How to Become an Eating Disorder Nurse?

When patients seek treatment for eating disorders, nurses are often among the first caregivers they encounter. Consequently, it’s important for registered nurses (RNs) interested in working with this patient population to develop the advanced knowledge and skills to identify and treat the psychological and behavioral symptoms of these disorders.

RNs interested in learning more about how to provide proactive, evidence-based treatment for patients struggling with anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder, among other disorders, are likely to find that completing an advanced education, such as an MSN degree online, can prepare them with the specialized skills to help patients recover.

Eating disorders affect people of all ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Not only do they affect people around the globe, but the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) estimates that approximately 9% of Americans will have an eating disorder at some point in their lifetimes.

RNs interested in working with patients with eating disorders are employed in various settings, such as intensive outpatient treatment centers, residential treatment centers, hospitals, doctor’s offices, and psychiatric clinics. Although some eating disorder nurses, such as those employed by physician’s offices, may work Monday through Friday during standard business hours, RNs working at facilities that provide 24-hour care may need to work nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call shifts.

An eating disorder nurse is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who’s received additional training in how to treat patients struggling with psychiatric and mental health disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.

These master’s degree-prepared nurses often complete specialized coursework, such as evidence-based practice in nursing, ethics for advanced nursing practice, psychopharmacology and mental health assessment, and psychiatric-mental health diagnosis and management.

Students interested in becoming an eating disorder nurse need to start by completing a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an online RN to BSN. Other steps toward pursuing this career path include the following:

• Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. Upon completing a bachelor’s degree in nursing, graduates need to pass the NCLEX-RN to become licensed. This primarily multiple-choice exam tests aspiring RNs on their critical thinking skills in addition to the knowledge they gained in nursing school.
• Consider an advanced degree. Licensed RNs interested in learning how to provide care for patients with eating disorders are likely to find that completing an advanced degree, such as an MSN nursing online program, with a concentration in psychiatric mental health, can prepare them with the skills and knowledge to provide compassionate, holistic care to patients struggling with eating disorders.
• Consider certification. Licensed nurses who have accrued at least 2,500 hours of eating disorder experience under a supervisor approved by the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IADEP) can apply for IADEP certification. Other certification requirements include completing an application, becoming an IADEP member, completing core coursework, and passing a final exam.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn’t have a standalone category for eating disorder nurses, classifying professionals working in this field under the blanket category of RNs. Data from the BLS shows that employment of all RNs, including those specializing in eating disorders, is projected to grow by 9% between 2020 and 2030, 1% faster than projected for all other occupations.

The BLS further estimates that approximately 194,500 annual job openings for RNs are expected, on average, during that same period. Many of these openings are expected to become available due to the need to replace RNs who leave the workforce for various reasons — for example, to retire, to care for an aging family member, or to start a family — or who transfer to alternate professions.

BLS data indicates that the median annual wage for all RNs, including eating disorder nurses, was $77,600 as of May 2021. However, salaries can vary based on experience level, employer, and the position’s location.

For example, RNs working in states with a high cost of living, such as California, often receive higher levels of compensation than nurses working in states with a low cost of living, such as Mississippi.

Many online resources offer future eating disorder RNs up-to-date information and data about how to treat patients of all ages, genders, and gender identities who struggle with body dysmorphia and eating disorders. These resources include the following:

• Academy for Eating Disorders: The AED is a professional organization committed to the effective treatment of people with eating disorders.
• National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders: ANAD provides support and education to individuals struggling with eating disorders and body dysmorphia.
• Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action: The EDC works to advance the recognition of disordered eating as a public health priority.
• Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association: MEDA’s mission is to prevent and provide compassionate treatment for disordered eating.
• National Eating Disorders Association: NEDA is a nonprofit organization that supports those affected by eating disorders.

ANAD estimates that roughly 30 million Americans struggle with an eating disorder. Consequently, the need for knowledgeable and compassionate nurses who are passionate about helping patients toward recovery remains strong.

Are you ready to take the next brave step in learning how to provide treatment for individuals living with eating disorders? Discover how Maryville University’s MSN degree online program can prepare you to help patients maintain a healthy relationship with food.