What is the difference between a Psychiatric Nurse and a Psychologist?

Question

I was raped and I am having a hard time dealing with it so I'm looking to get some help, should i go to a psychiatric nurse or a psychologist?

Answer 1

You would be best going to see your doctor and asking for a referral or information of services in your area that are equipped to deal with situations like this. Alternatively you could look up services using the Internet, I would give you some numbers/websites but not sure where your from.

The other information given is not strictly true. Mental health nurses do not just give out pills etc. And a psychologist can be anyone with a psychology degree, (requiring the same amount and quality of education as a nurse). They're not all trained to doctorate level. But are probably not the professional you would be advised to see. Your better off with a counselor trained in this area.

Hope you find some help with this, its out there if you look and ask :) x

Answer 2

A psych nurse has either an RN and/or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They usually just pass out pills, give shots, and take blood pressure. A psychologist is someone who has a doctorate in psychology. You would definitely be better off at a psychologist because they have far better educations then nurses.