Hello nurses! I need some opinions because I'm feeling pretty stuck right now, so if you would be so kind please share your thoughts! I appreciate your time. :)
I am now one year out of nursing school, working in a LTC facility. It's not really my thing but it was where I could get hired, and beggars can't be choosers in this economy as many of you well know.
I'm lucky enough to possibly have a job offer from two very different fields. One is in an acute psych unit in a hospital and the other is in the OR. I've always been interested in psych. It was my favorite clinical in school, and I have a background in speciAl education. I really enjoy the therApeutic aspect of working with the patients. I've Been strongly considering attending school to become a psych NP.
However, while I was in nursing school I did develop an interest in the OR. We did not have a rotation there though, only a few brief observation days. But what I saw I loved. I enjoyed the feel of the controlled chaos, and the amazing sites I saw. I could see myself really enjoying going to work and experiencing so many amazing procedures. I've also spoken to some OR nurses and done a bit of reading to develop a sense of what the job entails.
I have a strong intErest in both specialties and I have personality traits that could really lend a hand in either field. I'm not going to make the decision based on money. I do want to consider that i am planning on starting a family within the next 2 or 3 years (approximately) and that being able to work on a part time basis while I have children is important to me.
The OR position has a one year orientation and is a big commitment. If I find I do not enjoy it i will not be a happy camper. However I am aware that OR training is not easy to come by, and I am thinking perhaps I should take the position while I can. I imagine it is easier to switch from OR to psych than from psych to OR.. Right?
However I'm not sure what my long term goals in the or would be. In psych I know I would want to become an NP eventually. Sometimes I think it's like this.. I don't really want to be a psych nurse... But I want to be a psych NP. Does that make any sense?
So as you can see I am waffling about, and could really use a sounding board to reflect on. Any thoughts are welcome. Thank you friends!
