Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
The field of psychiatric mental health nursing is involved with the care of patients living with a wide range of emotional and mental health problems ranging from stress, anxiety, depression, substance abuse and addiction, behavioral issues, and other complex mental health conditions. This particular specialty focuses on providing care to individual patients, groups, families, and communities.
The demand for mental and psychiatric health services has been on a constant rise in the past decade. Between 2014 and 2015, the demand for psychiatric and mental nurse practitioners increased by 17%. This increase can be linked directly to the declining stigma revolving around mental health conditions. Currently, the demand for psychiatric mental nurses is high and is expected to continue increasing to fill the existing void in mental health care.
What do Psychiatric Mental health nurses do?
Psychiatric mental health nurses (PMHNs) are nurse practitioners who have additional and specialized training in caring for the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of people with mental disorders and behavioral problems. In simple words, they assess and take care of the mental health care needs of individuals, families, groups, and communities. They are involved in diagnosing, treating, and managing different mental conditions using a wide array of treatment plans, including therapies and medications. Psychiatric mental health nurses are also involved in counseling, educating, and offering emotional support to patients and their families.
Where do PMHNs work?
PMHNs can work in a variety of health care settings, including hospitals, schools for people with mental problems, psychiatric hospitals, homes, rehabilitation centers, correctional facilities, military clinics and hospitals, and outpatient mental health organizations. Psychiatric mental health nurse often works with every segment of the population, but they can also specialize in dealing with specific populations like children, adolescents, adults, older people, patients with addiction problems, and those living with eating disorders.
Conditions they treat
Usually, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner cannot treat any mental health condition. They work closely with other mental health specialists, including psychotherapists, psychiatrists, and social health care workers, to develop and implement different care plans. However, a psychiatric nurse will usually care for patients with anxiety disorders, mood disorders, substance abuse and addiction, personality disorders, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Becoming a psychiatric or mental nurse
Like most other nursing specialties, becoming a psychiatric mental nurse practitioner requires one to first become a registered nurse by obtaining either a diploma, associate’s degree, or a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN). The next step is to seek certification by passing the NCLEX examinations. After becoming a certified registered nurse, you are required to go through a period of at least two years of supervised clinical practice. To become a psychiatric mental health nurse, you will need to obtain a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), which takes two years to complete with a specialization in psychiatric-mental health nursing.
References
Barker, P., 2017. Psychiatric and mental health nursing: The craft of caring. CRC Press.
Halter, M.J., 2017. Varcarolis’ Foundations of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing-E-Book: A Clinical Approach. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Townsend, M.C. and Morgan, K.I., 2017. Psychiatric mental health nursing: Concepts of care in evidence-based practice. FA Davis.

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