Basic Psychiatric Nursing

RNs who practice psychiatric nursing may assist a patient with self-care activities, administer medications or teach the patient skills, such as relaxation techniques. They may provide counseling under the supervision of a psychiatrist or psychologist, or perform case management to coordinate the care of a patient with mental illness. A psychiatric nurse should have excellent interpersonal skills, be a good listener and be able to set boundaries. She should be knowledgeable about medication effects or interactions and recognize signs of deteriorating mental processes or advancing mental illness.

Advanced Practice Skills

Like the psychiatric RN, the APN will assess patients for signs of mental and physical illness, develop a care plan and provide therapy. She should have the same strong interpersonal and communication skills, but must also be able to coordinate care and collaborate with other practitioners, such as internists, pediatricians or family practice doctors. The APN is held to a higher standard because of her additional education and responsibility in the provision of care; the psychiatric RN participates in the delivery of care, but the APN must be able to manage the full spectrum of care. The psychiatric APN needs extensive knowledge about medications to manage side effects or interactions.