Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner jobs (also called PMHNP jobs) require a dedication to providing advanced treatment to patients who have psychiatric disorders and/or substance abuse problems.
But, as you know, psych NP jobs are not just about treating a person’s physical condition; the effects of psychiatric issues are far-reaching. Compared to people who don’t have a mental illness:
- Adults with depression are at greater risk for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
- People who have a mental illness are more likely to be unemployed.
- High school students with significant depression are more likely to drop out of school.
Now is a great time to look for psychiatric nurse practitioner jobs, as the NP profession is expected to grow by 46% over the next decade — an enormous increase that is much faster than the average for all other occupations. Credenza has a range of full-time, part-time, contract, temporary, and per diem positions.
Explore the latest psychiatric nurse practitioner jobs today, or check out related roles such as NP memory care jobs and NP hospice jobs. You can also build up a private practice and offer mental health services to patients through a company like Headway, which handles insurance and credentialing.
Education and Skills for PMHNP Jobs
The steps required to become a PMHNP begins by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. After passing, you can apply for RN licensure with your state board of nursing. Some accredited PMHNP programs may require you to have a few years of clinical nursing experience before you are eligible to enroll.
You then have two options: Earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP). Either way, you will need to work 500 faculty-supervised hours before you can sit for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner board certification (PMHNP-BC) examination. Once you have met all of your state’s requirements, you may apply for advanced licensure and begin searching for psych nurse practitioner jobs.
For more insight into what employers may be looking for in candidates, see our sample job description for a psych NP.
Resume and Cover Letter for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Jobs
Want to know one way to stand out from the competition as you start applying to psychiatric NP jobs? Make sure your application materials are customized to each job; check out the job ad to see which skills are prioritized. If an employer is hoping to hire a candidate who can provide “evaluation, assessment, and treatment of adult and dual diagnosis patients,” include that phrase in your PMHNP resume.
In your NP cover letter, describe how your work style and values would complement the team. If the organization prides itself on providing compassionate care, talk about the empathy you could bring to the role. This can show an employer that you’re aligned with them.
Interviewing for Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Jobs
No matter how much education or experience you have under your belt, you’re bound to get a little nervous when you interview for psych nurse practitioner jobs. But taking the time to prepare and practice your answers can make you feel more confident. Check out some common interview questions for psychiatric NPs to find out what you can expect.
Salary for a Psych Nurse Practitioner
The average salary for nurse practitioners is $137,300 per year, but for NPs who work in psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals, that number jumps to $150,110. Your pay for mental health NP jobs can vary depending on your education level, years of experience, the facility in which you work, and location. These states have some of the highest annual salaries for NPs:
For a more accurate picture of what PMHNP jobs' salary expectations might be in your location, view the current openings on Credenza.
Explore Great PMHNP Jobs on Credenza
Take a look at the open psych NP jobs to find one that works for you. Want more options? Review all the latest nurse practitioner jobs available now in your area.
