Just starting my PhD in nursing education with my only background as an RN is L&D

[IsabellaRN2]

I have a strong interest in psych nursing, anybody do something like this, switch to a psych focus without clinical hours, (mainly focused on research). I'm. Happy to be starting my program but still dont k ow what I want to be when I grow up, lol

[3peas]

Will your research focus be in psych nursing? I think if you have a good question and you find there is a gap in the knowledge I don't see an issue. You encounter psych nursing in all nursing not just on a locked unit. You might not deal with a mental health patient in acute psychosis or a depressed patient who is suicidal with a plan, but I bet you have had many patients who suffered from bipolar, depression, anxiety, ADHD and you had to factor those pathologies into your plan of care just like you do with hypertension and diabetes. I'm starting my PhD program in the fall and will focus on psych/public health. There needs to be more research done for our psych patients. Good luck!

[ghillbert, MSN, NP]

Why are you committing to a PhD program if you don't know what you want to do when you grow up? That is a lot of time and money.

[saheckler, PhD, RN]

It sounds like you already got into a program, so congratulations! I think it should be fine to do psych research without a psych background, especially if you are able to find excellent mentors in your area of interest, if you can take electives related to psych, and especially if you're able to get any psych experience during your program. Not that you'll have much extra time to spare, but maybe you could find a part time or per diem position in psych or a public health department? I'm in the process of applying to PhD programs and my experience is mostly in oncology, but I want to study public health, in particular health disparities. I think as long as you've put in some time on your own learning and absorbing as much as you can on the topic and as long as you take any opportunities that come along to learn, you should be ok. Also, you won't be doing research in isolation; you'll be working with a team. Surround yourself with people who have knowledge and experience that makes up for where you may fall short, and figure out what you can bring to the table and how you can work together. You may have some knowledge and experience and strengths that will be very useful that you just haven't thought of yet! Good luck!