The Ins and Outs of Being a PMHNP-BC

Thinking about the next step in your career? The nursing profession is a robust field, with certifications running the gamut of clinical, managerial, and educational specialties. But which is the best choice for you? Here, we’ll take a deep dive into what it means to be a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: What Does It Mean?

If you find yourself caring deeply about not only the physical well-being of your patients but also their emotional and mental health; if you are drawn to addressing maladies such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, then give serious thought to becoming a PMHNP. And if you do, you’ll be in demand, as patients need the skills of these advanced practice nurses. In 2018, according to one government estimate, approximately 47.6 million adults aged 18 or older (19.1 percent of U.S. adults) experienced a mental illness in the past year. Roughly 12,700 NPs are certified in psychiatric-mental health.

What Does a PMHNP Do?

As you might expect, a PMHNP assesses, diagnoses, and treats mental health needs. You may provide counseling, psychotherapy, and prescribe medications. As a PMHNP, you’ll have opportunities in a wide variety of settings and patient populations. You might choose to counsel children, teenagers, adults, couples, or families. You can work in an institution such as a hospital or clinic, an outpatient setting, or you deliver care in your own private practice. Many PMHNPs coordinate care with other health professionals. As far as patient conditions, the top diagnoses that certified PMHNPs see are depression, anxiety, insomnia and dementia.

What Type of Person Is a PMHNP?

You’ll need to be deeply attuned to mental health issues and dedicated to working with patients struggling to cope with a wide range of emotional issues. You’ll need to be empathetic and a consummate communicator. You’ll need to be your patient’s advocate, sounding board, guide and trusted advisor.

How Do I Become a PMHNP?

As a nurse practitioner, you’ll have completed a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) or have earned a doctorate. You’ll have studied psychiatric-mental health courses. To be eligible to earn ANCC certification, you’ll need to hold an active RN license; have practiced the equivalent of 2 years full-time as an RN; have at least 2,000 hours of clinical practice in psychiatric–mental health nursing within the last 3 years; and have completed 30 hours of CE in psychiatric–mental health nursing within the last 3 years.

Are You Preparing for the Exam?

Start by taking a free PMHNP practice test. For more study options, choose from our PMHNP review book and PMHNP review digital products, featuring abundant practice questions to help you make the grade!

Resources

Are You Considering a Career as Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner? (2020, March 9). Retrieved from https://www.aanp.org/news-feed/are-you-considering-a-career-as-psychiatric-mental-health-nurse-practitioner

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2019). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (HHS Publication No. PEP19-5068, NSDUH Series H-54). Rockville, MD: Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/data/
2019 AANP National NP Sample Survey: Compensation