From psych to med-surg??

[Louisepug]

Hi everyone. Okay, so, I graduate in 5 months but I'm a little confused right now. I just finished my psych rotation and absolutely loved it (I knew I would.) My instructor told me I "exceeded the mental health rotation expectations," and that I adapted very naturally to the psych nurse role. I have always had really good commmunication skills and have had an interest in psych my entire life. So, the thing is I was originally planning on going into pediatric med-surg right out of school. I really like our Children's hospital, and felt I'd learn a lot there. But, now I'm having second thoughts and feel like maybe I should just go with what I have a natural ability towards. What if I do go into psych first, but then decide I want to work med-surg 3 years from now? Would I be able to take some kind of refresher course in med-surg skills or would the staff on a med floor just kind of help me ease back in. Would I have a hard time even getting a job in another area of nursing if I do psych first? I know there are a lot of questions, but I need your help! Thanks!

[midnightRN]

Don't be discouraged! I'm planning on going into psych when my contract is up. Truth is... psych issues are everywhere, in almost every patient! Just last night I took care of a guy going through DT's in ICU. I get the same kind of feedback, but I like what I like. Hang in there!

[GooeyRN, ADN, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN]

Again, thanks everyone for your replies. Its been kind of an upsetting week as far as this decision goes. It seems like everyone and anyone in nursing that I tell I want to possibly go into psych, I get a negative comment. Have you all noticed that some people view psych nursing as "not real nursing?" In my graduating class, if you are not applying for the critical care internship for ICU etc. then it's almost like you are looked down on. Oh well, I went to school to become an RN, not to win a popularity contest.

I dealt with this attitute from a lot of classmates when I said I was going into psych nursing. "Psych? Why? You graduated first in our class, why aren't you going to work in the ICU? You are surely smart enough?" Um, b/c I have no interest in that...