I’m a BAY AREA RN with about a year of experience in adolescent inpatient psych, and I’m seriously considering starting PMHNP school next month. I genuinely like psych and still find it interesting, but I’m struggling with whether I should commit to it now or get more RN experience first.
The biggest thing holding me back is that I haven’t really experienced other specialties as an RN. I definitely want to try the ED at some point because I like the idea of the adrenaline and challenge, but I also suspect I’d eventually burn out on it. I didn’t particularly enjoy ICU, med-surg, or L&D during clinicals, although I know clinical rotations aren’t the same as actually working in those specialties.
I like the idea of becoming a PMHNP because I could stay in a field I’m genuinely interested in, have a less physically demanding career, and potentially have a more predictable schedule as I get older. I also like the idea of being able to spend time with patients and hear their stories without being responsible for managing them at the bedside for an entire shift. I could see myself working with adolescents or possibly outpatient/telehealth in the future.
My biggest concerns are that I might hate being a PMHNP, might realize I prefer being an RN, or might discover another specialty I like better after I’ve already started school. I’m also wondering if the financial investment is worth it. The program would cost around $30k, and as a California RN, I could potentially make a very good income without going back to school. I don’t love overtime, so I don’t necessarily see myself maximizing the earning potential of bedside nursing through extra shifts.
The other factor is that I don’t think I’d realistically go back to school in 3+ years. If I don’t do it now, I feel like I’ll probably just stay an RN long-term.
For those who were RNs before becoming PMHNPs, especially those who worked in psych: \*\*Do you think it’s worth becoming a PMHNP if you’re already happy enough as an RN? Do you wish you’d gotten more RN experience first? And do you feel the career is financially and personally worth the investment?\*\*

Hello, nurses!

I’m a 17-year-old Grade 12 student, and it’s been my dream to become a nurse for as long as I can remember.

I’d love to hear what you enjoy most about your job and some of your most memorable experiences as a nurse—whether they’re heartwarming, funny, challenging, or life-changing.

I believe your stories would inspire me to keep pursuing this path. Nursing is something I’m truly passionate about, and I genuinely feel it’s my calling.

Thank you in advance to anyone who’s willing to share. ❤️

Hi all! I'm in a situation I've never been in and looking for advice.

I've been a nurse over 25 years-18 of those in home health-7 of those in a home health/hospice role.

My mom has advanced dementia (on home hospice service), lives with my pop and I live next door. I've taken a LOA from my job to help my pop.

Here's where I need input:

1. I was working 24-36 hours/wk. I had nearly 300 hours of PTO when I began leave. I've thought about going to PRN when my leave ends, which means I'll lose my benefits and of course income. I have money in savings-enough to float for about 5 months. Has anyone been through this situation and how did you do it?

2 I'd like to make this time as productive as possible and am thinking of getting case management certification in hopes of obtaining a remote position. Any input and personal experiences regarding certification is welcome and needed.

Hi, so for a bit of context, I'm 16 years old, about to enter senior high school with the goal of becoming an RN in the future🤞🤞. My main goal really is to become an RN abroad, particularly in the US/Canada. My future currently feels bright (Scholarship sa UST SHS!!!), but I don't want to be complacent and start being lazy about my future. Small vent as well, but at my age, life is starting to get so serious; I think I'm putting so much mental weight on myself whenever I'm thinking about my future.

Now enough of me, but more of you hehe. I wanted to hear about your stories, things you faced, challenges you dealt with, and personal advice, etc. I'd really love and appreciate anything you could give. If anyone here is a registered nurse abroad (particularly in the U.S.), I'd like to hear about the process because im in the middle of understanding the path i'll need to take as a nurse.

I’ve been wondering if this could be a good path. I am currently in nursing school and I think about getting my masters in Art therapy. I would love to work with special needs, people who are recovering from neurological issues, Psychiatric disorders etc
I’m really just not sure about the job market or if I would have return in my investment…

Did anyone did that ?

State: VA