Anyone interested in Mental Health Nursing field?

krisiepoo · Nov 21, 2013

They do in my area and with your background it sounds like it might be a good fit for you :)

Good luck!

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Nov 22, 2013

I agree with PP. Generally, behavioral health nursing is not associated with the heavy physical workload of some other areas. However, in acute treatment environments, there is a greater risk of dealing with violent patients. In my part of the country, we have a premier private, not-for-profit psych hospital... they have an excellent new grad residency program, but only accept 4 students per year! They prefer applicants that have previous exposure & demonstrable interest in behavioral health. So, my advice is to make your preferences known very early by seeking a PCT-type job & opting for any extra (elective) behavioral health activities that may come along.

elkpark · Nov 22, 2013

While it is true that psych nursing is generally considered to be less physically demanding that other types of nursing, as HouTX notes, there are plenty of "hands-on" situations in psych that are less expected and controlled than the lifting done in other nursing settings. Plenty of people seriously injure their backs (permanently, seriously) in psych nursing. If you already have back problems, I would encourage you to explore this v. carefully before making a decision to pursue nursing.

OT and SLP are both much less physically demanding than nursing, and lots of OTs work in psychiatric settings. Also, for what it's worth, the OTs and SLPs I have known over the years have all been significantly happier and more satisfied about being OTs and SLPs than most of the nurses I've known have been about being nurses. :)

pattylee1122 · Nov 23, 2013

While it is true that psych nursing is generally considered to be less physically demanding that other types of nursing, as HouTX notes, there are plenty of "hands-on" situations in psych that are less expected and controlled than the lifting done in other nursing settings. Plenty of people seriously injure their backs (permanently, seriously) in psych nursing. If you already have back problems, I would encourage you to explore this v. carefully before making a decision to pursue nursing.
OT and SLP are both much less physically demanding than nursing, and lots of OTs work in psychiatric settings. Also, for what it's worth, the OTs and SLPs I have known over the years have all been significantly happier and more satisfied about being OTs and SLPs than most of the nurses I've known have been about being nurses. :)

I think most people are more educated in nursing as a career than OT. I gave up on nursing as an undergrad and regret it. I have to do what I can handle. I appreciate your realistic advice. :yes: I have read numerous posts on this forum and the pros/cons of nursing with back issues. Do all ENTRY level nurses have to start with acute care?

Chiquitabonita1982 · Nov 24, 2013

Me! My passion is psych and everything about mental health and it's where I want to work when I graduate. I'm hoping to just step right into a position as I've been working as a psychiatric associate for almost 8 years now-3 years at my current hospital. I will say this, it is kind of disturbing to hear people say that psych is less demanding and there's less physical work. Psych is it's own world really. It is definitely physically demanding and you have to be prepared AT ALL TIMES. Watch your back, have meds ready, be prepared to help out if a situation goes bad. And when they do go bad, it tends to happen very quickly, so be prepared to think on your feet. And if you have ANY bias about mental health disorders, it could hinder you from providing care. There's so much stigma around mental illness right now, and people often don't seek help because of the stigma. There are of course, people who try to abuse the system, but eventually they get help at longer term facilities.

I hope this helps and doesn't seem like I went on a rampage!