1 year of med/surg done, now trying to break into psych

Specialties Psychiatric

Published

I recently completed a year of med/surg at an acute hospital, now trying to find a job in psych, which is what I've always wanted to do.

When finishing nursing school, numerous people told me to get some m/s experience first, which is what I did. Now, I seem to be hitting some roadblocks transitioning to psych. Many job postings in my area say at least one year of psych experience is required. So, this goes back to the ages-old dilemna of how does one get experience with no experience?

I've thought about going for a PRN position first, but honestly I don't think I can handle a PRN gig in addition to my full-time job. The unit I work on is pretty tiring at times and I need all of my days off to recharge. For those of you who started in m/s, how did you transition to psych? Did you find your first gig through job postings, or was it from someone you knew.

Appreicate any tips you might have.

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Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.

I went from m/s to psych within the same hospital many years ago.

Experience matters, but so does desire and motivation. Go to workshops, get psych CEUs, consider joining the APNA, and do some networking. Apna.org

Tailor your resume and cover letter to reflect your desire to be a BH Nurse.

Then go ahead and start applying

Good luck

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