Changing from psych to peds...

[TX_nurse_08]

I have worked as a psych nurse (on a children's unit) since becoming an RN nearly 2 years ago and have recently decided to transition to pediatric nursing. Has anyone on this forum come from psych to pediatric? I'm very excited about the change, but also not quite sure what to expect and would love to hear from any of you who have made similar career changes. Any advice or helpful tips would be greatly appreciated!

[lysharnbsn]

Wow! What a jump! Good for you! This will be a definate change, and I wish you luck! I have worked med/surg and pediatrics and let me tell ya those little guys can have some quite interesting medical issues and complications. Taking this job and comming from psych know that there will be much more clinical involvement, such as assessment, medication administration, Gtubes, trachs, etc. etc.

I think this is a great idea, yet realize that this new job will take much training to get used to the floor again. Differant aspects of nursing like dressing changes, trach care, and other activities may be intimidating at first, but keep learning.......... you can do it.

Best of luck with your new job! Peds is awesome, can be hard at times, but so most definatly worth it! :)

Lysha, RN, BSN

[HaveFaithRN]

Congratulations on the careers change. I am in the same boat as well but I think if you are determined in the career change you will adapt to your environment in no time.

[marilynmom, LPN, NP]

I can relate : )

I started as a new grad in peds ICU, then went to child psych for about 1.5 years now. Ive decided to go back to medical nursing and just put in my app at local Children's Hosp for medical unit.

Since I've done both I can tell you they are very very different areas of nursing. Psych is a good background because there are psych issues in all areas of nursing. I think your making a good move, you will be able to do more in medical peds, more opportunities than in psych....that is my experience at least.

Good luck!