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Discussion

career question

Hello!

Wondering if you can share your thoughts with me. I'm a new grad with social work background (nursing is 2nd career). Naturally, I'm getting call backs on Psych RN positions. I do not want to do psych nursing, because I spent my first career in that area. However, I'm wondering if I should consider taking in a psych position since the job market is so bad. Or do I risk getting "stuck" in that area? I passed the NCLEX in early July and really started applying about 3 weeks ago.

Any feedback anyone can provide would be greatly appreciated!!

Thank you!

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    • Expert

    I guess the answer depends on how long you can afford to (or stand to :)) keep job hunting. If you really need a job right away, any job, you're fortunate that you have a background that increases your chance of getting a job in psych as a new grad. If you want to keep looking for something outside of psych, you can certainly do that.

    I don't think you need to worry about getting pigeonholed in psych until you've been in it at least several years -- so, even if you end up taking a psych position you don't particularly want out of necessity now, you can keep looking for something else.

    Best wishes!

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    If you just need a job then take it and keep on looking for something you'd rather do.

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    You would be a perfect canidate for case management, since most hospitals group their social services, case management departments. If you strictly want nursing experience hold out for a med/surg floor.

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    It's a whole lot easier to get a different job when you HAVE a job - so you will probably increase your chances of getting a job you really want by taking the psych job. It's not fair and truly it's probably not even intentional, but employers look at you more seriously if you are employed as opposed to unemployed. I think they think there is less risk involved, because they're getting a candidate that is in good standing with a current employer. Just my two cents, but in this kind of market and knowing from experience that it's easier to get a job when you already have one, you probably ought to take the psych job. Just keep up your job hunt for the job you really want - there's no reason to settle.

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    If you can get into a psych unit where the hospital is more than just psych...like county can be, you can move to ER or anywhere once you get hired and put in a few months or a year in the unit you are hired on.

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    • Author

    Thank you everyone for your posts! THey've been very helpful!

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