Getting hired in Psych nursing? Please help?

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Specializes in psychiatric, corrections.

Psych nursing is my passion and my calling. I don't think I want to be PMHNP, it seems like a lot of responsibility that I am not quite ready for. But I want a masters, and I want an additional degree (besides a BSN) to make me more marketable and make places hire me. I was thinking about a general masters in psychology or a masters in Applied Behavioral Analysis. If I had either, would it make a difference when one was looking at my resume? I know there are special training courses and such to deal with psych patients but I really want a masters. One that will be "psychologically" based but not necessarily AP nursing.

I worry if I do a masters in nursing Admin/Leadership I won't get to interact with pts, and I will be mostly shuffling papers. I want to be a clinical nurse but have an additional degree that makes HR sit up in there seats a bit and say, "Yes, lets call her in. Obviously she has a passion for psychology and the human condition when it comes to patients, AND because of this additional degree, we're also going to offer her more money". I mean, why not have the best of both worlds?

Yes, I know I would only be working in the scope of my BSN, however, I want a degree that will make me stand out and screams, "psych is my passion even though I am not a APNP". Suggestions?

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