Career Description

Psychiatric mental health nursing is a specialty within nursing. Psychiatric mental health registered nurses work with individuals, families, groups, and communities, assessing their mental health needs. The PMHN develops a nursing diagnosis and plan of care, implements the nursing process, and evaluates it for effectiveness.

Academic Requirements

Becoming a PMHN requires formal education from a state-approved nursing school and state licensure. RNs train by completing a bachelor’s or associate’s degree program in nursing.  To obtain licensure after completion of an approved nursing program, registered nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) before practicing in the profession.