Choosing the Right Classes for a Future as a Psychiatric Nurse

Are you considering a path towards becoming a psychiatric nurse? High school plays a crucial role in preparing you for this challenging and rewarding career. Whether you're planning to pursue a career in psychology or nursing, there are specific subjects that can help you build a strong foundation. In this article, we will explore the key classes you should consider taking in high school to prepare yourself for a successful career as a psychiatric nurse.

The Two Paths to Becoming a Psychiatric Nurse

While you could initially train as a psychologist or a mental health nurse, both professions offer excellent backgrounds that can later lead to counselling. It's important to note that counselling does not necessarily require formal academic qualifications for private practice, but a solid educational foundation is invaluable. Both psychology and nursing require a sound background in science, biology, chemistry, and mathematics. Additionally, psychology can offer a taste of the field to help you decide if it aligns with your aspirations.

Essential Classes for High School

Maintaining an active role in your academic pursuits is crucial. Here are the key classes you should prioritize to prepare for your future career:

Biology: Understanding the intricacies of how the body works is fundamental. It provides a comprehensive understanding of health and disease, which is crucial for a psychiatric nurse. Psychology: Courses in psychology help you understand mental health and the complexities of the human mind. They provide a solid base of knowledge that you can build upon in your future career. Sociology: This interdisciplinary subject will give you a broader perspective on social issues and how they impact mental health. Knowledge of societal structures can be invaluable when working with diverse patients. Language Arts / English: Strong communication skills are essential for a psychiatric nurse. Reading, writing, and critical thinking are crucial for effective patient care. Math: Basic mathematics skills are necessary for understanding statistical data and other quantitative information that may be part of your work. Statistics (if available): A basic understanding of statistics can be particularly beneficial when analyzing data related to patient care and mental health outcomes.

Beyond High School: Community College and Local Opportunities

Some high schools offer specific training in fields such as counselling, but it may not be available. In such cases, starting at the library can be a great way to begin your journey. Request books on counselling and use the library's resources to learn more about the field.

As Arlene suggested, taking relevant courses at a local community college can be beneficial. These courses allow you to gain additional knowledge and skills that may not be available in high school. Some recommended courses include:

Abnormal Psychology: This course covers the study of mental disorders and their treatment. Social Psychology: This subject delves into the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of individuals in social contexts. The Psychology of Death and Dying: This course explores the psychological aspects of facing death and dying. Psych 101: A general introduction to the field of psychology, providing a broad overview of psychological concepts and principles.

Conclusion: Moving Forward with Proactivity and Commitment

Being proactive is a crucial step towards achieving any goal. Great job for taking the initiative to learn about the path to becoming a psychiatric nurse. With hard work and dedication, you can achieve your aspirations. If you're interested in counselling, keep in mind that there is no single path to becoming a counsellor, but a solid knowledge base is essential.

Language arts and English, critical thinking, and literature provide valuable insights into the human experience. Strong communication skills and understanding of the social and psychological aspects of healthcare are vital for a successful career as a psychiatric nurse. Keep pushing forward, and you will undoubtedly make a significant impact in this rewarding field.