Alexanderjitsu

I'm currently in the process of entering nursing school. I am finishing my prerequisites this up-coming semester. My goal is to become a psychiatric nurse or work in the ER. I want to learn diagnostic skills, critical thinking and autonomy. I figured psych nursing would be the best conduit to lead me to those goals. My question is will I be able to acquire a position in a psych-ward within a hospital if I am only an ADN? Or do I need to acquire a BSN before obtaining said position? Also do hospitals require prior experience in for ex. in surgical/med floor before hiring nurses? Any new suggestions on other slower-paced setting that fosters autonomy and critical thinking/diagnostic skills that an ADN new-grad could get into would be most appreciated. Thanks for any and all input!

My end goal is to become a NP working in family practice, either adult NP or w/ a degree in family practice. What area of nursing is best to start out in? I was thinking ER, Oncology, Medsurg or if I'm unable to acquire a position in one of the said facets of nursing, LTC. I'm looking for a position that would give me the most diagnostic experience. Any input would be much appreciated. Thanks.

I'm planning on becoming a nurse practitioner. I'm wondering if I chose to acquire a MSN and became an adult nurse practitioner, would that allow me to work in family practice, or is family practice reserved exclusively for nurse practitioners who have a degree in family practice? Thanks for your time and input.