how to get a new grad psych job?

verene, MSN · Nov 25, 2020

1) If you can find a residency program that's great. Psych residency slots tend to be less popular than other specialities.

2) Keep applying. Two weeks is hardly any time at all, and many places won't even interview until you've passed NCLEX and are licensed. Given COVID messing everything up - scheduling and hiring are both likely running slower than usual, so I'd also urge patience; you WILL find something.

3) Be prepared to really sell what it is about psych that interests you, why you are seeking a psych position, and don't sell your EMT experience short (you *will* need to triage medical issues in psych!).

Stillcrazyafteralltheseyears · Nov 27, 2020

I would stress your EMT experience as a background for psych. You probably had to deal with patients who were experiencing stressful situations that affected their behavior. Give different situations of how u dealt with them. You probably had to deal with patients with substance abuse problems or acute mania. I believe I was successful with employment because of the examples I gave and the outcome preventing harm and resolution to patients and other individuals involved. If I was hiring someone I would want to know that.

B52, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN · Dec 2, 2020

Talk to your classmates. Find out if any of them got hired at a facility with a psych unit. Then apply there and call HR to let them know you're really interested. That's how I got my first psych job as a new grad. Good luck.

foxystar, ASN, RN · Dec 6, 2020

Maybe try a state hospital facility in your area that has a psych unit or maybe the local VA (veterans) hospital. Most state and possibly some federal facilities hire new grads. I passed NCLEX in September and will be starting my first RN position as a psych nurse at a state hospital here in Maryland in less than 2 weeks. The state pays less than other hospitals but the benefits and number of days off are pretty good. Good luck to you!

Encarn, BSN, RN · Dec 7, 2020

On 11/20/2020 at 8:01 PM, mf04dalb said:

hi all! hope everyone's doing fine! I recently graduated from an ABSN program this august and passed my NCLEX this october - the jump hunt has begun for a new grad psych position and 2 weeks have passed with no luck [searching in new york city + long island + jersey city].

I'm looking for any tips on how to really secure your first nursing position, specifically for psych, as a new graduate. the only prior healthcare experience I have besides my nursing school clinicals is being an EMT for 3 years. any tips or suggestions or connections out there?

I have been a Psych RN for about 4 years now and my first job was as a new grad. The best bet you have is to look to rural and underserved areas as they are usually desperate for full-time/core Psych RNs. Rural facilities largely rely on travel nurses for staffing.

I would discourage a new grad nurse from applying to a very large hospital, state hospital or prison/jail. Due to the inherent bureaucracy, you will likely get lost in the shuffle and, if hired, your training and mentorship will likely be subpar.

For your interview, be prepared to answer:

Why you want to be a psych nurse as a new grad
The difference between typical and atypical anti-psychotics
What mood stabilizers are and what is their purpose
Different families of anti-depressants
Different anxiolytic drugs
Be able to discuss positive and negative symptoms of Schizophrenia, Bipolar I and Bipolar II disorder, Schizoaffective disorder, and Borderline personality disorder.
What are hallucinations, illusions and delusions (grandiose, paranoid, hyper-religious, persecutory)
What are risk questions (Suicidal/Homicidal ideation; Auditory/Visual/Tactile/Olfactory/Gustatory hallucinations; Depression and Anxiety)
How you would de-escalate a patient in crisis -- e.g. address pt by his/her name; ask what needs are not being met; if what they want is unreasonable/against policy, offer alternatives; change of environment; ventilation of feelings; 1-to-1 counseling, limit setting, etc.
What meds would you ask a physician or NP for in a crisis -- B52 (Haldol 5mg, Benadryl 50mg, Ativan 2mg)
When to use seclusion (danger to others) vs mechanical restraints (danger to self).
Common side effects of psych meds such as Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS)/Pseudo-Parkinsons, Tardive Dyskinesia, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Serotonin Syndrome, Oculogyric crisis
How to treat and document a seizure and different kinds of seizures

If you can answer all of the above then there is no reason your shouldn't land that job following the interview. Best of luck!

Orca, ADN, ASN, RN · Jan 15, 2021

When I was about to graduate, I sent blind letters and resumes to every hospital in my area. As it turned out, one of the hospitals was opening a new mental health unit. I also have a BA in psychology, which I believe gave me an advantage over other new grads. I interviewed with them, and I was offered a job before I even finished school. Sometimes you have to make your own luck.

Best of luck to you. As Verene said, two weeks is not a lot of time in a job search. I know that it is hard to be patient, but some patience is necessary.