By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: What Is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner?
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Career > What Is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner?
CareerNursing

What Is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner?

Psychiatric nurse practitioners are playing a key role in the future of the psychiatric profession.

Abby Norman
Abby Norman
Share
4 Min Read
Psychiatric Nurse
Shutterstock Licensed Photo - 1623984853
SHARE

Millions of people experience mental health problems each year. According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), approximately 21% of adults, or 52.9 million people, in the U.S. experienced mental illness in 2020. In the same year, 46.2% of these received mental illness treatment.

Contents
  • What Does a PNP Do?
  • PNP Salary

Psychiatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) are at the forefront of this area of healthcare and are specially trained with the skills needed to identify and treat people who are suffering from mental health issues. Nurse practitioner (NP) is also one of the fastest-growing fields in the U.S. at this time, with projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) showing NPs will be the number one fastest-growing occupation in the U.S. over the next decade.

PNPs are also in high demand in the U.S. at this time due to the mental health crisis facing the country coupled with a shortage of experienced professionals. With ample job opportunities in a variety of different settings, the role of a PNP has never been so highly sought after. One of the ways to become a PNP is through a direct entry masters nursing online program. In this article, we will look more closely at the role of a PNP and what it entails.

What Does a PNP Do?

PNPs are responsible for assessing, diagnosing, and recommending treatment plans for patients with various mental health disorders. Some of the most common mental health issues PNPs treat include anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

More Read

medical careers for 2024
5 Lucrative Medical Careers Worth Considering
How To Make The Most Money As A Travel Nurse
How to Advance Your Healthcare Career in the New Year
8 Tips To Decontaminate After A Long Nursing Shift
What Nursing Fields Require the Best Communication Skills?

PNPs will carry out their duties through studying patient medical histories, performing psychiatric evaluations and working alongside doctors, psychiatrists and other health professionals.  Some of the day-to-day duties of a PNP may include the following:

  • Monitoring patients’ ability to take care of themselves and function independently
  • Diagnosing mental health illnesses in their patients based on their symptoms and behaviors
  • Helping patients maintain mental and physical health through exercise and nutrition
  • Assessing patients’ for their mental, social, and emotional fitness
  • Engaging in crisis intervention and psychiatric rehabilitation
  • Teaching self-care activities and helping patients cultivate healthier and more positive thinking and behaviors
  • Helping patients overcome substance misuse
  • Develop outreach programs to educate and help communities better understand those who suffer from mental illness.

In addition to the above, NPs can also play an instrumental role in health care reform and policy development relating to mental health issues. Some of the opportunities for affecting change include the following:

  • Influencing public policy development
  • Advocating for people who need psychiatric care
  • Engaging in healthcare initiatives in different organizations and settings
  • Lobbying for legislative changes that will benefit their field and their patients

PNP Salary

The high demand for NPs in this field also translates into a higher earning potential for practitioners with the average PNP salary being $126,390 per year. This enables nursing in this field to enjoy financial job security as they provide invaluable mental health treatment to their patients and communities.

PNPs make a positive difference to the lives of those struggling with mental illness. The high demand and high salaries allow practitioners in this field to deliver much-needed healthcare while pursuing a rewarding and fulfilling profession.

TAGGED:psychiatric carepsychiatric nurse
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share
By Abby Norman
My name is Abby Norman and I am a healthcare blogger. With over 10 years of experience in the medical field, I have developed a passion for helping others understand the complexities of healthcare.

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

Epidemiological Health Benefits
Personal and Epidemiological Health Benefits of Blood Pressure Management
Health
October 13, 2025
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries: What Families Need to Know
Policy & Law
October 10, 2025
Remote Monitoring touchpoints
Remote Monitoring Touchpoints Patients Will Actually Follow
Technology
October 9, 2025
dental care
Importance of Good Dental Care for Health and Confidence
Dental health Specialties
October 2, 2025

You Might also Like

Understaffing in Nursing Homes
Nursing

The Hidden Dangers of Understaffing in Nursing Homes: Legal Implications

November 25, 2024
nursing shifts
Nursing

4 Easy Ways to Deal With a Long Nursing Shift

February 26, 2023
family nurse
CareerNursing

Why You Should Consider a Career as a Family Nurse Practitioner

October 1, 2022
studying a career in medicine
CareerMedical Education

Top 4 Reasons to Consider Getting a Medical Degree in 2021

May 25, 2021
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?