Psychiatric nurses are specially trained nurses who care for the psychological and physical well-being of people with mental health conditions or behavioral problems.
What do they do?
Psychiatric mental health nurses (PMHNs) work to improve or support the mental and physical well-being of people with mental health or behavioral conditions.
They may also support the people close to a person with these conditions, such as family members or romantic partners.
Is psychiatric nursing hard?
Psychiatric nursing is demanding, in some ways it is more demanding than general practice nursing, but many nurses find it to be the ideal career for their qualifications and interests. It can be a financially rewarding nursing specialty as well.
What exactly does a psychiatric nurse do?
Psychiatric mental health nurses (PMHNs) work to improve or support the mental and physical well-being of people with mental health or behavioral conditions. They assess mental health needs and develop a nursing plan of care. Then they implement the plan and evaluate its effectiveness over time.
How to Become A Psychiatric Nurse Ordained In South Africa
Skills and Characteristics
Psychiatric nurses may want to have or develop particular skill sets such as the following:1
Interpersonal Communication and Collaboration – Psychiatric nurses should have good one-on-one people skills since they help administer biopsychosocial assessments, communicate with other colleagues in disciplines related to mental health, and work to educate clients and families on therapies and medications.
Problem-Solving – In mental health medicine, psychiatric nurses help assess patients by using the psychiatric diagnostic classification systems, observing and examining patient behaviors to help assess patients. Also, psychiatric nurses must recognize and manage available resources for patients and their families, coordinating care based on a patient’s diagnosis and treatment plan.
Attention to Detail – In addition to problem-solving, it is important that psychiatric nurses demonstrate care and meticulousness since their duties can include educating patients about psychopharmacologic drugs, administering such drugs, and monitoring patients taking psychopharmacologic drugs as well.
Required Education
Psychiatric nursing is comprised of two levels of expertise: basic and advanced. To fulfill a basic psychiatric nursing role, a person first needs to become a registered nurse (RN) by earning a diploma, associate degree or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited nursing program.
The potential nurse must also go through a period of supervised clinical experience. Then, the nursing candidate is required to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and become certified in his or her state of residence.2
To work in an advanced role in psychiatric mental health nursing, RNs must seek additional education and obtain a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or doctoral degree. These advanced practice nurses generally become Psychiatric Mental-Health Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) or Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs).
Certifications and Licenses
To become an RN, all nursing school graduates must apply for a license with the state board of nursing where they wish to practice.
After submitting their application, the state board will determine their eligibility to take the NCLEX,2 which is administered by a third-party company and aims to determine if students have acquired sufficient knowledge to practice nursing.3 Once approved to take the test, an RN candidate must register for the exam and pay the required exam fee of R 3022.624
Once certified and actively practicing, a nurse can pursue a psychiatric-mental health certification. Certification is available through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The criteria for psychiatric nurse certification eligibility includes
How do I become a psychiatric nurse in South Africa?
Qualifications. You need to have a Bachelor of Nursing degree, which you will take for 4 years. You can also take a 2-year nursing associate degree or a 2-3 year diploma course in nursing to start your nursing career.
How long does it take to become a psychiatric nurse In South Africa?
How many years does it take to become a PMHNP? Navigating psychiatric nurse practitioner schooling can take six years or longer depending on a student’s educational background, whether they attend classes full time, and whether they intend to pursue a DNP degree.
What exactly does a psychiatric nurse do In South Africa?
Psychiatric mental health nurses (PMHNs) work to improve or support the mental and physical well-being of people with mental health or behavioral conditions. They assess mental health needs and develop a nursing plan of care. Then they implement the plan and evaluate its effectiveness over time.
Is psychiatric nursing hard In South Africa?
Psychiatric nursing is demanding, in some ways it is more demanding than general practice nursing, but many nurses find it to be the ideal career for their qualifications and interests. It can be a financially rewarding nursing specialty as well.
Is psychiatric nursing stressful In South Africa?
Psychiatric nursing is regarded as one of the most stressful occupations in the world. It considered as a challenging task for nurses physically and psychologically especially nurses who are faced with specialized work demands as well as the risk for job stress.
What qualifications are needed to be a psychiatric nurse In South Africa?
Typically you’ll need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, possibly in English language or literature and a science subject, plus two A levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications for an undergraduate degree. Some universities may ask for three A levels or equivalent.
Can you be a psychiatrist with a psychology degree In South Africa?
Although a bachelor’s degree in psychology is a good choice for an aspiring psychiatrist, it doesn’t prepare you to practice this medical specialty. In order to become a psychiatrist, you need to complete a medical degree program, as well as finish a 4- or 5-year residency in psychiatry.
Can you be a psychiatrist with a master’s degree In South Africa?
Continuing Education and Certification
A master’s degree in psychiatry does not exist, so students will have to earn an M.D. instead and then specialize in psychiatry during clinical residency. Once students have completed all requirements, they can seek board certification to become board certified psychiatrists.
How long does it take to get a masters degree in psychiatry?
On average, a master’s degree takes 1.5 to 2 years for full-time students to complete.31