Nursing student wanting to go into psych nursing

[wannabenursetx]

I'm currently in an RN program and will graduate in December. I'm VERY interested in pysch nursing. I loved my psych rotation and can't think of any other area that I'm more interested in. Could some of you seasoned nurses give me an idea of what to expect? I'm sure all facilities are different, and one day is different from the next, but I'm trying to get a feel for what your day consists of, as well as any advice starting out. The psych unit is in a separate building next door to the hospital and is an acute-care facility for children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric. The facility works with patients who have various mental disorders, as well as drug/alcohol abuse. Thanks so much for any words of wisdom you can provide to me!

[wonderbee, BSN, RN]

Hi Wannabenursetx. Is there any way you can get a job working at the facility as a student? There's no better way to see what you'd be getting into.

I'm still of the old school style of thinking that it's best to have some med surg experience under your belt. Medical facilities are quick to transfer medically compromised patients to psych. Too quick. We deal with tube feedings, foleys, rectal tubes, lines, drips, etc. The outcomes of these poor souls who have been improperly triaged onto our psych units are absolutely dependent on the ability and experience of the nursing staff to assess and advocate.

By the way, the facility you describe sounds exactly like mine.