New grad regrets doing psych

TheMoonisMyLantern, ADN, LPN, RN · Oct 29, 2015

Having experience in psychiatric nursing should not be viewed as weakness when applying to another unit. Patients with mental health issues present in every facet of nursing and often times healthcare providers struggle being therapeutic with these patients while also addressing their physical aliments. The skills utilized in a psychiatric setting will serve you well no matter where you go. When you interview don't present with "I only have psych experience." present them with the fact you have a unique skill set that will benefit your employer.

I realize you're thinking that becoming a psych np may not be for you, just remember that being an advanced practice clinician in mental health is vastly different from functioning as staff RN. As a staff RN milieu management is our key function, where as a psychiatric NP is working one on one with clients. However if you really feel psych isn't for you most FNP's I know typically had a background in Med/surg, critical care, or emergency medicine. You can't go wrong with Med/surg it is the "heart of nursing" as the saying goes.

Hope this helps!

elkpark · Oct 29, 2015

Lots of grad schools will take you with no relevant RN experience. I precepted a psych NP student who had spent her entire nursing career in ICU, had never worked in a psych setting a day in her life, but still got accepted into a reputable, well known psych NP program.

I'm not saying I think this is a good idea, just that it is done every day ...

xoemmylouox, ASN, RN · Oct 29, 2015

I would try out other floor areas to see what you like. Keep in mind that what you do as a floor nurse is MUCH different than you would do as a N/P. Perhaps shadow a N/P in an area that interests you or at least sit down and talk with a few in different specialties. This will give you an idea of what their job roles actually are.

BumbleBuddy · Nov 1, 2015

I would go with med/surg. You get exposed to a lot of different diseases, many of which are chronic. You get to see how those illnesses (CHF, ESRD, HIV, etc) are managed and what kind of treatments they get. You also are able to identify when those patient are heading in the right direction or not. It's good for FNP because you'll be seeing some of these patients and will know how to appropriately handle their care. You also see a lot of odd ball cases like spider bites, rashes, various infections and beyond.