Psychiatric Nurse Jobs: Salary, Duties, and Training?

Psychiatric nurses provide vital mental health services to individuals, families, and communities. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, and private practice.

Salary

The median annual salary for psychiatric nurses was $75,330 in May 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The top 10% of earners made more than $105,990, while the bottom 10% earned less than $54,100.

Duties

Psychiatric nurses perform a variety of duties, including:

* Assessing patients' mental health needs

* Developing and implementing treatment plans

* Providing psychotherapy and counseling

* Administering medication

* Monitoring patients' progress

* Educating patients and their families about mental illness

* Advocating for patients' rights

Training

Psychiatric nurses must have a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) and be licensed as a registered nurse (RN). They must also complete a specialized psychiatric nursing program. These programs typically last for one to two years and include coursework in mental health, psychiatric nursing, and clinical experience.

Some psychiatric nurses also choose to pursue a master's degree in nursing (MSN). This can lead to higher salaries and more advanced positions.

Job Outlook

The BLS projects that the employment of psychiatric nurses will grow 15% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to be driven by the increasing demand for mental health services.

If you are interested in a career in psychiatric nursing, you should have a strong desire to help others, as well as excellent communication and problem-solving skills. You should also be able to work independently and as part of a team.