Behavioral health is one of the fastest-growing specialty areas in healthcare. As the field grows, the demand for behavioral health nurses increases. But it takes a nurse with special skills that go beyond clinical. Nurses who work directly in the mental and behavioral health field must possess a unique set of soft and clinical skills to care for patients with a wide range of conditions. Is behavioral health nursing right for you? Here, we take a look at the ins and outs of this specialized care and who you can expect on the job.
What is Behavioral Health Nursing?
Also called psychiatric or mental health, those who work in behavioral health aid in caring for people diagnosed with mental health conditions, behavioral challenges, and substance abuse disorders. These conditions include:
- Bipolar Disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Depression
- PTSD
- Personality Disorders like OCD, or Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Where Behavioral Health Nurses Work
If you think you might be interested in a career as a behavioral health nurse, there are a few different healthcare settings. You can expect to work in the following:
- Inpatient mental health facility
- Hospitals with mental health units
- Substance abuse treatment facilities
- Emergency departments
- Correctional facilities
- Community mental health programs
Of course, each of these settings offers a different degree of intensity and the need for specific certification. There are also different patient populations in sub-settings of the above. For example, an inpatient facility may work with adults, adolescents, children, and the growing field of geriatric behavioral health.
The pace and environment of psychiatric health settings are different as well. Emergency departments are much faster-paced than an inpatient facility. Correctional facilities typically have a much different workplace environment than you would experience in a hospital mental health unit.
What to Expect on The Job
A behavioral health, or psychiatric nurse, will conduct intake assessments if qualified. They are responsible for:
- Medications like antidepressants, antipsychotics, anti-anxiety meds, and mood stabilizers
- Crisis intervention and management in cases where a patient is suicidal, agitated, anxious, experiencing psychotic episodes, or detoxing from addictive substances
- Additional responsibilities may include helping in developing treatment plans and educating patients and their caregivers.
Behavioral health nursing means you will rely on your coworkers and colleagues more than you would in a primarily physical health environment. The workplace is challenging, and the work you do is intense. You rely on your coworkers for professional support. These coworkers include fellow nurses and techs, as well as social workers and physicians.
As a nurse specializing in behavioral health, you can expect to work with a diverse patient population. Some of those in your care may be extremely vulnerable, some may become combative, and others may not respond at all. The challenge of working in this field can lead to intense stress, emotional and compassion fatigue, and burnout. A behavioral health nurse must be adept at setting boundaries and practicing self-care in order to protect their own emotional wellness.
Skills and Certifications for Behavioral Health Nursing
A career in behavioral health nursing is best for those nurses who possess a variety of soft skills to complement their clinical prowess. These skills are most helpful in this field:
- Well-honed communication skills
- Strong listening skills
- Ability to maintain calm in stressful and high-pressure situations
- Emotional resilience
- An ability to be firm and set consistent boundaries
- A keen interest in human behavior and psychology
- Able to see the value in a slower-paced progression
There are some additional certifications you are required to obtain for a nursing career in most behavioral health settings.
- Psychiatric Mental Health-Board Certified (PMH-BC) from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
- Basic Life Support
- Crisis Intervention Training
CNAs and LPNs are required to have Registered Behavior Technician certification in most behavioral health roles.
Could Behavioral Health Nursing be Right for You?
A career in behavioral health nursing can be fraught with challenges, but it’s also significantly rewarding for those who rise to those challenges. Find out more about behavioral health nursing, and if it’s right for you, please contact BOS Medical Staffing.
