychiatric nurse.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”3″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]How Long to Become[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-4xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]2-4 Years[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Optional Certification[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-4xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Average Annual Salary[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-4xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]$86,659[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Does a Psychiatric Nurse Do?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Other key responsibilities include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Counseling patients and family members[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Leading group counseling sessions[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Patient assessment and evaluation, questionnaires and interviewing[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medication administration[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Assessing and supporting crisis intervention[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Providing immediate responses to emergencies[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Case management[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Coordinating care[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Offering emotional support[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Psychiatric nurses need specific skills to work closely with psychiatric patients, including:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Passion for working in behavioral health/behavioral science[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Recognizing that mental health conditions do not define the person[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Having a sense of empathy and compassion[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]De-escalating conflicts[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Excellent communication skills[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Making quick decisions[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Multitasking[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Psychiatric nurses can choose to become [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/psychiatric/”]psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs)[/hen-ui-link] after earning a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/”]master’s of science in nursing (MSN)[/hen-ui-link] or a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/dnp/”]doctor of nursing practice (DNP)[/hen-ui-link]. PMHNPs treat mental health and substance use disorders.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Where do Psychiatric Nurses Work?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Psychiatric nurses work in settings that provide mental health treatment services. In addition to hospitals and clinics, psychiatric nurses can work in:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Rehabilitation centers[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Schools and universities[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]State or federal agencies[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Community centers[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Correctional facilities[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Private provider offices[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Substance use treatment centers[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Assisted living facilities[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Psychiatric nurses perform different duties depending on the work setting.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]General and Psychiatric Hospitals[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Correctional Facilities[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Psychiatric nurses facilitate social and emotional needs, provide crisis intervention and treatment, and administer cognitive-behavioral therapy.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Assisted Living Facilities[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ class=”border-b-2 border-gray-200 pb-4 not-prose pt-8″]How to Become a Psychiatric Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Earn Your Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The first step in becoming a psychiatric nurse is earning a nursing degree. Once you complete your nursing courses, nurses must pass the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/guide/”]National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN)[/hen-ui-link] and apply for their nursing license through their state’s board of nursing.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can earn a two-year [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing (ADN)[/hen-ui-link] or a four-year [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link]. If you plan to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner, having a BSN gives you a broader range of options for continuing your education.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Gain Experience[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The second step is gaining nursing experience. Becoming a psychiatric nurse requires working with patients with mental health conditions.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Consider Certification[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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 [hen-ui-link href=”https://ancbonline.org/Examination” target=”_blank”]Addictions Nursing Certification Board[/hen-ui-link] or the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ahncc.org/certification/holistic-nurse/” target=”_blank”]American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Much Do Psychiatric Nurses Make?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to ZipRecruiter, the average yearly salary of psychiatric nurses is $86,659. (Salaries vary by geographic region, workplace, responsibilities, and other factors).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There is a great need for psychiatric nurses. According to the APNA, more than [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.apna.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Expanding_Mental_Health_Care_Services_in_America-The_Pivotal_Role_of_Psychiatric-Mental_Health_Nurses_04_19.pdf” target=”_blank”]75% of all U.S. counties[/hen-ui-link] have a mental health worker shortage.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Psychiatric Nurses[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the role of the psychiatric nurse?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the difference between a mental health nurse and a psychiatric nurse?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There is no significant difference between a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/mental-health-nurse/how-to-become/”]mental health nurse[/hen-ui-link] and a psychiatric nurse. The terms can be used interchangeably. The American Psychiatric Nurses Association combines the terms and defines nurses who assess, care, and treat psychological patients as psychiatric-mental health (PMH) registered nurses (RN).[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is psychiatric nursing hard?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Psychiatric nursing can be hard both physically and emotionally for nurses. It can be physically difficult because nurses must step in with other team members to restrain patients when they are combative and harmful to themselves and others.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Psychiatric nursing can be emotionally difficult because you are caring for patients who are depressed, suicidal, and/or have social constraints that you cannot control.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How much do psychiatric nurses make?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to ZipRecruiter, the average yearly salary of psychiatric nurses is $86,659. However, salaries vary by location, workplace, responsibilities, and experience.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]