Published
I work in psych. I chose it over a medical specialty because it had better hours (I had a small child at the time), and I've never regretted it. I made more than med-surg new grads. I also didn't feel my like first year suffered from not being in med-surg because I learned all the basics of prioritization, time management, med administration, assessment (yes, we do physical assessments in psych!) and delegation as they did. I just had to use a somewhat different skill set.
It is good that you're looking into all options as a new nurse, but honestly, you're most likely to get a job as a hospital, LTC/rehab, or psych nurse, what most people think of as "typical" nursing jobs, because the "different" nursing jobs usually require experience. Doesn't hurt to apply for something different, and there are exceptions where new nurses end up as public health, school nurses etc, but I wouldn't expect it.
prison rn- hear they get paid more per hour due to setting.
[color=#9933ff]i have worked in a prison for the past 2 years. when i first started i loved it. it wasn't "floor" nursing. i was doing psych.
fast forward 2 years later and i hate it. i don't like dealing with beligerant, manipulating, and malingering inmates. they don't care what you do for them as long as you're doing something for them. they gun (masturbate) you, cuss you, and are just ungrateful people. they think they are "entitled" because they are in prison.
anyway---yes you might make more, but to be honest, the stress isn't worth it. i have a job interview friday for an oncology position. i am ready to get back to the hospital setting.
p.s.--sorry for the rant
blinky, ASN, RN
160 Posts
Just passed NCLEX and was thinking about different job options other than the typical med surg Rn in a hospital setting.
Veterans association hospital- hear they have great benefits, get paid less hourly. Work 20 years then get 20 years retirement.
Prison RN- Hear they get paid more per hour due to setting.
Research RN- can't find a lot of info on this but a friend mentioned it and just that she loves her job and makes bank compared to a RN in med surg
travel/ home care- ?
Army- sadly need a BA for this
If anyone has useful links to any of these areas in nursing or personal experience please share
pros vs cons
pay
working conditions
benefits
pt/client ratio
hours
etc.