Qualifications/Skills of a Psych Nurse

It’s important to point out that psych nurses are not social workers or psychologists, even though they may work in tandem with each other and collaborate. The nursing process informs everything that you will do as a psych nurse.

So, it is very appropriate that, as with many exciting nurse specialties, the road to a career in psych nursing starts with an RN. You can reach that first goal by completing nursing school, passing the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination) exam, and getting a license to practice nursing in your state. 

If you’re already a registered nurse looking to transition into psych nursing, the path will be easier–after all, you already have your education and licensing in place. Now, it’s time to obtain some specific training in order to be considered for psych RN jobs.

The American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) offers a certification for psych nurses who are looking to advance their careers and skill sets. The Transitions in Practice (ATP) Certificate program covers the knowledge and information foundational to psychiatric-mental health (PMH) nursing practice.

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)also offers a certification known as the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification (RN-BC) for registered nurses, as well as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) Certification (PMHNP-BC) for nurse practitioners. The RN-BC credential shows that you’ve demonstrated competency and specialized knowledge that will be required of you as you care for patients in the psychiatric–mental health realm.

Read More About Psych Travel Nursing Salary and Requirements from the link below.