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Job outlook for psychiatric registered nurses in the United States
Psychiatric registered nurse job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected psychiatric registered nurse job growth rate is 6% from 2018-2028.
About 195,400 new jobs for psychiatric registered nurses are projected over the next decade.
Psychiatric registered nurse salaries have increased 10% for psychiatric registered nurses in the last 5 years.
There are over 37,250 psychiatric registered nurses currently employed in the United States.
There are 640,480 active psychiatric registered nurse job openings in the US.
The average psychiatric registered nurse salary is $73,053.
Are psychiatric registered nurse jobs in demand?
Psychiatric registered nurse job and salary trends over time
Psychiatric registered nurse jobs over time
Psychiatric registered nurse job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 37,250 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 36,504 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 36,453 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 36,082 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 35,531 | 0.01% |
Average psychiatric registered nurse salary over time
Psychiatric registered nurse salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $73,053 | $35.12 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $71,084 | $34.18 | +2.2% |
| 2023 | $69,562 | $33.44 | +2.5% |
| 2022 | $67,884 | $32.64 | +2.3% |
| 2021 | $66,381 | $31.91 | +1.4% |
Psychiatric registered nurse jobs by state
Most common states for psychiatric registered nurses
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vermont | 623,657 | 535 | 86% |
| 2 | Delaware | 961,939 | 794 | 83% |
| 3 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 621 | 82% |
| 4 | Alaska | 739,795 | 600 | 81% |
| 5 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 1,075 | 80% |
| 6 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 1,068 | 80% |
| 7 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 692 | 80% |
| 8 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 15,624 | 74% |
| 9 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 4,819 | 70% |
| 10 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 2,189 | 70% |
| 11 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 704 | 67% |
| 12 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 468 | 67% |
| 13 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 4,707 | 64% |
| 14 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 3,531 | 63% |
| 15 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 1,313 | 63% |
| 16 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 1,873 | 62% |
| 17 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 1,086 | 60% |
| 18 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 2,112 | 59% |
| 19 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 6,092 | 58% |
| 20 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 323 | 56% |
Most common cities for psychiatric registered nurses
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bangor | 11 | 34% | $75,460 |
| 2 | Peoria | 8 | 7% | $78,774 |
| 3 | Lynn | 6 | 6% | $98,067 |
| 4 | Brandon | 5 | 5% | $61,628 |
| 5 | Clearwater | 5 | 4% | $61,648 |
| 6 | Grand Rapids | 5 | 3% | $80,282 |
| 7 | Detroit | 14 | 2% | $82,734 |
| 8 | Saint Petersburg | 6 | 2% | $61,758 |
| 9 | Baltimore | 6 | 1% | $81,657 |
| 10 | Boston | 5 | 1% | $98,087 |
| 11 | Kansas City | 5 | 1% | $58,568 |
| 12 | Los Angeles | 8 | 0% | $106,243 |
| 13 | New York | 8 | 0% | $112,814 |
| 14 | Houston | 6 | 0% | $61,849 |
| 15 | Phoenix | 6 | 0% | $77,144 |
| 16 | San Diego | 6 | 0% | $103,296 |
Psychiatric Registered Nurse job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of psychiatric registered nurse experts
California State University - Dominguez Hills
Prairie View A & M University
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Mars Hill University
Missouri State University
New York University
New York University
Western Carolina University
Elmhurst University
Oakland University
Hope College
Brenau University
University of Hawaii Maui College
University of New Haven
Barry University
Adelphi University
Cathy Andrade DNP, MSN, RN
Assistant ProfessorCalifornia State University - Dominguez Hills
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to a Psychiatric Registered Nurse?
Cathy Andrade DNP, MSN, RN: It seems we are in a phase in healthcare where the use of technology is growing at a rapid pace. Having an open mind to accept and continue to build skills using new technologies will continue to be important factors for the future of nursing practice.
What Psychiatric Registered Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Cathy Andrade DNP, MSN, RN: My advice to Registered Nurses entering the workforce is to be open to opportunities that may not be their first choice. This can mean a nursing position in a department or a shift they may not have considered but may lead to future opportunities for a more desirable shift, or an opportunity in their preferred specialty.
What will help Psychiatric Registered Nurses increase their earning potential?
Cathy Andrade DNP, MSN, RN: Nurses who have a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree often find there are more opportunities for employment for positions with higher salaries. An example of this is the Magnet designation for hospitals, which requires that at least 80% of their nursing positions be filled by BSN prepared RNs. These positions generally offer higher salaries than positions in sub-acute care settings and in home health.
Wendy Bowles PhD, APRN-CNP, CNE
Associate Clinical Professor, Associate Dean for Baccalaureate ProgramsWhat general advice would you give to a Psychiatric Registered Nurse?
Wendy Bowles PhD, APRN-CNP, CNE: To maximize your salary potential you should consider going back to school and pursuing your doctorate degree from a high quality, reputable institution. There are many programs that offer BSN to doctorate pathways and that will enhance earnings potential.
What will help Psychiatric Registered Nurses increase their earning potential?
Wendy Bowles PhD, APRN-CNP, CNE: Nursing offers many opportunities for a career and you never know what door will open for you in your calling to care. You should explore many possibilities and not limit yourself to any one particular area. It is also important to explore your future career and educational doors in the future.
What general advice would you give to a Psychiatric Registered Nurse?
Allyssa Harris RN, PhD, WHNP-BC: Daily, nurses with the health care team to manage and coordinate patient care which include physical assessments-assessing, observing, and evaluating the patient's response to care, administering medication and treatments, assisting with procedures, and providing health education to patients and their families. Additionally, nurses often supervise other unlicensed health care team members including licensed vocational nurses, patient care technicians (PCTs) and nursing students.
What Psychiatric Registered Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Allyssa Harris RN, PhD, WHNP-BC: The health care system is experiencing a shortage of health care providers including nurses. Between 2020 and 2030 the need for RNs is expected to grow by 9% yearly, making the profession on of the fastest growing in the health care sector. Nurses and the care they provide will always be in demand, whether you are employed in a hospital environment or other health care setting. Furthermore, the skills that you learn as a nurse are transferrable. Nurses not only work in hospitals, but they also work in variety of settings such as health educators in business, health insurance case managers, they work in STEM industries as computer software developers, in law offices, in the travel industries on cruise lines, school settings and are business owners.
What will help Psychiatric Registered Nurses increase their earning potential?
Allyssa Harris RN, PhD, WHNP-BC: I can't speak for everyone but what I like about being a nurse is the ability to connect one on one with the patient and their family. Patients allow us the privilege of providing care and comfort during one of the most vulnerable times in their lives. It is the connection that we share that is the most rewarding. I believe that is this care and education that provides patients with the opportunity to make knowledgeable decisions about their health and well-being. What is most challenging about nursing is the increasing complexity of the patient care provide. Often patients enter the health care system later, having delayed care variety or reasons including lack of access, socio-economic challenges, unawareness, etc. This often increases the complexity of the care needed and nurses are required to have a broad knowledge of many things. I wouldn't say that they dislike the nursing profession, but the work is challenging.
What general advice would you give to a Psychiatric Registered Nurse?
Alison Alaimo MSN, RN: Nursing is a good profession to enter for several reasons. It is a very demanding, yet very fulfilling career. Nurses get to have a direct impact on patient health outcomes. The demand for nurses is exceedingly high now. Our students are securing employment one or even two semesters before they graduate from the nursing program. Nursing is also a career path which is available everywhere so no matter where you go, you can have a job in nursing. There are diverse career opportunities in nursing, so jobs are available no matter a person's interests. Working as a nurse offers a lot of flexibility so nurses can work nights, full-time, part-time, or per diem. The high demand for nurses is driving competitive compensation and benefits packages. Many hospitals will assist students in paying off student loans in return for a work agreement. Finally, there is always room for professional growth. Continuing education opportunities abound and there is always the option to pursue an advanced degree or other specialized training.
What Psychiatric Registered Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Alison Alaimo MSN, RN: Nurses spend their days or nights assisting clients and their loved ones on their healthcare journeys. They possess a variety of tools and knowledge in which to do this. They assess and monitor patients, which is often a very dynamic process. They are trained to provide emergency response treatment. They administer medications and perform various aspects of patient care. They provide education to patients and loved ones and advocate for patients' rights and needs. Nurses maintained detailed documentation on all information pertaining to patients. They also work closely as a member of an interdisciplinary healthcare team. Finally, they also maintain their own professional development as changes in healthcare are frequent and/or they are interested in pursuing advanced degrees or certifications. Nurses work tirelessly to promote positive patient outcomes
What will help Psychiatric Registered Nurses increase their earning potential?
Alison Alaimo MSN, RN: I think the biggest thing people like about nursing is the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others which is highly rewarding. Job stability in the field as well as variety and flexibility are also viewed as favorable. Nurses can also have a high degree of autonomy in their practice allowing them to make clinical decisions. Finally, there are always opportunities for leadership advancement and a large variety of advanced education that can be obtained in the field. Some of the things people dislike about being a nurse are the high workloads and emotional stress that often come with the job. There is also often a lack of recognition and support for nurses. The tasks of nursing can also be physically demanding, and nurses must be careful not to accidentally injury themselves on the job. Administrative burdens such as documenting can reduce the amount of time a nurse can spend on direct patient care and may cause frustration for some nurses. Overall though, I think the positive aspects of being a nurse far outweigh the negative ones.
Dr. Theresa Buxton PhD, RN, CNE
Nursing Department ChairMetropolitan State University of Denver
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What Psychiatric Registered Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Theresa Buxton PhD, RN, CNE: Obtaining a minimum of a baccalaureate degree in nursing is the first step in advancing your salary potential if you decide on a career path of advanced practice or further graduate education.
What general advice would you give to a Psychiatric Registered Nurse?
Dr. Theresa Buxton PhD, RN, CNE: Some of the most important skills to hone over the next three years is communication, time management, and self-care.
Communication is important because nursing is a team sport. If you need help, ask early. If you see a change in your patient that worries you, ask someone to weigh in. Communicate clearly with other nursing colleagues.
Time management is an important skill to learn but takes practice. Time management is a combination of knowing how long tasks should take and what happens when priorities shift.
Self-care is needed to learn to balance your time away from work with time on the job to keep you whole in mind, body, and spirit.
What will help Psychiatric Registered Nurses increase their earning potential?
Dr. Theresa Buxton PhD, RN, CNE: Nursing students who graduate from their program and then pass their NCLEX licensing exam are beginning their professional career. It takes time to gain experience. After you’re employed make connections with the nursing staff who work with you. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions or double check your math if you are giving a medication different than what’s ordered or available.
Dr. Karen Macey-Stewart DNP, A-GNP-C, PMGT-BC
Undergraduate Program Director, Professor of PracticeWhat Psychiatric Registered Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Karen Macey-Stewart DNP, A-GNP-C, PMGT-BC: In today's world, nurses must be well-versed in technology as we have seen a rise in telehealth due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The utilization of technology will also play a crucial role in effective communication that is easy to understand, succinct, and culturally appropriate when providing healthcare services and education. However, we must remember that we cannot rely solely on technology but remain focused on the human side of caring as nurses. Other pertinent skills that will become important would be empathy, conflict resolution, and adaptability in healthcare, as it is constantly changing. Having these skills can save a client's life.
What general advice would you give to a Psychiatric Registered Nurse?
Dr. Karen Macey-Stewart DNP, A-GNP-C, PMGT-BC: As a new graduate student, it can be overwhelming to start your professional career. My first piece of advice is to be kind to yourself. It takes time to master all the clinical skills and judgment you learned in school. Secondly, give yourself some grace when facing challenges in understanding why a client or healthcare team member is difficult. Remember that you will be caring for people during the most vulnerable times of their lives. Finally, prioritize self-care by taking the time to recharge. Providing the best care for your clients is essential, and you shouldn't feel guilty about it. I always tell the students," Always remember to put your oxygen mask on first before helping others."
What will help Psychiatric Registered Nurses increase their earning potential?
Dr. Karen Macey-Stewart DNP, A-GNP-C, PMGT-BC: One of the best pieces of advice I can offer is to seize every opportunity that comes your way. Get involved in committee work, volunteer your time, and mentor those who are following in your footsteps. Don't limit your education to just a BSN or MSN degree; strive to obtain the highest degree possible. Lastly, join nursing organizations that align with your passions, and stay up-to-date with policy changes both locally and on a federal level. Remember, every policy impacts healthcare and nursing in many ways. Don't be afraid; we are the most trusted profession for a reason!
What general advice would you give to a Psychiatric Registered Nurse?
Natalie Heywood DNP, RN, CNE: I encourage new graduate nurses to embrace their first role and lean into the opportunity they have to ask questions, ask for more time on certain skills or patients, and make connections with their RN colleagues to develop mentorship relationships. I also recommend that new graduate nurses create a community both within their clinical setting with fellow new grads, experienced nurses/mentors, and other healthcare team members, as well as at home create that same community to support them. The first few years of a new nurses career lays the foundation for the rest of their career, so it's important to give yourself grace as you learn & build your confidence. A final piece of advice is to prioritize your mental health and well-being. You can't take care of others if you neglect yourself so find ways to balance your needs with the demands of your job, family and other responsibilities. This will be so important throughout your entire career, not just at the beginning.
What Psychiatric Registered Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Natalie Heywood DNP, RN, CNE: When you are first starting as a nurse, it will be important to find a role that fits best for you. This could be in terms of the facility, unit, leadership, etc. To increase your salary potential as a nurse, you can focus on earning specialty certification for your area of specialization. An example of this would be an emergency room nurse earning their Certified Emergency Nurse (CNE) or an ICU nurse earning their Critical Care Certified Nurse (CCRN). In order to take these specialty exams, you usually need 2+ years of bedside practice. I recommend taking those first two years of your career to focus on gaining confidence in the RN role. Additionally, nurses can also look at furthering their education, through earning a graduate degree in nursing, which opens up opportunities including education and leadership roles. Many MSN-prepared nurses also work bedside.
What will help Psychiatric Registered Nurses increase their earning potential?
Natalie Heywood DNP, RN, CNE: I think one of the most important and prevalent skills that will be prevalent in the next 3-5 years in nursing is the ability to communicate with patients in a therapeutic manner that supports trust and mutual respect. Additionally, a skill that will be vital to current and future nurses is the ability to provide individualized care. Our patient populations are increasingly complex and unique, and it will be important for health providers to care for all individuals based on their needs and where they are at the moment. Lastly, as we see the increase of technology and AI use in healthcare, we need to be technology proficient and confident, as well as flexible in the use of these tools to improve patient care.
Clare Chambers
Assistant Professor of NursingMars Hill University
Nursing Department
What skills stand out on Psychiatric Registered Nurse resumes?
Clare Chambers: Skills that typically stand out on RN resumes include special certifications such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Acute/Critical Care Nursing (CCRN). Managers also tend to pay attention to applicants who have volunteer experience or are members of nursing organizations within their educational programs or nationally. Other useful skills include any previous electronic medical record experience or working at the bedside previously as a certified nurse assistant if the nurse is newly licensed.
What soft skills should all Psychiatric Registered Nurses possess?
Clare Chambers: Soft skills are a critical part of any healthcare profession. The key skills for nurses specifically are leadership, interdisciplinary teamwork, intrinsic motivation, effective communication, excellent work ethic, and having a positive attitude. Emotional intelligence and empathy are also gaining more recognition as critical to long-term career success and effective patient care.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Psychiatric Registered Nurses?
Clare Chambers: Technical skills are critical for safe and effective nursing care. Some essential skills include the ability to safely start an IV, give oral medications, administer subcutaneous and intramuscular injections, take vital signs, do a thorough head-to-toe assessment, chart effectively, and utilize emergency safety equipment. Hard skills, in addition to foundational skills required for every nursing job, are going to be tailored to the specific specialty chosen by each nurse and that area of practice.
What skills will help Psychiatric Registered Nurses earn the most?
Clare Chambers: There is a national nursing shortage. This has increased due to older nurses reaching retirement age along with the ongoing pandemic. Certain specialty certifications may increase a nurse's salary. Typically salaries are driven by years of experience, the geographical location, and any specific salary structures or scales that are implemented by the hospital system itself. Nurses who are newly hired are often able to secure sign-on bonuses, moving stipends, and increased hourly pay if they have previous experience in the specialty area in which they are applying. I would encourage any new nurses to reach out to experienced nurses in their community and do some research on what base pay rate they should expect, and meet with human resources to discuss benefits, especially continuing education, before signing any contracts.
Dr. Monika Feeney
Department Head for the School of Anesthesia and School of NursingMissouri State University
School of Nursing
What skills will help Psychiatric Registered Nurses earn the most?
Dr. Monika Feeney: Advanced practice skills/certifications generally increase your income potential.
What skills stand out on Psychiatric Registered Nurse resumes?
Dr. Monika Feeney: Firstly to be a nurse, you have to pass multiple skills and technical duties to even be allowed to practice - one is not more important than another since all are patient care skills, and our graduates are taught to be safe providers. In addition, you have to pass a challenging board examination, the NCLEX. You need to be well-rounded and have technical skills as well as the mental capacity to assess and make safe decisions. Resilience and the ability to function safely in an ever-changing healthcare system are important. A kind and caring attitude with a hardworking spirit are what makes a great nurse. The ability to empathize and think on your feet is always important - not just during the current COVID situation. Hands that give kind care as well as a heart that cares.
Advanced practice skills/certifications generally increase your income potential.
What skills stand out on Psychiatric Registered Nurse resumes?
Beth Latimer: Stand-out skills on RN resumes include exposure and competence in public health framed nursing competencies. These include excellence in contextual, patient-centered, clinical care with health promotion, risk reduction expertise. Interprofessional educational experiences are sought after and highly regarded as working with high-performing interprofessional teams needed to plan, deliver, and improve outcomes with patient center care at the forefront is not only beneficial to patients and families but will improve patient outcomes in the long run. Expertise in navigating the health records system and documenting appropriately certainly helps the RN spend more time at the bedside rather than spending lots of time figuring out the electronic health record. At NYU Meyers, we implemented and are utilizing Epic as the electronic health record. Epic is widely utilized in the majority of health systems, and this certainly gives our patients an upper hand since they are continuously utilizing this in simulation. The students are then able to navigate this exact system in the clinical setting and are able to spend less time looking for the right page to document in since they are already familiar with this system.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Psychiatric Registered Nurses?
Beth Latimer: Technical skills are important to master. However, this happens more so "on the job" rather than at graduation. Only practice makes perfect when mastering a skill, and having daily interactions with patients will develop those hard technical skills necessary for success.
What skills will help Psychiatric Registered Nurses earn the most?
Beth Latimer: Critical thinking, prioritization, carefully assessing any situation at the appropriate time, not normalizing the abnormal, and escalating necessary crucial information to the team at that right moment in time will save lives. Great nurses notice, and when in doubt, will take the right actions to get the right type of intervention for their patients and their families with patient advocacy at the forefront.
Natalya Pasklinsky
Executive Director of Simulation LearningNew York University
Rory Meyers College of Nursing
What skills stand out on Psychiatric Registered Nurse resumes?
Natalya Pasklinsky: Stand-out skills on RN resumes include exposure and competence in public health framed nursing competencies. These include excellence in contextual, patient-centered, clinical care with health promotion, risk reduction expertise. Interprofessional educational experiences are sought after and highly regarded as working with high-performing interprofessional teams needed to plan, deliver, and improve outcomes with patient center care at the forefront is not only beneficial to patients and families but will improve patient outcomes in the long run. Expertise in navigating the health records system and documenting appropriately certainly helps the RN spend more time at the bedside rather than spending lots of time figuring out the electronic health record. At NYU Meyers, we implemented and are utilizing Epic as the electronic health record. Epic is widely utilized in the majority of health systems, and this certainly gives our patients an upper hand since they are continuously utilizing this in simulation. The students are then able to navigate this exact system in the clinical setting and are able to spend less time looking for the right page to document in since they are already familiar with this system.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Psychiatric Registered Nurses?
Natalya Pasklinsky: Technical skills are important to master. However, this happens more so "on the job" rather than at graduation. Only practice makes perfect when mastering a skill, and having daily interactions with patients will develop those hard technical skills necessary for success.
What skills will help Psychiatric Registered Nurses earn the most?
Natalya Pasklinsky: Critical thinking, prioritization, carefully assessing any situation at the appropriate time, not normalizing the abnormal, and escalating necessary crucial information to the team at that right moment in time will save lives. Great nurses notice, and when in doubt, will take the right actions to get the right type of intervention for their patients and their families with patient advocacy at the forefront.
Terrica Durbin Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Director, School of NursingWestern Carolina University
College of Health and Human Sciences
What skills stand out on Psychiatric Registered Nurse resumes?
Terrica Durbin Ph.D.: Communication, critical thinking, patient assessment, problem-solving, clinical skills specific to the nurse's setting, electronic recordkeeping, flexibility.
What soft skills should all Psychiatric Registered Nurses possess?
Terrica Durbin Ph.D.: Communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, flexibility.
Diane Salvador Ph.D.
Executive Director and ProfessorElmhurst University
Department of Nursing and Health Sciences
What skills stand out on Psychiatric Registered Nurse resumes?
Diane Salvador Ph.D.: I believe organizations are looking for nurses who can articulate in their cover letter what made their education experience unique - specific nursing electives, possible travel abroad that would translate into cultural competence or portfolios that list specific course accomplishments if available.
What soft skills should all Psychiatric Registered Nurses possess?
Diane Salvador Ph.D.: The most important skill for new nursing graduates is critical thinking. You will be put into varying roles and assume different responsibilities. You must critically think and evaluate situations you find yourself in and make wise nursing decisions. Another important skill that we emphasize in education is communication - this is key to safe, quality care.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Psychiatric Registered Nurses?
Diane Salvador Ph.D.: New nurses should be prepared to demonstrate proficiency in basic nursing care and procedures. It is important to realize that each hospital has its own policy and procedure to follow, so taking advantage of your nurse preceptor and orientation program will ensure you are familiar with these basic procedures.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Psychiatric Registered Nurse job market given the pandemic?
Kristen Munyan: I don't know that the nursing profession is at a point where we can predict the impact of COVID-19 on our job market yet. Right now we are still in extraordinarily high-demand, and hospitals continue to see COVID-19 related admissions that require high levels of nursing care. There have been discussions about how the pandemic will impact interest in the profession going forward, the retirement plans of existing nurses and graduate school enrollments. This is all still developing. Nursing is still responding to the immediate demands of the pandemic.
In my opinion, I think that the pandemic has reinforced the positive image of nurses on a national stage. In 2020, hospital-based nurses carried the burden of surging COVID-19 admissions, created care innovations to improve patient outcomes and worked tirelessly to save lives. In 2021, community-based nurses are leading us out of this dark time by organizing and running vaccine clinics and educating the public. I believe we will continue to see a high demand for nursing professionals in all-settings, and in nurses going back for advanced degrees that allow them advanced practice roles.
How have salaries changed over time for Psychiatric Registered Nurses?
Kristen Munyan: Nursing continues to offer one of the best paying entry-level salaries for college graduates. There is some variation in salary dependent on geographic region, shift worked (midnights vs days, etc.) and specialty, but nurses generally command competitive pay. What we have seen become a trend now is that nurses who have worked for a few years are being offered the ability to travel to areas where there are shortages of nurses. These positions are generally temporary and pay premium rates. Nurses with critical care experience are particular in-demand for traveling positions since the pandemic.
What soft skills should all Psychiatric Registered Nurses possess?
Kristen Munyan: By far the most important skill is the ability to think critically and identify safety concerns for the patient. Nursing is often thought of as being skill-focused. Our skills are vital, but they are much quicker to develop and refine than the cognitive aspect of our work. A graduate nurse who has a well-developed ability to see the patient's "big picture" will be far more effective than someone who has focused only on skills development. A graduate who can think in a critical way can coordinate the many disciplines involved in a patient's care, connect the details, provide education and keep the patient safe. Nursing is far more than just physical skills.
Sara Hoeve Ph.D.
Director of Student Teaching and Teacher CertificationHope College
Education Department
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Psychiatric Registered Nurses?
Sara Hoeve Ph.D.: In the field of Education, the pandemic has created an even greater need for skilled teachers and support staff in K-12 schools. In the short term, many additional tasks have been assigned to our educators, such as preparing instruction for remote learners, maintaining safe distances between students, monitoring masks, checking temperatures, and cleaning, cleaning, cleaning. Once the threat of the virus wanes, most experts expect that our teachers will adapt to a "new normal," taking ideas and tools that we implemented during pandemic teaching and applying them in new situations. Education graduates will enter a field that requires greater adaptability and collaboration, as they will be expected to create meaningful Hy-flex learning opportunities for students.
What's a good job out of college for Psychiatric Registered Nurses?
Sara Hoeve Ph.D.: Given the current teacher shortage in most stages, education graduates have the advantage when job searching. Almost all of our graduates accept full-time positions in K-12 schools immediately after graduation. Our graduates often find themselves with multiple job offers, especially if they are willing to relocate. Due to this demand, we encourage our graduates to carefully research and ask questions about the school districts as well, to make sure that they find a position that is a good fit for them as well. For our students who graduate in the middle of the school year, we often recommend that they take long-term sub positions in local school districts to gain experience and develop their instructional skills.
What will help Psychiatric Registered Nurses increase their earning potential?
Sara Hoeve Ph.D.: Most K-12 salary scales depend on successful teacher evaluations, years of experience and continuing education, such as a Master's Degree in Education or in a specific content area. Teachers can also increase their earnings by accepting additional responsibilities like coaching a sports team, directing a play, proctoring a state test or hosting a student teacher. Although teachers are expected to complete some tasks during the summer, many staff members take on a second job during the months when school is not in session.
Monica Pozowicz
Assistant Professor of NursingBrenau University
Mary Inez Grindle School of Nursing
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Psychiatric Registered Nurse job market given the pandemic?
Monica Pozowicz: I believe due to the pandemic, the biggest trends in the job market will be research and development. This includes information technology, medical research, and software development. The pandemic played a pivotal role in mandating virtual meetings, medical office visits, and online shopping. Often these platforms were overloaded, causing periods of system shut downs and the inability for consumer use. Education from kindergarten to college level went online.
These virtual classrooms offered little then face timing with an instructor. Continued development is needed to ensure high quality student interaction with teaching methods used in on ground classrooms.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Psychiatric Registered Nurses?
Monica Pozowicz: Job prospects today during the pandemic and beyond, need to possess an abundance of computer, information technology, and abilities to manage different software platforms. It is possible to run businesses virtually however, employees need an inordinate amount of expertise using computer media. The ideal candidate would be able to navigate social media platforms, virtual meeting platforms, virtual selling, virtual ordering, and be able to troubleshoot system malfunctions and/or failures. Any certificates in information technology would be a plus.
What's a good job out of college for Psychiatric Registered Nurses?
Monica Pozowicz: Today the job market out of college is challenging and far from typical. In the pandemic of today, I believe healthcare workers will be in high demand as well as, computer programmers, information technologists, and forward thinking teachers and professors. The healthcare system and workers has taken a beating during this pandemic, they are tired.
Doctors to housekeeping workers are truly exhausted and I predict early retirements. That leaves gaps to fill. Any degree in the medical field will have opportunities awaiting the graduate with many areas to choose to work in. I have previously expressed how computer programmers and information technology careers will be in high demand.
As we continue to be a nation social distancing, virtual everything is a necessity and we need computer people to keep those platforms up and running smoothly. Forward-thinking teachers and professors are going to be in high demand as well. It is one thing to be able to interact with students on campus but totally different to engage students virtually. Teachers with progressive "outside the box" thinking that can reach students virtually and engage mindful activities will be highly sought out as we continue to hold all levels of education virtually.
Mary Farmer MSN, RN
Associate Professor, Practical Nursing Program CoordinatorUniversity of Hawaii Maui College
Allied Health Department
What soft skills should all Psychiatric Registered Nurses possess?
Mary Farmer MSN, RN: Soft skills for nursing assistants would include:
-time management skills
-empathy and compassion for others
-ability to foster positive communication skills
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Psychiatric Registered Nurse job market given the pandemic?
Mary Farmer MSN, RN: Biggest trends coming up are:
"About 174,000 openings for nursing assistants and 5,600 openings for orderlies are projected each year, on average, over the decade." this quote is from this URL: BLS
There will get a great need for nursing assistants now and in the future due to large numbers of people over the age of 65 that will need assistance.
How have salaries changed over time for Psychiatric Registered Nurses?
Mary Farmer MSN, RN: This quote comes from the URL listed below
"CNA salaries depend on a few different factors, including location, experience level, and employer. Overall, the BLS data shows that nursing assistants make a mean annual wage of about $28,540. California, Florida, and New York employ the most CNAs, while states like Alaska, New York, and Nevada offer the highest salaries. In addition, the BLS projects the nursing assistant profession to grow by 9% from 2018 to 2028, which is faster than average." CNASalaryOutlook
Michael Urban
Senion Lecturer, Program DirectorUniversity of New Haven
Allied Health, School of Health
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Psychiatric Registered Nurses?
Michael Urban: Yes we will see an impact on graduates and even those who will be looking to enroll. Students in undergraduate programs at many universities are able to take classes on a pass/fail option where it normally have been a letter grade. This can create issues as some graduate programs require an applicant to have a B or higher grade thus the course for a pre-required class on a pass/fail might exclude them form certain programs who do not or cannot waive the grade requirement for current students due to accreditation standards. Graduates also depending on the work they were studying might have to wait until the new working environment emerges as many companies are noting that they can do business with less people and space. Other jobs though will see a boom such as those in healthcare and IT as the pandemic has created a need for these positions. Healthcare will see various positions increase in demand as people will need to rehabilitate after being impacted by the global pandemic and IT to support the shift to a rapid growth on online business. Students not in those fields can be very creative to see where they can fill gaps and help transform and market a shift in a traditional business also such as we have seen with curbside pick-up for stores and restaurants.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Psychiatric Registered Nurses?
Michael Urban: Current students should seek to take some entry-level computer programing course work, quality improvement courses in lean six sigma and project management, and then I would encourage people to take a basic general law, business and policy course. These will be vital skills to help understand various changes as a leader that occurs with policy, law, and financial management. I would also recommend a general exposure to these topics to make sure the student has an understanding of what they would want to do if they seek to start their business. Other things to look at when picking courses are how can you maximize any educate to qualify or even obtain as part of a class the needed skills for advance credentials such as lean six sigma, healthcare long-term care certifications, environmental science, or coaching and mentoring certifications. These general areas with a return to the Paris climate accord along with companies looking to be leaner at the executive level to reduce overhead will make you fill critical gaps in any organization.
What will help Psychiatric Registered Nurses increase their earning potential?
Michael Urban: In the field of occupational therapy, and advance degree at the doctoral level over time with experience in addition to advance certifications in leadership skills such as mentoring, coaching, lean six sigma, project management, policy, and such forth will help to maxing their long-term earning potential. For those who are looking to seek advance certifications in areas such as hand therapy, sensory integration and other areas, look at what is required while in school and seek out additional courses and learning experiences with local clinics to help gain your knowledge and skills to qualify and pass the exams sooner.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Psychiatric Registered Nurse job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Antonio Fernandez: The biggest trends we'll see in the job market given the pandemic are already here in continuous growth. From the early stages in the fight to control the expansion of the virus, it was evident that to achieve some success in reducing the number of cases it was indispensable to diminish the risk of exposure of healthy individuals and given the uncertainty of actual contamination among asymptomatic individuals some mandatory measures of isolation, quarantine, and lockdown became inevitable leading to the closure of businesses of all types with the few exceptions of absolutely vital activities. This new order of carrying out working activities led to the quick expansion of distant working mode and the almost universal implementation of online working. Online working led to quick and efficient adoption of models of communication and transmission of data. Working meetings reports presentation and discussions, strategies development, schedules implementation were all completed through Webex, Zoom, or any other of the available online group discussion platforms. Overnight we transitioned from face-to-face, personal interaction, collective meetings in single rooms to remote, distant, virtual rooms where meetings were conducted in all formats and with great variations in the number of participants. Do not doubt that the immediate biggest trend in the job market will be the complete remote, online, virtual communication, and data discussion. This new trend imposed by the pressure of isolation and quarantine is not going anywhere and, in many activities, had unquestionably proven more effective and lower cost than the traditional activities. Do not doubt, all the models that have been efficiently working during these months will be maintained and many others will be tried. Working in isolation from home or very small hubs with a very reduced number of people will replace the traditional, classical office format.
What technical skills for a Psychiatric Registered Nurse stand out to employers?
Dr. Antonio Fernandez: To properly implement this new, inevitable working culture which will impact the job market, the employers will start looking for the new type of employee, capable of efficiently working alone, remotely, flexible in the hours, and schedule accommodation since no physical buildings will be necessary thus eliminating the need for the teams sharing a location in a given city or even country. Meeting, conferences, discussions will be held with participants in different geographical and time zones. The capacity to adapt to continuous changes and innovation will be an indispensable skill sought after by employers second only to the most important, the highest valued skill technical knowledge and expertise in the new formats. Computer, digitalization, web navigation, encryption of data and messages.
How have salaries changed over time for Psychiatric Registered Nurses?
Dr. Antonio Fernandez: In the field of Higher Education, salaries have evolved slower than other fields like electronics, computer sciences, software development, and lately internet communication platforms. The implementation of remote learning has not positively impacted the salaries in this field.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Psychiatric Registered Nurses?
Susan Zori: As a new graduate RN, passing the NCLEX exam for licensure is essential. Participation in community service, leadership in student organizations, or working in a nurse internship program over summers is certainly a plus. Nurses with a positive attitude who convey a passion for delivering patient centered care will certainly have an advantage when interviewing for that first job.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Psychiatric Registered Nurses?
Susan Zori: The coronavirus pandemic will no doubt have a lasting impact on all of us let alone nursing graduates. In the midst of the pandemic there was a spotlight on nurses and the nursing profession. Nurses are advocates, innovators, teachers, and clinical experts. The bravery and perseverance of nurses managing this extraordinary situation will be remembered for a long time to come.
The toll on mental health experienced by nurses needs to be addressed both now and as we continue move through this pandemic. The dedication of so many nurses as they put their health and the health of their families at risk to care for so many stricken with Covid-19 will long be remembered. Many pre-licensure students chose to continue their education during this time and are excited to become a member of this profession. Many of our students worked on the front lines during the pandemic as front line and essential workers. Many students in addition to course work held jobs as unlicensed personnel in healthcare, performed covid tests and administered vaccines all while continuing with their nursing education.
This is a great time to be a nurse, there is a projected shortage of nurses and as many nurses retire there will be an even greater demand for nurses. This combined with the need for nurses in innovative settings such as primary health care, telehealth, home care the field is wide open with many possibilities for graduate nurses.
What will help Psychiatric Registered Nurses increase their earning potential?
Susan Zori: Nurses who are clinical experts can achieve recognition through specialty certification. Specialty certification recognizes the nurse as an expert with advanced knowledge in a chosen specialty such as Critical Care Nursing, Oncology Nursing, Cardiology, Pediatrics and many other nursing specialties.
Nursing is a profession based on life-long learning. Beyond basic RN licensure, many nurses while being employed as an RN continue their education with advanced degrees to become leaders in healthcare as nurse practitioners, nurse educators and nurse administrators. Pursuing a spirit of scholarly inquiry, doctoral education, obtaining a PhD or a clinical doctorates as DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) degrees is an important option for graduates to consider. This advanced education opens many possibilities for nurses. In fact, our acting Surgeon General of the United States, Rear Admiral Susan Orsega is a nurse practitioner. So nurses are well poised with their broad knowledge of patient care and public health to be leaders.
Specialty certification and advanced degrees provide opportunities to increase earning potential.