How hard is it to find a neuropsychiatric unit?

[satyadhi]

Right now I am enrolled in a RN/associates program and eventually hope to get my DNP and become a family nurse pactitioner as well as a psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner. I am really fascinated by neuroscience nursing and would love to be able to combine neuro and psych. If I found a neuropsych job than I could practice my psych skills while maintaining my other assessment type skills with the neuro aspects.

My question is, how common are neuropsychiatric units? It doesn't matter if these neuropsychiatric units are in hospitals or psychiatric centers, just how common are they in general and how hard is it for a new grad RN to get an entry level job on a neuropsychiatric unit.

[satyadhi]

I think the only thing better than working in a neuropsych unit would be working in a neuropsych rehab unit, which would qualify me to sit for neuroscience, rehab, and psych specializations.

[Jules A, MSN]

If you live near a large urban area they shouldn't be too hard to find. I know of several here in DC. They are very challenging though, imo.

[satyadhi]

In what ways are they challenging?

I think the challenge will be worth it, because a few years later when I become an NP I should have some very sharp skills, and not to mention this area of nursing sounds fascinating which should help pull me through the tough times I may face working on this kind of unit.

[Jules A, MSN]

I'm not sure we are talking about the same type unit.

When I say challenging to me it is largely a physical challenge as they can be impulsive and combative with next to zero frustration tolerance. Finding ways to redirect them effectively can be difficult and there is often self-mutilation. You will likely give a lot of medication. Sometimes I float to an adult unit that is largely TBI and they are similar in many ways although bigger and a bit more dangerous.