2024 Career Planning Guide
NURSING SPECIALITIES KEY : n Minimum Education required n Certifications required n Experience needed n Certification credential n Possible employment n Professional Organization n References / Resources
Psychiatric Nurse
Psychiatric Mental Health ( PMH ) nurses are trained professionals in high demand , who work at the forefront of our nation ’ s most urgent health care challenges . PMH nurses form strong therapeutic relationships with people experiencing mental health and / or substance use disorders . They screen , diagnose , and provide care for patients all across the lifespan . They also shatter the stigma associated with mental health care and treatment by educating patients , families , health care peers , and their communities that recovery from mental health and substance use disorders is possible . PMH nurses work in a variety of settings , including emergency departments , inpatient facilities , long-term care facilities , outpatient treatment programs , residential treatment facilities , and in community settings . PMH-RNs practice with an RN license and meet state board of nursing requirements .
n RN-BC , PMHNP-BC n Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Certification
n Equivalent of 2 years of practice as a full-time registered nurse 2,000 hours in clinical practice as a psychiatric-mental nurse within last 3 years ; 30 CE hours in psychiatric-mental health nursing within last 3 years n RN-BC , PMHNP-BC
n Hospitals ( acute care settings ); continuing care ( i . e ., long-term care and assisted living centers ); home healthcare ; military service ; community health settings ; ambulatory care centers ; out patient surgery centers ; medical / physician offices ; retail clinics ; correctional facilities ; private practice ; outpatient treatment programs
n American Psychiatric Nurses Association ( www . apna . org ) n Resources : http :// bit . ly / 2jeXfNW
Progressive Care Nurse
Progressive care nursing is growing and career opportunities exist where ac ill patients are cared for , such as intermediate care units , direct observation units , step-down units , telemetry units , transitional care units and emergenc departments . Work involves practice in intense environments where acutely ill adult patients require complex interventions and continuous care .
n ASN / ADN ( BSN or MSN encouraged ) n Certification for Progressive Care Nurses
n PCCN Option # 1 : 1,750 hours as RN or APRN in direct bedside care of acutely ill adult patients during the previous two years , with 875 of those hours accrued in the most recent year preceding application . n PCCN Option # 2 : Practice as an RN or APRN for at least five years with a minimum of 2,000 hours in direct bedside care of acutely ill adult patients , 144 of those hours \ accrued in the most recent year preceding application .
n PCCN n Hospitals ( acute care settings ) n American Association of Critical-Care Nurses ( www . aacn . org )
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