Psychiatric-Mental Health (PMH) registered nurses (RN) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) represent the second largest group of behavioral health professionals in the U.S. They work in a variety of settings and provide comprehensive care to individuals, families, groups, and communities. PMH nurses form strong therapeutic relationships with individuals across the lifespan – becoming familiar with their stories and challenges – to transform lives in a positive way.
Psychiatric-mental health nursing requires a wide range of nursing, psychosocial, and neurobiological expertise. PMH nurses promote well-being through prevention and education, in addition to the assessment, diagnosis, care, and treatment of mental health and substance use disorders.
PMH Registered Nurses (RN) and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) are well-educated and practice according to high quality licensing and credentialing standards. They enjoy strong compensation and career flexibility due to high demand for their services.
“People with mental health or substance use problems have the same hopes, desires, and dreams that everybody else does. If we focus on helping people have productive, meaningful lives and being part of a community and giving them a purpose – that to me gives more satisfaction than anything.” – Susie M. Adams, 2019 APNA Psychiatric Nurse of the Year
