A Calling Worth Answering....

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I recognized nursing was a calling when I at the age of 14 had to care for my chronically ill mother. Upon her transition from this world, I felt a void in my life...yes, I had lost my mother..but I felt like I had lost a piece of my purpose as well. So i got a job at a Long Term Care Facility as a Service Tech aka Feeder and Housekeeper. I began to feel purpose coming back to me as I engaged with the elderly and those sick, to the point I went to school to become a CNA. Upon becoming a CNA they had transferred me to the Psych Unit. It was there I learned that it takes a special person to care and treat another person...My Pastor always says if you feel led to do something, go on and do it...even if you have to do it afraid. I went ahead and went to work on the Psych Unit...and it was there I knew I was called to psychiatric nursing. I have been told there is no money in being a psych nurse. But the feeling I get when I engage a patient the world has written off because of a changed mental status, makes my decision to go this route all worth it. I look forward to my future in this field and what will come to those I encounter.

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Specializes in MDS/ UR.

Blessings.

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Specializes in MCH,NICU,NNsy,Educ,Village Nursing.

I wish you the best. The mentally ill are so often cast off. The church my husband was on staff at had a huge population of many who struggle with mental illness. They were so often ill, but when well, they were joyful and open about the burdens they felt. Very transparent, and I knew exactly what they were thinking, because they would tell me. So sorry to hear of the loss of your mom when you were so young. That is really hard. Let us know how things go for you.

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Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.

I'm very sorry for the loss of your mother! Our world needs psych nurses, for sure. Side note--I'm not sure who told you there was no money in it, but it's not necessarily true--at least not any more so than other RNs. The hospital I work for has scores of psych beds; I want to say 3 adult psych floors, a peds psych floor, even a "psych ICU." Wages for ALL inpatient RNs/LPNs are calculated based on type of degree (higher degree=higher base pay) and hours worked. You won't get rich on an RN salary, but make wise financial decisions and you can be comfortable. Good providence to you!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
I'm very sorry for the loss of your mother! Our world needs psych nurses, for sure. Side note--I'm not sure who told you there was no money in it, but it's not necessarily true--at least not any more so than other RNs. The hospital I work for has scores of psych beds; I want to say 3 adult psych floors, a peds psych floor, even a "psych ICU." Wages for ALL inpatient RNs/LPNs are calculated based on type of degree (higher degree=higher base pay) and hours worked. You won't get rich on an RN salary, but make wise financial decisions and you can be comfortable. Good providence to you!

Agreed. :yes:

May you be a beacon of light for those who need it!

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