OT or Mental Health NP?

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi everyone!

I am having a hard time deciding which career path I want to pursue. I got wait-listed for a few OT programs this year, but I have myself on a waiting list for an RN program. I know I would like to specialize in mental health nursing if I go that route. Is there a lot of jobs in this area? Which field is a better one to pursue? Anyone with experience?

Thanks

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Specializes in Neuro ICU, SICU.

You didnt mention what area you were in. Personally I think OT is kinda boring and it would be frustrating for me if I did not see results from my pts. Everyone is different, maybe your best bet would be to shadow an OT and a Mental Health NP for a day and really see what you like best.

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Sorry I am from NJ. I have shadowed OT's, but would really like to shadow a mental health NP as well.

I do realize to become a NP will be a much longer hall, but there is so many programs out there for NP's with mental health specialization that I would not have to leave far from home which is a plus (unlike OT). I like the challenge of nursing, but I am afraid I might end up miserable when my hubby is off on the weekends and I am not. That is the plus side of OT, which is more 9-5, but the more I think about it.. you have to play good cop/ bad cop sometimes and doing the same repetitive things. I guess every job there is some boring elements to it. The one thing that is good about OT it's not as much work and more like a "coffee clutch" at times with the outpatient hand therapy that I've seen. I just don't know, I don't want to be mentally drained, but mentally challenged. Before I could even say I was considering nursing an OT told me don't even think about nursing. I see how they are treated in the nursing home, they are over worked and under paid... So can anyone that has experience in mental health nursing give me some insight? Was it hard to get into the field you wanted to specialize in? I have always liked the idea of social work, but this is more with a clinical twist. I think it's the best of both worlds..

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Specializes in critical care.

I considered OT too. The OTs I worked with recommended the career highly and encouraged me to pursue it. The job market is definitely better due to few programs being available. But, in the end...I was afraid I'd get bored.

My first degree was in psych and I'm considering becoming a psych NP. I just started nursing school though, so we'll see what specialty speaks to me during clinicals. The beauty of nursing is in the wide variety of opportunities available; you can choose a fast-paced specialty where you run your butt off, or you can go into a more "laid-back" field.

All this is assuming the economy continues to improve.

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Specializes in critical care.

Oh, also... since most NPs work in primary care, I think they have more of a regular, M-F/9-5 schedule, as opposed to the crazy hours required for bedside nurses.

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