Certifications for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses

Certifications for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses

by | Aug 9, 2024 | Certification, Magazine, mental health | 0 comments

Psychiatric mental health registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) play vital roles in providing care in the behavioral health setting. They are the second largest group of behavioral health professionals. But what exactly is their role? certifications-for-psychiatric-mental-health-nurses

What Does A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Do?

Psychiatric mental health RNs provide care in the inpatient and outpatient settings. Their primary duties include

  • Work directly with the patient to promote health and assist patients in achieving their goals. 
  • Complete assessments and educate patients and their families on treatment plans, including diagnoses, medications, and therapeutic techniques to manage symptoms. 
  • Practice crisis intervention and stabilization. 
  • Collaborate with the interprofessional team, including case management and social work.
  • Coordinate care between the patient and any other needed specialties or resources.

Psychiatric mental health APRNs work in the inpatient and outpatient settings and are more involved in the treatment and management of their patients. The duties of the psychiatric mental health APRN include

  • They perform comprehensive head-to-toe evaluations, order diagnostic tests when indicated, and interpret these findings to formulate diagnoses and develop individualized treatment plans.
  • Utilize appropriate screening tools for diagnostic purposes.Utilize appropriate screening tools for diagnostic purposes.
  • Prescribe medications for acute and chronic illnesses.
  • Provide therapy interventions with the patient, family, or in group settings.
  • Collaborate with the interprofessional team and refer to other healthcare providers when needed. 
  • Policy development

Certifications For Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses

Many nursing specialties have certifications that nurses can pursue to demonstrate passion, commitment, and expertise in their specialty. To obtain these certifications, additional studying and, for some, schooling are needed in addition to passing an exam. 

There are no specific psychiatric mental health RN certifications. However, continuing education (CEUs) for nurses dedicated to psychiatric mental health nursing/behavioral health nursing can expand knowledge and ensure evidence-based medicine is practiced. 

There are, however, certifications for the psychiatric mental health APRN.  

  • ANCC Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) (Across the Lifespan): This certification exam is for those who have graduated from an accredited psychiatric-mental health NP program and completed all other eligibility requirements. Those who sit for this exam exhibit a passion and commitment to providing high-quality care, and the certification demonstrates entry-level clinical knowledge and skills along with commitment and passion for psychiatric mental health nursing. Once the NP passes the exam, they are awarded the credential PMHNP-BC. This indicates they are board-certified, and this credential must be renewed every five years. 
  • AANP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP): This certification exam is for those who have graduated from an accredited psychiatric-mental health NP program and completed all other eligibility requirements. Those who sit for this exam exhibit a passion and commitment to providing high-quality care, and the certification demonstrates entry-level clinical knowledge and skills across the lifespan. Once the NP passes the exam, they are awarded the credential PMHNP-C. This indicates they are board-certified, and this credential must be renewed every five years. 

Nurses’ knowledge, skills, and commitment to providing high-quality care are just a few qualities that make them invaluable members of the healthcare team. The role of psychiatric mental health RNs and APRNs is no exception. The certification and CEUs completed by these healthcare professionals demonstrate the dedication and passion they show daily to their patients, family members, and healthcare team.

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