Any words of wisdom for a SNP that has an interest in this field?

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Hi,

I've read a couple of threads in this site, I'm a little scared to post since I"m still a new student. My brother suffered from schizophrenia and I always remembered the nurses as the families liasons and how much they meant to us. Is there a need for LPN's in the psych facilities? Would my degree in Psych work to my advantage?Is what I heard, if you work psych, you'll never get ahead because it's not "acute care"?...I don't mean to babble, but I'm really interested in this specialty, but unfortunately my psych rotation is limited to Alzheimers patients and I"m wondering if that is all I'll be working with as an LPN...I don't want to do the whole LTC thing in a NH....help????(meekly asking)

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Once you get your license you can apply to any kind of hospital you want. So can choose if want to work with Alzhiemers, or general psych, or Adolescent Pcyh etc. (wheter you get hired is another matter). I would think there is a need for LPN's as there is a nursing shortage. However, I would advise you to go on and get your RN as the trend (at least in NY) is for RN's and LPNs are less in demand. As for having a Psych degree - that is a plus, cant hurt. "Getting ahead" not sure what you mean. If you mean money, not sure there is big difference between psych and med-surge (if specialty like ICU, or PICU then imagine is bigger difference). IF you mean advancement to administrative things - then get your RN or you will be really limited. The bottom line is if you enjoy Psych, then this should not be a big deal.

Don't worry about being "new" and posting, this site is for everyone and you should not feel ashamed to ask, thats what this is for. Hope this was somewhat helpful, good luck. :balloons:

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:wink2: Hi

I'm new and I'm looking into phsyiciatric nursing, I have not got any idea what it would involve and how long. Also as I have no real qualifications am I being a little too hopeful!! I'm very interested to find out as I have received alot of couciling over the years and I feel I would like to give back a bit of what I have received. I have worked with ederly and learning difficultys so I have got some experience. I have always fancied nursing but I would prefer this......

thanks

Josie

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