disillusioned with what I do

[KidPsycho82]

Hello to any nurses reading this. I am a PsychNP. I worked in a child psych inpatient unit that was more politically charged than the recent clinton vs. obama race. I left that facility after about 6 years and went into out patient clinic in the inner city. I have held that position for the past two years. I would have to say that I have become disillusioned with this job. I am concerned that a disability income is becoming the primary reason for seeking care for many of the clients. I know that statement may not be popular and I have had second thoughts about writing it.

I hope I am wrong but am looking to cross train into another field before becoming completely burnt out.

Does anyone have any ideas that would be a likely field to cross train into while still being able to build on the education and experience I already have? Thanks for listening.

[Quickbeam, BSN, RN]

I worked psych for many years and I absolutely understand where you are coming from. I've seen it & understand your point of view. I also think opportunities in psych nursing are getting more limited, at least in my area. I'm not an NP but as I've watched my region close one psych hospital after another, it has been with sadness.

I've seen people with your skill set be very successful in case management and work comp disability mgt. That's an idea. Would you like to teach? Quite a few nursing programs in my area are always looking for psych nursing faculty at the MSN level.

[KidPsycho82]

Thanks for the prompt reply Quickbeam, I really needed to hear that right now. I hadn't considered the disability determination career, any idea how to get info on that?

[santhony44, MSN, RN, NP]

Do you have any interest in becoming a pediatric or family NP? You might think about a DNP program.

[Jo Dirt]

I will stay out of psychiatric nursing for this reason. Seems everyone is wanting to get the "goofy check," as they call it around here.

There is such a thing as a legitimate mental illness, then there is everyone else who wants on the dole.

I'm pretty disillusioned with the medical field in general.

[BlueRidgeHomeRN]

..and since my dh teaches in an inner-city school, i certainly can feel your frustration.:angryfire

he has students whose mothers are horrified when he has suggested that, based on observation by the educational system, their child may not actually, have a mental illness (add, bi-polar, and defiance "disorders" are biggies), but instead are clinically normal children. the "disability" payments are buying cell phones, fake nails, and fancy hair styles..and the kids are being groomed for a life of helplessness and ignorance.

there is a great need for np's.....you'll find your new niche.