What does a Psychiatric Nurse do?

Psychiatric Nurses work as part of a mental health care team to provide treatment to patients who need psychiatric care. They can work in clinical settings, such as hospitals or outpatient clinics, and non-clinical facilities, such as schools, nursing homes and correctional facilities. 

Regardless of where they work, they provide direct patient care, which can include treatments, medication and education. Psychiatric Nurses might perform intake evaluations and continue to monitor the patient, looking for any changes and reporting them to the physician in charge. They help patients find the coping mechanisms, medications and treatments that assist them in managing their mental health conditions. 

Psychiatric Nurse skills and qualifications

To be successful, Psychiatric Nurses need a variety of skills and qualifications. You might list several specific skills and qualifications in your psychiatric job description, including:

• Strong decision-making and professional judgment

• Effective interpersonal communication skills

• Understanding of psychiatric conditions and treatments

• Proficiency in administering various medications and treatment protocols

• Ability to work well as part of a treatment team

• Compassion and empathy

• Ability to develop relationships and trust with patients and their families

Psychiatric Nurse experience requirements

Working in a specialty field like psychiatric nursing usually requires a few years of general nursing experience. This helps candidates become proficient in general patient care, case management and documentation. You might include a preference for experience in a mental health setting in your job description for a Psychiatric Nurse. This gives applicants hands-on experience in the duties and treatments they’ll perform regularly in the role. 

Psychiatric Nurse education and training requirements

All Psychiatric Nurses need to complete a valid registered nursing program, resulting in either an associate or bachelor’s degree. Candidates with bachelor’s degrees often have deeper knowledge of the field. They must also complete all state licensing requirements to become an RN. This includes passing the NCLEX-RN exam. 

While no additional certifications are required, you might include a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification (PMH-BC) as a preferred qualification in your Psychiatric Nurse job description. To earn the certification, an RN must have the equivalent of two years of full-time RN work, at least 2,000 hours of clinical work in a psychiatric nursing role and 30 hours or more of continuing education in the psychiatry area within the last three years.

Psychiatric Nurse salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Psychiatric Nurse is $57.11 per hour. The specific salary range for your Psychiatric Nurse job description can vary depending on your location, specific job duties and the candidate’s experience.

Job description samples for similar positions

If the job description of Psychiatric Nurse roles isn’t what you need, consider these similar job descriptions that might be a better fit for your organization:

• Mental health technician

• Psychiatrist

• Psychologist

• Registered nurse

Psychiatric Nurse job description FAQs

What’s the difference between a Psychiatric Nurse and a Psychiatric Nurse practitioner?

A Psychiatric Nurse practitioner earns a minimum of a master’s degree in the field compared to an associate or bachelor’s degree for a Psychiatric Nurse. They often have a deeper understanding of what diseases and symptoms a patient might have and why those things happen. Psychiatric Nurse practitioners can usually diagnose conditions and create treatment plans, either on their own or under minimal supervision from a doctor. Psychiatric Nurses work under physicians or NPs and carry out plans.

What should you look for in a Psychiatric Nurse resume?

Check for experience in a psychiatric setting to choose a candidate with on-the-job experience. A candidate with the PMH-BC designation shows that they have clinical experience as well as verifiable knowledge. You might look for experience with specific treatments you use or patient software in your facility. 

What makes a good Psychiatric Nurse job description?

A good Psychiatric Nurse job description highlights the perks of the organization and the specifics of the job. It includes the types of patients and duties the incumbent will perform on a regular basis. Highlight any unique benefits of the organization, such as special job benefits or convenient commuting. 

What qualities make a good Psychiatric Nurse?

Success as a Psychiatric Nurse requires empathy and the ability to connect with patients. Candidates should have strong attention to detail so they can identify symptoms and notice changes in patients. Psychiatric Nurses need to maintain a calm demeanor and be able to handle psychiatric emergencies well. A candidate who is a natural teacher can also be beneficial in assisting patients.