I graduated with my BSN in 2012. My first degree was a BA in psych. My nursing experience to date is limited to a private care pt with ALZ and part time urgent care work. I am interested in going into Psych nursing. Although I have a degree in Psych, I never did anything with it professionally. It seems that every job posting I see wants at least one year of experience. Are there any certifications, courses, etc... that I an take to make me more desirable to hiring institutions?
Any advice you all have is welcomed and much appreciated in advance.
I would definitely apply. You have some experience in geropsych thanks to your ALZ patient. Your psych degree shows that you have an interest in and some knowledge of psychiatry. Plus, not a lot of people are truly interested in psych.
What's the worst that can happen? They say No, and the world won't end. You have nothing to lose :)
Thank you, Meriwhen, for your advice. I'm so happy I posted my question- you all have been really encouraging and positive. it's helped me in great ways.
Do RN's conduct (or participate) in groups such as living skills training, functional skills training, coping skills training, leisure skills training, social skills training, cognitive skills training, illness management training, family support, etc... or is that reserved for nurses with higher degrees or specialized training?
Where do you live? I had a psych position offered to me before I even took nclex. Although, I did not accept, it does happen! Still very curious of your location. I'm in the Florida panhandle.
I was a brand new grad and got hired to work in a psychiatric hospital right away. The only experience I had was the few psych patients I had in nursing school. You will always learn the skills but the passion for psych is what you really need. That's what keeps you calm after a day of being yelled at for 12 hours.
heynow1313
158 Posts
great advice. Helps to hear this from people who have walked the walk. Thank you.