In today’s world of increased awareness of mental illness, the
nursing field has seen a rise in the need for psychiatric nurses to
fill positions in hospitals, institutions, and rehabilitation
centers. A psychiatric nurse is a registered nurse who works
directly with mentally ill patients who are confined to a mental
health facility. The basic duties and responsibilities of a
psychiatric nurse consist of direct care of pyschiatric patients,
medication administration, patient therapy, and patient evaluation
under the supervision of a physician.
A psychiatric nurse is the first line of care for mentally ill
patients. This is a vital position due to the fact that the
physicians rely heavily on the communication from the nurses in
order to properly treat the patients. An important skill that is
required of individuals interested in pursuing a career in
psychiatric nursing is the ability to handle crises, both verbal
and physical in nature. Mental illness tends to open up the
possibility of violence in some patients. The fortitude to handle
such situations is essential for a psychiatric nurse.
Educational requirements for psychiatric nursing include a
bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited college or
university, state licensure as a registered nurse, as well as
direct training in a psychiatric hospital setting. Continued
education in order to maintain certification as a registered nurse
throughout the span of the career as a psychiatric nurse will also
be necessary. Continuing education for a psychiatric nurse is
similar to that of a registered nurse.
The average salary and earning potential for a psychiatric nurse
ranges from a starting salary of $55,000 to $67,000 per year. This
occupation is continually expanding and job security is higher than
the average employment opportunities on the market today.
For individuals who have an interest in psychology, psychiatry,
and nursing, this field is an excellent choice to blend all three
key areas into one career through psychiatric nursing. The overall
importance of this position in the realm of patient care should not
be under-estimated.
