Advice for potential RN

[hope77rn]

Hello all,

I am currently working on prerequisites in preparation for applying to a local ADN program in nursing. I have a bachelor's (and career) in another field (education) and am a career changer in my early forties. I have little interest in traditional bedside hospital-based nursing, but am very interested in addictions and/or psych nursing. I strongly feel that both of these areas are such important societal issues and I have great empathy for those who suffer from these diseases. I also know its definitely not all healing rainbows - there's a lot of darkness that surrounds both addiction and psychosis. For those of you who work in the field of addictions nursing, do think it's reasonable for me to attend nursing school with the specific goal of working in addictions nursing immediately upon graduating?

Thanks for your input!

[TriciaJ, RN]

I think it's perfectly realistic. I started out in psych and so have a lot of other new grads. It didn't stop me from going on to other areas when I wanted. In fact it gave me a strong basis for dealing with behaviour no matter where I worked. Some nurses spend their entire career in psych and are perfectly happy doing so.

[CarolynnLindsey]

It may seem that I am one of those who has worked in field for years, on the surface that is true however in mental health I have worked with individuals with dementia, people with developmental disabilities, individuals who required a psychiatric nurse for home services. I have engaged patients in the ER, patients on various units, patients in their homes, patients dealing with substance abuse an d all that goes with that. I that your goals are realistic and based on your stated dreams you can be successful. In todays world there are many opportunities for the NURSE. Go for it.