The only reason I went to nursing school was to become a nurse anesthetist; then I did a few psych rotations and I was hooked. If you suspect this specialty is something you would especially like for some reason (vague, specific, whatever), or that perhaps your innate nature would lend itself to, then you're probably a psych nurse. You'll have people (instructors, experienced nurses) tell you that you need med-surg experience first, but why not delve right into it if you become convinced it's what you want? I truly enjoyed clinicals in psych, and believe in the whole "authentic presence" approach to interpersonal/therapeutic communication. I was hired as a new grad as the FT night nurse on the unit where I did my first psych clinical rotation (at a great hospital with a holistic philosophy of care). I was lucky because jobs were scarce for my graduating class. I didn't expect to be paid more because psych is a specialty, but between the charge, shift, and weekend differentials, then tacking on a few bucks an hour after getting ANCC certified and climbing the clinical ladder, I make about 30-40 % more than if I hadn't bought out my tuition contract to work on my unit. It's been about 4 years and a few kids later, and I'm convinced I have found my calling. I recently started working psych home care per diem as well, which is satisfying and probably the future of nursing/health care. That all being said, if you're not convinced, or start off in psych then change your mind, you'll have some real difficulty when the time comes. I always feel like my experience has been an anomoly because I am a male nurse, but 2 cents is 2 cents. It's such an intriguing, rewarding specialty replete with moments that remind you what it means to be a human being in this world. Good luck.
Dec 8, '12 by morecoffeeplsThe only reason I went to nursing school was to become a nurse anesthetist; then I did a few psych rotations and I was hooked. If you suspect this specialty is something you would especially like for some reason (vague, specific, whatever), or that perhaps your innate nature would lend itself to, then you're probably a psych nurse. You'll have people (instructors, experienced nurses) tell you that you need med-surg experience first, but why not delve right into it if you become convinced it's what you want? I truly enjoyed clinicals in psych, and believe in the whole "authentic presence" approach to interpersonal/therapeutic communication. I was hired as a new grad as the FT night nurse on the unit where I did my first psych clinical rotation (at a great hospital with a holistic philosophy of care). I was lucky because jobs were scarce for my graduating class. I didn't expect to be paid more because psych is a specialty, but between the charge, shift, and weekend differentials, then tacking on a few bucks an hour after getting ANCC certified and climbing the clinical ladder, I make about 30-40 % more than if I hadn't bought out my tuition contract to work on my unit. It's been about 4 years and a few kids later, and I'm convinced I have found my calling. I recently started working psych home care per diem as well, which is satisfying and probably the future of nursing/health care. That all being said, if you're not convinced, or start off in psych then change your mind, you'll have some real difficulty when the time comes. I always feel like my experience has been an anomoly because I am a male nurse, but 2 cents is 2 cents. It's such an intriguing, rewarding specialty replete with moments that remind you what it means to be a human being in this world. Good luck.
musician's wife likes this.
I've worked so hard for so long and am so excited to finally be taking it tomorrow. Feels like my whole life has led up to this!