Job Description of a Psychiatric Nurse

Psychiatric nurses care for people who have severe mental disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, substance addiction and dementia. Psychiatric nurses must be registered nurses or nurse practitioners.

Location

Psychiatric nurses work in mental health facilities, hospitals, outpatient treatment centers, government agencies and long-term care centers.

General Function

These nurses evaluate patient needs and develop nursing plans of treatment. They assist patients with daily living tasks as needed, and help them regain or improve their abilities.

Treatment

Psychiatric nurses administer and monitor any treatment regimens as specified by the psychiatrist, such as certain medications or activities.

Considerations

The job description of a psychiatric nurse includes performing crisis intervention in cases such as suicide attempts and outbreaks of violent behavior.

Specialization

Advanced practice psychiatric nurses, who usually have a master's degree in nursing, can specialize in areas such as pediatric mental health, geriatric mental health, substance abuse or forensic nursing.

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