Registered psychiatric nurse

A day in the job

You might run a group session, assess a new admission, give medications, help a patient through a crisis, and plan discharge with community teams. Much of the work is talking with patients and building trust.

Where you could work: Mental health units, community mental health, addictions, corrections

How to get there

1. Earn a psychiatric nursing degree (Douglas College and Kwantlen Polytechnic University offer one)

British Columbia schools: Douglas College (opens in a new tab), Kwantlen Polytechnic University (opens in a new tab)

Licence and registration

1. Pass the national psychiatric nursing exam the college requires
2. Register with the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM)
3. Renew every year

Official starting point: BC College of Nurses and Midwives (opens in a new tab)

Trained outside Canada?

Psychiatric nursing is a separate profession in western Canada. If you trained outside Canada, contact the BCCNM about an assessment.