Pediatric Psych

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Specializes in Step-Down NICU/PICU.

Hello Pedi Nurses!...

After working with adults for the past 10 yrs ive been in the health field, tomorrow I begin a new path in Peds...(Pediatric Psych) to be exact. I have had LTC exp , home care, corrections, wounds, IV therapy, Phlebotomy for yrs...I can't help but feel a little nervous working with peds however, its been a specialty my heart has always wanted to work in...with the jobs in the new york area becomng soo competitive, and almost non existent for ASN nurses... I've been blessed with the opportunity to finally land a position with peds psych, after working for a year as an RN in Home Health, ( LPN 4 yrs prior) ...I only have my asn and currently working on my BSN...my goal is to get into an acute care hospital working with peds...my question is...If i get experience working with peds psych, would my chances of getting in to a hospital with peds increase?...I will not be using any of my clinical skills that ive had in the past.. like starting an IV, etc ...but I'm afraid that a year or two from now when i do apply for an acute position at a hospital I may be thrown to the way side....any advice from nurses who have been this route? GREATLY appreciate it in advance! :redbeathe

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Specializes in Pediatrics, ER.

I worked in pedi psych for six months before landing an acute care pedi position in a community hospital, then I transitioned to a NICU/PICU stepdown unit. It can definitely be done...just make sure you list your skills on your resume when transitioning to peds med-surg. Have you tried applying directly?

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Specializes in Step-Down NICU/PICU.

Thank you so much for your response i was starting to think no one had an answer!...lol...no i haven't applied directly...I have been told that its best to apply to an acute peds unit with SOME peds experience instead of none...we'll see how it goes!...once again thanks for shedding some light...:)

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Specializes in Pediatrics, ER.

Not true. New grads enter peds all the time. Pedi psych isn't going to prepare you for acute peds at all, truthfully. Don't worry about breaking into your dream field in any certain way. If you see a position and you want it, go for it!

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Specializes in Step-Down NICU/PICU.

Thank you so much! :redbeathe will keep that in mind

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I don't think working in psych would hurt your chances in acute care at all. Psych patients get physically sick too, chronically sick kids get depression at all ages. You will be great for helping kids cope and deal with their frustrations and feelings. And then the parents always have psych issues too! :lol2:

I honestly don't think it could hurt your chances, if you can get an acute care job then go for it but until then try out the psych

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Specializes in Step-Down NICU/PICU.

Thanks umcRN...I will finally go to the units tomorrow...we'll see how it goes...:redbeathe

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Specializes in Pediatrics.
Thanks umcRN...I will finally go to the units tomorrow...we'll see how it goes...:redbeathe

So what did you think of the unit? How are you liking peds psych? I posted a thread on here with a job dilemma, I may be getting a job offer for either on-call or full time peds psych, just not sure which one I want. What if I commit to the full time job and hate it or go for the on-call job to ease into the position.

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