New grad advice: psych?

[jessmurph]

I am a new grad with a BSN and also a BS in biology. My long term goal is to go back to become an FNP and work in primary care.

The job market where I live is absolutely horrible- there are hardly any jobs and even those in LTC want 1+ year of experience. Obviously, I would love to begin in med surg but the chances of getting hired here are slim to none- and I worked as a student nurse at a hospital so theoretically I have a better chance than most.

There may be an opportunity to get a job on the inpatient psych floor at the hospital I worked at. I like psych but it's definitely not something I want to do forever, and is an area that you can get bottlenecked in. So, in your opinions, do I pursue this opportunity? Or would a nursing home actually be a better option in terms of my long term goal of FNP? Thanks in advance!

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

I feel psych would be more helpful in the long run.

I never liked psych nursing in school. Returned to it as an agency nurse and found that , not only did I like it, I excelled there.

You will not just be observing behavior and medicating psych disorders. You will be using all of your medical assessment skills as well.

It will be what you make of it.... good luck.

[nrsang97, BSN, RN]

I agree inpatient psych would be better.

[EatYourVeggies]

Honestly I would just take whatever opportunity is offered to you and you never know you might end up really liking mental health!

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

The way I see it:

Any nursing job: RN/LVN experience on the resume, skills learned and mastered, networking opportunities, a chance to get your foot in the door at a facility.

Or:

No nursing job while you wait on the "perfect" starter job: no experience on the resume, no skills learned, no opportunities to make your name known, and you can fall into the Old New Grad trap, which is far worse than being a new grad.

People have started out in psych and transitioned to other specialities. It's harder now thanks to the job market and glut of nurses looking for work, but it's not impossible. At the same time, you might find that you end up liking psych...you'd be surprised how many people start off in psych and find themselves not WANTING to leave :)

Good luck whatever you decide!

[TipRizzo]

I would try the Psych floor. You may end up loving it!!

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