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Psychiatric Nurses


Overview

Psychiatric Nurses

Introduction

Psychiatric nurses focus on mental health. This includes the prevention of mental illness and the maintenance of good mental health, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. They care for pediatric, teenage, adult, and elderly patients who may have a broad spectrum of mentally and emotionally related medical needs. In addition to providing individualized nursing care, psychiatric nurses serve as consultants, conduct research, and work in management and administrative positions in institutions and corporations.

Quick Facts


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Median Salary

$74,610

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Employment Prospects

Good

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Minimum Education Level

Associate's Degree
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Experience

One to three years experience as a staff nurse


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Skills

Interpersonal
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Personality Traits

Helpful
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Earnings

Salary is determined by many factors, including nursing specialty, education, place of employment, shift worked, geographical location, and work experience. 

Registered nurses who worked in substance abuse and substance abuse hospitals earned mean annual salaries of $74,610 in May 2019. Salaries for all registered nurses ranged from less than $52,080 to $111,220 or more. 

Employer...

Work Environment

Government institutions, corporations, businesses, nursing homes, correctional institutions, research facilities, and hospitals may employ psychiatric nurses. Most hospital and institutional environments are clean and well lighted. Inner-city facilities and hospitals may be located in relatively unsafe areas. Generally, psychiatric nurses who wish to advance in their careers will find themselve...

Outlook

Mental illness is a leading cause of disability in the United States and mental disorders affect one in five Americans, including children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly. The need for psychiatric and other nursing specialties will be in great demand in the future. The U.S. Department of Labor projects that employment for registered nurses, in general, will grow by 12 percent through 2028...