Skip to content

Psychiatric nurse

Top of the page

Psychiatric nurse

Psychiatric nurses are registered nurses (RNs) who provide mental health education, treatment, and counseling to individuals and groups in a variety of settings.

Psychiatric nurses hold a nursing degree and certification (RN). This requires a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) from a 4-year university or an associate degree in nursing (ADN) from a 2-year college. All graduates must successfully pass the Registered Nurse Licensing Examination. Graduation from a state-accredited program is a prerequisite to taking the licensing examination.

Advanced practice nurses (APNs) are RNs who have met advanced educational and clinical practice requirements. They work as Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) or as Nurse Practitioners (NPs). APNs who specialize in mental health nursing diagnose and treat individuals or families. And in many states they can prescribe medicines.

A registered nurse must hold a current license in the state in which he or she practices. Licensing requirements are managed by individual state boards of nursing.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit webmdignite.com.

© 2024 Ignite Healthwise, LLC. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Ignite Healthwise, LLC.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

NOTICE: This health information was not created by Columbia University Irving Medical Center and may not necessarily reflect specific CUIMC practices. For medical advice to your personal condition, please consult your doctor. Medical advice disclaimer.