What Psychiatric Nurses DoAssess, diagnose, and treat individuals and families with mental health or substance use disorders or the potential for such disorders. Apply therapeutic activities, including the prescription of medication, per state regulations, and the administration of psychotherapy.
- Monitor patients' medication usage and results.
- Document patients' medical and psychological histories, physical assessment results, diagnoses, treatment plans, prescriptions, or outcomes.
- Diagnose psychiatric disorders and mental health conditions.
- Evaluate patients' behavior to formulate diagnoses or assess treatments.
- Distinguish between physiologically- and psychologically-based disorders, and diagnose appropriately.
Psychiatric Nurses Education, Salary, and GrowthOnly you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.
Minimum EducationMaster Degree
Career ProspectsExcellent (Increasing by 5% or more)
Training TimeOver 4 years
Job Openings189,100 Annually
Median Earnings
$140,330 in California
$93,600 Nationally
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Is This Career Right For You?
YOU Like
- Relating with or serving others
- Thinking and problem solving
you value
- Having support
- Job security
- Personal relationships
you are skilled in
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Writing
- Reading Comprehension
Go Deeper: Psychiatric Nurses Explained
Psychiatric NurseExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.
How Do You Train for This Career?
Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.
Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years
Hybrid CollegeA hybrid college combines online learning with the student support typically offered on college campuses, giving students flexibility and accessibility while still providing a comprehensive educational experience.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 2-5 years
find training near you
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What Is the Healthcare Industry?
HealthcareThe primary activities of this group involve delivering medical care and support to patients, including diagnosing illness, treating injuries, administering medication, assisting with daily living activities, and completing corresponding administrative tasks.