Argante3

I am a new grad too, and really focused on becoming a psych nurse. Like you, I had no idea how to start an iv, and was worried sick about it! I was lucky to be accepted into a graduate nurse program and placed on the psych unit I wanted to be on. The other graduate nurses were placed on med/surg floors, and got inservice trainings on starting iv's and other medical procedures. I was very frustrated that i didn't get to go on those rotations, and got very tired of hearing "you're a psych nurse, you won't need to do that..." However, since I've been on my floor, there have been a couple of medical emergencies. Instead of being the person treating the patient, I've been assisting, because the tech on my floor is an EMT and has more direct skills than me. I am continuing to look for opportunities to gain additional training in crisis/trauma and nursing skills and that my psych background will be instrumental in helping people who are in a true crisis. I have to remember is that I can't be proficient in all areas of nursing all at once. I am hoping to prove myself as a good psych nurse, and an asset to the facility that I work for. Once I have been there for a while I am hoping to be able to go to them and ask for training on med/surg floors to learn the skills. Remember, starting iv's and giving shots are skills that anyone can be taught. Knowing how to care for a person is a gift.

I'm an msw as well and just finished nursing school and an now an RN. I was very lucky to have a great psych rotation and got into a new graduate nurse program on the behavioral health unit. One of my interview questions asked about separating the two skill sets and I'm being hired as a nurse first. My social work background is a great foundation for building my new career, but first kiss must build my nursing skills. Although I have been an msw for twenty something years I'm still a brand new nurse, like everyone else. I have an awful lot to learn. Good luck!