Definition:
Psychiatric nurses have achieved a nursing degree - an Associate's, Bachelor's or Master's degree - specializing in the mental health field. They provide care and treatment to those with mental illnesses. They often work in psychiatric treatment centers and hospital units. They serve as crisis intervention specialists, counselors and often monitor treatment progress. Some may also serve as consultants and teachers. The American Psychiatric Nurses Association provides details about this nursing specialty.
Psychiatric nurses have achieved a nursing degree - an Associate's, Bachelor's or Master's degree - specializing in the mental health field. They provide care and treatment to those with mental illnesses. They often work in psychiatric treatment centers and hospital units. They serve as crisis intervention specialists, counselors and often monitor treatment progress. Some may also serve as consultants and teachers. The American Psychiatric Nurses Association provides details about this nursing specialty.
For those with mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, your nurse during a psychiatric hospitalization will probably be a psychiatric nurse. The nurse at your psychiatrist’s office may be as well.
Please see Who Are All These Mental Healthcare Professionals? for more information regarding other members of treatment teams for those with bipolar disorder.
Also Known As: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse
