Psych or Cancer?

[Burgh_Student]

I'm a 23 year old male nursing student in Pittsburgh PA. I'm going to be working in UPMC after I graduate in December (tuition forgiveness requirement). Right now I'm finding that I really like some aspects of Psych nursing and would consider possibly working in that field. I'm naturally drawn to it and feel like I'm pretty good at it. On previous rotation I also found that Oncology suited me pretty well.

I am trying to determine positives and negatives as to each one. Mostly in a career building kind of way. I'm afraid that working in Psych might limit my options in the future even though I like it. On the other hand if I like it more then I'm more likely to do well. I liked Oncology, and it seems to me that it would be a faster growing area, possibly more options down the line. Plus if I got to work the floor I wanted, I would be working with some pretty advanced techniques and treatments.

I realize that I can always shift around later on, but I want to make a good choice for a starting off point. I realize I still have time and that is a good thing, but I feel its time to at least start putting some thought into this. Any input would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[HealthyRN]

I would recommend going with what interests you the most. Many older nurses still encourage getting that year of med-surg experience, but if you don't like it, you will be unsuccessful and it may turn you off to nursing altogether.

With oncology, there is still plenty of opportunity to practice aspects of psych nursing. There tends to be a lot of psychological pain to be addressed with cancer patients. Also, it would probably be a bit more difficult to go from psych nursing to oncology if you change your mind after awhile. On the other hand, it would be easier to transition from oncology to psych nursing. Good luck!

[onc nurse]

I am an oncology/BMT nurse and absolutely love my job. I agree with the previous posting that you get a lot of psych experience with oncology nursing. For the most part, you will not be dealing with the delusional psych disorders (however, our floor does get some significant psych overflow!) The aspect of psych that you will see in oncology is helping the patient or family member cope with depression, grief, and anxiety. Our patients become family to the staff; the majority of them stay at least 2 weeks, some even 3 months. I think it depends on what part of psych you love. If you are more interested in schizophrenia, bipolar, MDD etc, you may want to work at WPIC. Good luck with your decision!

[rnrainy]

I had a year on cardiac tele before going to psych, and for that I am forever grateful. I can't see being turned off from nursing because a certain floor/field doesn't work for you. Each field has psych issues and you don't necessarily need to be a psych nurse to appreciate it! I loved both psych and oncology in school and took the first opportunity that came up. (So I now want to go back to oncology, that's where my heart lies). Don't forget you are young in your career, there are many years to do what you want to do...gain those skills and nursing opportunities rise on their own. Good luck!