just making sure I am on the right track

[Farmboy68]

Hello all,

I just joined this group and am really enjoying the posts. I have a few questions that I hope some of you already working in the psych field in nursing might be able to answer.

Obvously, I am interested in psych nursing. I am about half way through my course work (going for my bsn) and have one more class for a minor in psych ( a stats class). I am just wondering if the combination of having the bsn and the minor in psych is enough to get work in this field. I am planning on going on to get a msn in psych nursing eventually, but I need to offset some of the costs of getting my bsn before this will be possible. What doors will the msn open for me? This might be too personal of a question, but what is the payscale like in the settings in which you all work. I can never seem to get a straight answer out of anyone on this one..LOL..!

Thank you for all your help in advance, and I hope to hear from someone soon!!!

Farmboy68

[Nurse Ratched, RN]

Welcome, farmboy! Glad you found us.

We've had discussions here about the merits of going straight into psych out of nursing school versus the ever-popular year of med-surg. Opinions vary. As far as needing a psych minor, when employers hire a nurse they usually only care that you have a valid nusing license :). Altho - if you wish to go directly into pysch that might play in your favor a little if the employer was concerned about hiring a new grad in that specialty.

As far as pay, an RN is an RN in most places - very little if any differentiation in pay for a BSN regardless of specialty and generally no differential for additional degrees when working as a floor nurse. Whatever the starting salary in your area is for a new grad nurse is probably roughly the same starting salary for a new nurse in psych. The differences in pay come with working different shifts, being charge nurse, etc.

Good luck with your schooling!

[jnette, ASN, EMT-I]

Hello there Farmboy, and WELCOME !!!

Don't have anything to add to assist you with what you're needing here, and Ratched already did her usual great job... but I just wanted to say HI and let you know I love your screen name and avatar !!! From the looks of that alone, I do believe you're going to be another welcome member around here... (little German farmboy there...heh...)

So poke around all you want, take your time and get to know us... uh... all HOW MANY thousands of us now? :chuckle Looking forward to hearing more from you !