Experience Psych RN Looking for a Change

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in Mental Health Nursing.

Hey Friends!

Long-time reader first time poster. Sorry if this isn’t the best discussion board for this question. I also know this has probably been posted before but I thought I’d open it up for some fresh takes.

I am an RN who has been working in psych-mental health for most of my career and I am looking for a change. I still love my patients but feeling a little burned out by the field. I think I’d like to try ER or OR nursing but can’t figure out how to make the switch!

I’ve applied for a few jobs that seem to have lower entry requirements as far as prior experience goes, but can’t get past the application phase. I wish there was a residency program for more experienced RNs - I know I’ll be a good fit if only I can get my foot in the door!

Has anyone made the switch or have any tips on how I might be a more attractive candidate? I would really appreciate it ?

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Specializes in Ambulatory Case Management, Clinic, Psychiatry.

I was in a very similar position, doing psych for almost 10 years. I was able to get a position as a float nurse for an outpatient group (primary care, urgent care, specialty) and that opened up a lot of doors including an ER job offer. I didn't end up taking it, but I have done outpatient CM and got an interview for an inpatient med/surg CM gig as well.

I also have a friend who did per diem geri psych, which helped her get a med surg job. Now she is @ a major academic medical center on a med surg floors with great ratios. She started in psych too; it is possible!

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I would look for a medical/psych unit, or a hospital with separate psychiatric and medical units that would be interested in cross training you. I don't know how long "most of" your career has been, but ER or OR straight from psych seems like a big jump. Not an impossible one, but I'd set myself up better before attempting it.

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Actually, psych nursing is not a huge jump into OR nursing, given how applicable communication and conflict resolutions skills are to surgical teams. During my interview for a Level I OR training program, the one thing they focused on in the interview was conflict resolution. This echoed the experiences of other people I knew who applied for the program as well. I would shadow an OR nurse to make sure it is something you might like, as it's a very unique niche, then apply to a bridge program. Most ORs in major hospitals have them and they are about 10 months long. Don't underestimate your psych skills in the OR world: I think they're a tremendous asset.

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Hello everyone! Hope everyone is done well.. what certifications did you get while being in Psych RN? I would like to get some experience in behavioral/psych RN before applying for my PMHNP program next year..I appreciate any info! TIA ?

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

My hospital does internships for experienced nurses who want to change specialties. There aren't a lot out there and it is super competitive to get the job, but research and see, then maybe be willing to move. Psych is very specific and you would likely need a very extensive orientation for ER or OR. You might find med-surg more receptive.

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Specializes in Psychiatry, Forensics, Addictions.
On 4/26/2020 at 5:07 PM, 2015bsngirl said:

Hello everyone! Hope everyone is done well.. what certifications did you get while being in Psych RN? I would like to get some experience in behavioral/psych RN before applying for my PMHNP program next year..I appreciate any info! TIA ?

ANCC Psychiatric/Mental Health Certification, and/or Certified Addictions RN are the two that I have in psych nursing

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Specializes in Ambulatory Case Management, Clinic, Psychiatry.

IF the ED has a lot of psych/substance abuse patients, and no separate "psych ED" nurses, they will be more interested

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Specializes in Psych, IT.

I worked in psych about the same amount of time and then made a change. A series of changes, I should say. If you have any interest at all in tech, check out nursing informatics. Once you have some experience under your belt you can transition to any number of IT analyst jobs. Healthcare data jobs are still taking off. The pay is great in the private sector and most IT jobs start with 3 or 4 weeks of time off.

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