career change, psych for me??

Specialties Psychiatric

Published

Hi!

I've only been an RN for 10 months...i've got nearly a year's experience on a step down tele unit. I have an AA. in Psych and went for a BSN in nursing to become a psych nurse. I'm trying to decide on what move to make here as i'm leaving the step down unit for something more suited for me. I'm trying to choose between home health, SICU, and PSYCH.....

i guess i'm just trying to find out what you guys think about it....i really want to try it but i'll miss the medical aspect of diseases of all body systems and things like that. Do you retain alot of those skillls on an acute psychiatric unit or do those fizzle out???

Thanks for any advice in advance!

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Specializes in Psychiatric.

Psych is awesome!! You should definitley give it a try. I will say that having worked in an outpt unit for 2 years and never starting an IV that it would be very hard for me to do so now. But it's what I love. I know here in Baton Rouge, they have a med/psych unit. You may like that... it has aspects of both!!

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If you think Psych nursing is calling your name-go for it. It fascinating and rewarding, but you must have patience and a thick skin or you will never last. As far as your nursing skills are concerned you will always have them and will be able to shake them loose when you need them.

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Specializes in psych.

hello there! i'm also planning to go into psyche nursing after my contract with my employer expires. anybody here who can help me better prepare for my field choice?

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Specializes in Psych/Behavioral Health.
If you think Psych nursing is calling your name-go for it. It fascinating and rewarding, but you must have patience and a thick skin or you will never last. As far as your nursing skills are concerned you will always have them and will be able to shake them loose when you need them.

T totally agree with the statement quoted - you have to let stuff roll off your back and NOT TAKE HOME YOUR PATIENTS!! I haven't started an IV in 6 yrs but do I miss it? NO!!! I went from school into psych and have loved every single moment. I work with adolescents (granted a lot of them are behavioral health) and it takes a lot of patience. If being called names and attempts to intimidate bother you then may I suggest a PRN position for a short period of time to make sure you want to pursue this field. However if you have a tough exterior then by all means go for it.

Best wishes and good luck in your endeavors.

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