new grad might be hired in psych but debating whether or not to take the job

[dedicate]

Hi all,

I have a question. I am a new grad. It is so tough getting a job as a new grad right now. New grad programs have 1000 people applying and only 15 or so get in. My dream is to work in post partum. Although it seems difficult to get into post partum as a nurse with no experience. My question is-I could possibly be hired as a psych nurse. In your opinion, should I take the position or should I wait until more new grad programs open up so I can get into a program and get the "acute care" experience most positions now a days want? If i work in psych, wouldn't it be hard to get my foot in the door to a hospital and work on a post partum, Operation room or med surg floor? Does anyone know of nurses who worked psych first and then after a few years got jobs in the hospital on floors such as post partum, med surg, operation room, etc? I feel it would be easier to transfer from post partum/med surg to psych, rather than psych to med surg/post partum. Honestly I have no interest in med surg, but many nurses told me its good for new grads to start there because of all the experience we get. Then again, other nurses said you can go straight into your specialty and be fine.

Please give me your opinions. I'm not sure whether or not to further speak with the psych recruiter and get my foot in the door at the psych facility. I just hope I don't regret it in the long run if hospitals disqualify me from jobs because I am an experienced psych nurse, but not an experienced nurse with acute care experience.

But then again, in this tough economy I feel like any job is a good job. I'm so confused and need some advice! Thanks

[Ace587RN, RN]

I would take the psych job if its a hospital psych job. Later on talk to your manager to transfer to other departments which should be easy since youre already a hospital employee

[dedicate]

It's at a psych hospital. It doesn't have any other units other than psych. & it Doesn't have other hospitals like kaiser throughout the country/state. What would you do in this case?

[Matt511]

I went from new grad right into psych. I had thought I wanted to go into a more of a med/surg area as to keep my "medical skills sharp" and then move into the OR. What I've found, is that the most important things to work on as a new grad is confidence, competence and organization. Psych will offer opportunities to work on all these. You don't suddenly forget all you're medical type skills, due to your knowledge, if you are an RN and there are RPN's on the team you may be consulted more than you think. Once you go back to postpartum or w/e you go you might have to do some reviewing and practice but with some dedication you'll be fine.

[dedicate]

Hi Matt. Thanks so much for the post. I definitely am confident that I would do just fine if I move into another specialty such as post partum, operation room, med surg, even if I've worked in psych as a new grad. However, I've heard new grad pigeon whole themselves if they go straight into psych. I've heard it's hard to get hired onto another specialty such as post partum, operation room, etc coming from a psych background. That's what I've heard from some recruiters, not all. What are your thoughts?

[Matt511]

I don't think anyone will be able to answer that as I think it would be site or manager specific. I know exactly what you are debating yourself about. I can only tell you it did not limit me at all. If you are in psych for a while you could look at taking some courses. People think psych is unrelated to other nursing areas, in reality it is impossible to escape psychiatric issues in any area. You will have a unique skill set such as dealing with anxiety, depression etc. And when a psych patient comes into post partim you will be comfortable while everyone else is shaking in their boots.

[mikeny]

just curious, as a new grad. what position do you have in psych? i'm a new grad but still need to take nclex and would like to get into psych. have any suggestions to possible positions i could look for? i appreciate it.

[RNdit]

I've worked at a psych hospital in a different capacity for the last 5 years. As a new grad I was hoping to be able to go into medical, but with the job market as it is.... a job is better than no job. Plus psych can be pretty interesting. I am also nervous about my future prospects. My plan is to continue my education and get my BSN as well as seek out other opportunities to maintain my medical knowledge. Already got my ACLS, looking to get PALS, then who knows. When I get my BSN I'll try to enter medical again.

[amarilla, RN]

Take any nursing job which can help you learn to delegate, organize, prioritize and implement! From a former manager's perspective, I would rather see that you took a job, dedicated yourself to learning and being part of your new unit/facility, and continued to grow as a new RN rather than wait for the seemingly 'perfect' fit at a dream job. In the meantime, you can always join relevant professional orgs, network and take continuing ed in your dream specialty while you're learning at the new job.

Just my two cents, but med-surg isn't for everybody, particularly if you know you don't want to be there. I work on a med-surg floor and chose this floor over others particularly for the yield of skills and diversity of experience, but I also enjoy managing surgical patients and consequently, like my floor. If womens' health is your thing, get out there and find some work with a clinic, office or even a non-profit! You'd be surprised what you can find if you're not looking for a neat, ft acute care position.

Best of luck.

[Lizzie21]

being a new grad myself I would say take the job. It might not be your ideal job, but it will help you get experience. Remember that this job isn't forever. You can gain a year of experience and see if there are any openings in the area that you desire.

[PediLove2147, BSN, RN]

You can be pigeon-holed in any specialty in my opinion. You WILL get another opportunity despite your psych background. I say, take it and make the best of it. Once you have a year or so under your belt start looking around again.

[laurenicoleRN]

When I was a new grad I took a position on a tele floor and learned tons! Now I'm working at a stand-alone psych hospital and love it. Many nurses think that they wouldn't be able to work in a medical hospital after doing psych, because it is so much different. I don't believe this. Any hospital will train you and give you an adequate orientation regardless of background/experience. If you want to try out the psych job to just see, then I think you should do it. You may absolutely love it and forget all about babies. :)