Changing Specialties: Getting Out Of Psych

[paPsychRn3000]

Hi everyone. I've been an RN for 19 yrs now and began my career in rehab and med surgwhich I learned an tremendous amount but much of it was in California before the staffing changes took place. So, I was already for a change. I started working in psych, inpatient and also intake/psych ER.

I'm in FL and am finding almost ALL inpatient jobs are pool. I *may* be offered a 24 hr/wk PT position (benefits are HIGH) and I have to try and get 2 12 hr shifts in those 2 weeks to make the kind of $$ I want. Thing is cancellation rates for for these supplemental shifts are high and I want a normal life and more security.

I've applied for several med-surg jobs but many are saying that the experience must be recent. I like doing psych but I feel going back and doing a year or so in med-surg would increase my chances marketability and earning potential. I've worked resource pool and having psych is not enough but I am getting the vibe "You're too high on the pay scale to have teach all this stuff over (ie a longer orientation than in my experience were current)."

So aside from some independent study and hitting up a few managers what suggestions does anyone have ? Leaving the area is one. I'm licensed in FL,PA, NC, and in process of renewing my CA license.

I am just amazed that my experience has been glazed over quickly. I learned a lot of things you just don't forget-they're like instincts.

Has any one been in similar situation or have ideas how to proceed ?

[MiaLyse, APRN]

Could you work part time in Psych and possibly cross train to work as needed on med/surg? Then get experience and possibly apply for future med/surg committed positions?

[paPsychRn3000]

I'm not a full time employee-I work pool. Where I work would never go for it. I'm going to try to hit up my float pool manager and if not start applying outside of the FL area. I'd tell anyone. Other than a good night differential hospitals in FL seem to the only honor 3 holidays and do not use any sort of benefit package worth jack.

[MiaLyse, APRN]

I wish you luck. :)

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

Consider intermittent homecare visits.

You can see psych pts and those with uncomplicated medical problems, and then work your way up in complexity.

All take some med-surg CE to demonstrate recent learning.