New psych nurse

[Daniallehp]

Hey guys! I graduated in May and passed boards in July. I was working home heath so thankfully the company I had been working for as an aid switched me to private duty nursing, I'm currently working nights for a vent patient with a number of health issues and do visits for another patient that involves insulin and things of that sort.

I recently applied a few other places (for job security,my home health company is small and if something happens to a patient I may have to file for unemployment until they can replenish hours). Out of the 5 places I applied I got two interviews, both psychiatric nurse positions. One was the inpatient facility where I did clinicals before graduating, and the other is for a non profit organization as a feild mental health RN specializing in dual diagnosis patients. I got offered both positions but ultimately took the feild nursing position as it is a Monday-Friday 8 am to 4 pm job, salary, and good benefits. They seemed to like the fact that I have a few years home health experience. The facility job was part time 1 (32/week) rotating days and nights, and while i was a student nurse there the seasoned RNs werent exactly welcoming and the mileu therapist was the farthest thing away from theraputic. I feel the monday through Friday fits my needs better as I am a 23 year old single mom who lives across the country from all family. I am still working for the private duty agency prn.

I'm slightly nervous as I am afraid if I decide to switch to something else down the road if I will have difficulty. I feel that since I have vent experience it may help me to look as if I "haven't lost my skills" but I'm not sure, also this feild nursing position provides free medical care to homeless patients 1x weekly with the on staff doctor.

My passion is psych but my dream job is the ER and as my daughter gets older I want to follow my dreams, but I'm not sure if I'm setting myself up for failure if I try to "spread my wings" and I'm not sure if declining the inpatient position will hinder me in the long run.

Does anyone have any thoughts/advice?

[Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN]

I love psych and would love to eventually switch from med/surg to psych. I don't think psych is a good gateway to ER, though. I've even seen a few experienced psych nurses crash and burn when attempting to transition to med/surg (although I'm sure there are plenty of success stories as well).

[mursymurse]

If your dream job is the ER and you want to work a M-F job you have to pick between the two. M-F doesn't line up with the ER.

[Daniallehp]

I know , that's why the ER is a longer term goal.. i just dont know if it will be im possible if i apply with 1 to 2 years experience being in psych and private duty nursing. I've been in school and worked my daughter's entire life (she's 4 now) that I feel I need this time/normal schedule with her especially before she starts school. I feel like I'm in a dammed if you do dammed if you don't kind of place, and who knows, I may love psych and never want to leave.