New Grad in registry

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I was wondering about everyones thoughts about an unexperienced RN working in psych units through registry (they said theyd start me off in sub acute locations first so that is why it didn't sound so bad) I am applying for real jobs but the soonest i would start working is in january so it would be nice to pick up some dough to last me through the months as it is drying up. I don't have any experience besides clinical in psych and am getting all the stuff ready to review certain key elements from school but am starting to think it might be a bad idea to go in without experience.

(I personally think it would be a bad move but my Dad put pressure on me cause i guess he pulled off some shifts as an LVN when he started working after his nursing school).

Just wanted some professional thoughts and opinions?

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Specializes in Psychiatric, Forensic, MRDD, Home Health.

I think you will probably be okay if you are just doing it for a couple months and you will learn alot. The basic rules of nursing always apply, giving emergency meds when needed, talking to Pts and assessing problems, documenting your assessments. Just always ask your peers or charge nurse if you have to make a judgement call, get some feedback.

It takes a while to learn a specialty like psych, but you can manage and learn at the same time.

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Thanks for the reply. Yeah I guess I am going to give it a shot, I just better know my mental health laws and basic assessment pointers, therapeutic communication, get a basic review of meds and go in and be assertive and nice. Thanks for the support Joandarco.

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Specializes in Hospice, corrections, psychiatry, rehab, LTC.
I don't have any experience besides clinical in psych and am getting all the stuff ready to review certain key elements from school but am starting to think it might be a bad idea to go in without experience.

I don't know how you would get experience without working on a unit. Take the time to take everything in, and take advantage of the experience of the people around you. Coworkers can be a tremendous resource when you are learning a new specialty.

Best of luck to you.

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