New grad hired in another specialty but psych is first love

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Specializes in PMHNP student.

Hi guys,

I graduated in October 2013 and was hired in the orthopedics unit of a local hospital, for which I am extremely grateful since so many people have had trouble getting jobs in my area. I do, however, still dream of becoming a psych nurse practitioner eventually as psych has always been my first love (I applied to many psych jobs when first graduated and heard nothing). I still plan to get my BSN and then am thinking of looking into a local master's program to become a PMHNP. My question is this: Since I will have had no experience in psych, will I be hireable as a PMHNP if I go that route? Thanks.

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Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.

You will not only do much better in your classes, but will be more marketable if you are working in the field.

There are plenty of opportunities to use therapeutic skills in a medical setting. But get 1-2 year experience in Ortho, then consider moving to a BH setting.

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Specializes in Psychiatry, Mental Health.

When I graduated, my first job was in med-surg because there were no psych positions open at the time. The experience I gained there did serve me well in terms of taking care of my psychiatric patients who had physical comorbidities and also helped me later in NP school, so it wasn't a waste of time. I do suggest, as the pp did, that after putting in a year or so at your first job you keep your eyes open for opportunities in the field of your choice.

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Specializes in Medicine.

Neohippy, I'm kind of in the same situation, I graduated in December 2013 from the pre-licensure portion of a direct entry program (we're required to work for a minimum of 6 months before starting the masters portion). I was just offered a position on a medicine floor for 6 months (with the option of staying if a position opens up). I'm currently in the psych track, and I'm hoping to add on a per diem position after orientation and potentially switch to a psych position while going back to the Masters portion. I also applied to many psych positions, but I haven't heard anything.

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Specializes in Psych.

Yep. Get your year or two on your floor now and then find a psych job. It will help you SO much because psych pts VERY often have a number of medical problems. And you will encounter psych pts in the medical setting too. Psych patients need joint replacements too :). Plus if you really find that you want to try something else besides psych, your medical background will help you immensely. Me, I went direct to psych with no regrets

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Specializes in PMHNP student.

Well it seems we have a consensus here! :) I thank you all for your input and plan on doing as suggested--fulfilling my 2 year contract at my current job and then keeping my eyes open for psych opportunities.

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