Is it hard to get into Psych nursing?

Still lots of jobs in New Zealand despite the recession.
Inpatient, community, prison.

In my neck of the woods it is fairly easy to get started in Psych. You've heard about the stigma of mental illness? Well, that stigma often extends to those who care for them. Psych rotation is one that the majority of nursing students endure and never look back. Not to mention the caveat "If you start in Psych you'll never be able to work in another area." Or, if you're a nurse who is wanting to change specialties, the variation is "You'll lose all your medical skills and never be able to go back to 'real' nursing." So Psych is always looking for staff, whereas a specialty like L & D rarely has openings.

People seem to love psych or hate it. Many of those who think they hate it are actually more freaked out by their preconceived notions of what psych patients are like. There is some truth to the "dangers" of psych, but much of the fear is rooted in ignorance. A little bit of learning can dispel a good portion of the unnecessary apprehension. Of course, it is wise to hang on to a reasonable amount of caution, because there are some real hazards, but good rules and unit protocols (along with a healthy dose of common sense) can do a lot to help keep staff members and patients safe.

The fear of mental illness and psych patients means that there are usually some openings in this area when other units are not hiring. You're more likely to find jobs in less desirable settings--state or county facilities, inner city units, correctional units, developmentally disabled facilities, etc.. The patient population is often rougher, more chronic than acute, and less amenable to treatment. Private hospitals, suburban units, child and adolescent units may be tougher to get into because they are (or are perceived to be) an easier clientele. This perception is not necessarily accurate.

As for the idea that if you start in psych you will lose your skills, there are several ways to deal with that. Chose a unit that is part of an acute care hospital, and you'll be likely to see plenty of co-morbidities and medical problems sent your way. Or you can work part time hours in both a psych setting and a medical setting. Or you can take a refresher course (as I did) if you decide you want to work in a hospital. You could also become an EMT or paramedic (I was an EMT for many years). This will certainly keep your assessment skills sharp.

Make some inquiries in the area where you would like to work. Maybe they would let you job shadow. You can then ask the people you meet during that experience the questions you have about what they do to keep their skills sharp.

Best wishes with your quest.

totally agree with above post............
can only add that at my privately owned hospital we seem to be always hiring new nurses.......many come and go
there are only a few of us that have stayed for a long time.........

Hi Aloevera, I am a New Grad RN with over 3 years experience as an LVN mostly in SNF and Hospice. I am interested in Mental Health and you mentioned that your hospital is hiring. Can you give me more info. Like I mentioned I have now experience in Psych other than my clinical rotations. Thanks.


Re: Is it hard to get into Psych nursing?
totally agree with above post............
can only add that at my privately owned hospital we seem to be always hiring new nurses.......many come and go
there are only a few of us that have stayed for a long time.........