As a psychiatric nurse, you’re likely plenty familiar with the prevalence of mental health issues in this country:
- More than 1 in 5 adults have some type of mental illness.
- More than 1 in 5 youth (ages 13 through 18) currently have or have had a seriously debilitating mental illness.
- Around 1 in 25 adults has a serious mental illness.
If you’re looking for psych nurse jobs, there are opportunities for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs), and certified nursing assistants (CNAs). Start searching IntelyCare today for full-time, part-time, contract, temporary, or per diem openings.
Psych Nurse Education and Skills
The path to become a psychiatric nurse starts with completing either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN) from an approved program. An ADN takes around two years to complete, and a BSN takes around four years. You’ll then need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for your RN license. If you want to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner, you’ll have to complete further educational and licensing requirements. However, you can begin work sooner as a CNA or LPN/LVN.
After you have two years of experience under your belt, consider earning Psychiatric Mental Health (PMH) certification to demonstrate your competency in this specialty area.
Aside from clinical training, having a compassionate and caring nature is crucial when working with patients who have behavioral health issues. For more insight into what an employer might be seeking in a candidate, check out this sample psychiatric nurse job template.
Resume and Cover Letter for Psych Nursing Jobs
To stay one step ahead of the competition, make sure to customize your psych nurse resume to the job postings to which you plan on applying. For instance, if the posting says the ideal candidate “takes a caring and holistic approach to reach positive patient outcomes,” include that phrase in your resume.
In your cover letter, provide specific examples of how you cared for patients and focused not only on their physical ailments but also on their emotional and mental well-being. Doing this shows the employer that your skills are aligned with the demands of the role.
Interviewing for Psychiatric Nurse Jobs
It’s important to make a great first impression when you interview for psychiatric nursing jobs. A poised and professional demeanor is a must. To help calm any nerves you might have, take the time to review our top nursing interview questions and answers so you can feel prepared.
Psych Nurse Salary
The average psychiatric nurse salary is around $83,900 per year. Your location, years of experience, facility type, and employer can affect what you earn. For a better indication of how much you could make in your area, explore the current openings on IntelyCare.
Ready to Find Psych Nurse Jobs?
Check out all the positions available right now. Want to see other options? IntelyCare can match you with even more nursing jobs that interest you.