Psychiatric nursing, also known as mental health nursing, is a branch of nursing that focuses on caring for people who are suffering from mental illness, psychological disorders, or emotional distress. Psychiatric nurses can care for people at all stages of life, though some choose to specialize in areas of special interest, such as caring for adolescents or dealing with geriatric patients. Employment opportunities in psychiatric nursing are diverse, as are the pay rates, which range from well-paid nurses in private institutions to staff at government-funded mental health clinics.
To become a psychiatric nurse, one must first complete nursing school, ideally with courses in psychology and psychiatry as well as practicum hours working with mentally ill patients. Following nursing school, psychiatric nursing certifications usually include training in specific mental health topics such as psychiatric medications, counseling, and psychology. Students also learn how to build positive patient relationships, as the relationship between the care provider and the patient is particularly important in mental health treatment plans.
Nurses who have been trained in this field can recognize the signs of psychological disorders and work to prevent them from becoming severe. They can also help patients develop treatment plans and collaborate with other mental health professionals to meet their needs. Psychiatric nursing also includes routine nursing tasks such as administering medication and assisting patients, as some cases of mental illness are also accompanied physical problems, which can range from dental issues due to neglect to physical impairments caused brain damage. The overall goal is to keep the patient’s quality of life high while also promoting overall health, not just good mental health.
Psychiatric nurses can assist in group counseling sessions in addition to caring for individual patients. They could also work on developing sound healthcare policies that promote mental health maintenance. Psychiatric nursing is a broad branch of nursing, and a psychiatric nurse’s knowledge and experience can be extremely useful when discussing public health initiatives, community outreach programs, and other healthcare initiatives.
Although board certification is not required for those interested in working in psychiatric nursing, it is strongly recommended. Candidates may be required to submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other supporting materials in addition to passing a special exam. Board-certified psychiatric nurses are more employable, and they may be eligible for higher-paying senior positions.