Psychiatric nurses typically work in hospitals, but they may also work in outpatient clinics, nursing homes, prisons, or other facilities where mentally ill people receive treatment.
The job outlook for Psychiatric Nurses is good: the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that it will grow by 19% over the next decade, which is faster than average.
The median salary for Psychiatric Nurses is $64k per year, but this varies based on location and experience level.
What to Include in a Psychiatric Nurse Cover Letter?
Roles And Responsibilities
- Provide psychiatric nursing care in a 24-hour facility.
- Prepare medical records, reports and evaluations to communicate patient progress and needs to other members of the healthcare team.
- Perform administrative duties such as completing medical forms and reports, filing charts and ordering supplies.
- Monitor vital signs, weight, intake and output.
- Administer medications according to physician orders.
- Participate in meetings with other members of the healthcare team to discuss treatment plans.
- Evaluate patient responses to treatments and medications.
Education & Skills
Psychiatric Nurse Skills:
- Being compassionate, caring, and understanding.
- Having patience.
- Knowledge of psychiatric medications and treatments.
- Having excellent communication skills.
Psychiatric Nurse Education Requirements:
- To become a psychiatric nurse, you’ll need to earn at least a bachelor’s degree in nursing and then go on to earn a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing. You’ll also need to get registered nurse (RN) licensure and psychiatric nurse certification.
Psychiatric Nurse Cover Letter Example (Text Version)
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am interested in applying for the Psychiatric Nurse position with your company. I am confident that my skills and experience make me the ideal candidate for this job.
With a BSN and MSN in Psychiatric Nursing, along with my four years of experience working as a psychiatric nurse at [name of hospital], I have the knowledge and skills needed to provide excellent care and treatment to patients with mental health disorders. Working in this field has taught me to be patient, encouraging, positive, and supportive while administering treatments and engaging in therapeutic conversations with these patients.
Some of my achievements include:
- Assisted clients in managing psychiatric and emotional conditions by administering medications, taking vital signs, and observing physical symptoms.
- Provided support and attention to patients with various mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia by helping them better manage their emotions through therapeutic techniques.
- Monitored behavioral changes in patients to determine the effectiveness of treatment plans.
As a psychiatric nurse, my focus is on providing excellent patient care while helping patients improve their overall quality of life. I have been commended by my supervisors for my ability to connect with these patients and make them feel comfortable enough to open up about their issues. As a result, I can formulate effective treatment plans that meet each patient’s specific needs—and achieve better outcomes for each patient.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Tips
Your Psychiatric Nurse cover letter is a powerful tool that you can use to show prospective employers that you are the right person for the job. By using a cover letter, you can outline your qualifications for the position and elaborate on your relevant experience.
- Include important information about your credentials and experience in your Psychiatric Nurse cover letter. Hiring managers want to know what makes you stand out from the other applicants.
- Highlight any achievements or accolades you’ve received while working as a psychiatric nurse, such as awards or certificates of appreciation. This will help hiring managers see what value you bring to their healthcare facility.
- If possible, include examples of times when you have gone above and beyond with patients or customers in your previous roles, as well as anything else that shows off your dedication and commitment to helping others.
Once you’ve written a great cover letter, it’s time to start working on your resume. Refer our Psychiatric Nurse Resume Sample for more tips on how to write your resume and accompany it with a strong cover letter.
