A psychiatric nurse practitioner and the CNS in psychiatry is an advanced practice nurse with an MSN who is proficient in short-term psychotherapy and possesses advanced physical assessment skills. They have prescription authority, refer as needed for physician involvement, provide education regarding preventive health for medical problems, provide health screening services, offer health care services for routine physical problems, conduct short-term phychotherapy and psychoeducation.

Just a few.

Both careers overlap. Nearly one-half of patients seen by NP/CNS , approximately 47% are seen in the office setting, 18% in a free-standing clinic, and 13% in the hospital.

Advanced practice psychiatric nurses see the most commonly treated psychiatric conditions. Approximately 2/3 treat anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and PTSD. Other commonly treated disorders include eating disorders, ADHD, substance abuse, sleeping disorders.

You should check out the American Psychiatric Nurses Association and read their journal.

www.apna.org

And, Current Psychiatry at:

www.CurrentPsychiatry.com