Psychiatric Nursing
Psychiatric nursing or mental health nursing is the appointed position of a nurse that specializes
in mental health, and cares for people of all ages experiencing mental illnesses or distress. These
include: neurodevelopmental disorders, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, mood
disorders, addiction, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders, suicidal
thoughts, psychosis, paranoia, and self-harm.
Nurses in this area receive specific training in psychological therapies, building a therapeutic
alliance, dealing with challenging manners, and the administration of psychiatric medication.
In most countries, after the 1990s, a psychiatric nurse would have to attain a bachelor's degree in
nursing to become a Registered nurse, and specializes in mental health. Degrees vary in different
countries, and are governed by country-specific regulations. In the United States one can become a
RN, and a psychiatric nurse, by completing either a diploma program, an associate (ASN) degree, or
a bachelor's (BSN) degree.
,
Psychiatric nursing or mental health nursing is the appointed position of a nurse that specializes
in mental health, and cares for people of all ages experiencing mental illnesses or distress. These
include: neurodevelopmental disorders, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, mood
disorders, addiction, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders, suicidal
thoughts, psychosis, paranoia, and self-harm.
Nurses in this area receive specific training in psychological therapies, building a therapeutic
alliance, dealing with challenging manners, and the administration of psychiatric medication.
In most countries, after the 1990s, a psychiatric nurse would have to attain a bachelor's degree in
nursing to become a Registered nurse, and specializes in mental health. Degrees vary in different
countries, and are governed by country-specific regulations. In the United States one can become a
RN, and a psychiatric nurse, by completing either a diploma program, an associate (ASN) degree, or
a bachelor's (BSN) degree.
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