Structure of Psychiatric Nursing

Psychiatric nurses specialize in the assessment and treatment of psychiatric conditions and mental disorders. They provide health care to individuals, families, groups and communities to promote and generate good health and well-being.

Basic and Advanced Levels

• The practice of psychiatric-mental health nursing occurs at two levels: basic and advanced. At the first level, registered nurses work to assess mental health needs and assist in the development and implementation of a plan of nursing care. They practice in acute care or primary care facilities.

  Advanced practice registered nurses have master's or doctoral degree in psychiatric-mental health nursing and become either a clinical nurse specialist or a nurse practitioner. In addition to the tasks and responsibilities of the basic level, these advanced practice nurses also perform psychiatric evaluations and medication management as well as recommending and providing appropriate psychiatric interventions.

Specialization

• Advanced practice registered nurses in the psychiatric-mental health field can specialize in areas such as child-adolescent mental health nursing, gero-psychiatric nursing or substance-abuse.

Practice and Research

• Registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses deliver health care in clinical practices. However, those with advanced degrees may work as private consultants, teach or conduct research at universities .