Bailey500

I have a BA in psychology and have been a RN for about two years now on an inpatient geriatric psychiatry unit. I must say that the background in psych has been a great experience, and I encourage you to get into nursing. At this point, maybe try a 2 year Associate degree program? That way you will be a registered nurse, with a background in psych. I must disagree with elkpark in that psychology and nursing are two entirely different disciplines. I think Psychology and nursing are very similar, and so are the ways those skills transfer into the job setting. Best of luck to you!

I suggest contacting any hospital that you're interested in working for, and letting HR know you're an LNA/student, and pursuing your RN degree. I imagine most hospitals around NH would consider making a deal with you to reimburse you for your education in exchange for a certain number of years that you agree to work for that hospital. seriously, with the nursing shortage in new hampshire, you can pretty much call your shots and let the hospital know what you need. good luck!

Hi, I gradutated from NHCTC-Stratham in 2004...highly recommend it, and I was prepared for the boards, and am doing well as an RN now. good luck with the process. as far as YCCC, good luck with that too. the chair of the program there left NHCTC-Stratham to start up that program, so I'm sure it'll eventually be a great program.

In some psychiatric settings (for example, inpatient geriatric psychiatry), massage could have a huge benefit. and making the patient feel better could be a great goal of treatment, especially in patients who can't begin to function better yet because they simply don't feel good, and lack motivation or means to function better.

Maine Medical Ctr. in Portland is an excellent hospital, with a very good reputation. Nice towns around the area--Scarboro, Cape Elizabeth, Gorham, Saco, Old Orchard, etc. Beautiful area of Maine and near the ocean. Cost of living is increasing, especially in Coastal/Southern Maine. Good luck to you, and enjoy Maine

Wow, pretty scary that not only can patients in this hospital barricade themselves via placing a bed in front of the door, but also, your hospital acknowledges this by providing staff with a "giant crow bar" for such situations. but sounds like you handled the situation well rather than having to resort to those measures...

Good luck to you in your last couple months. I'm a RN in Geriatric psychiatry. Have a BA in Psych, and AD Nursing. After work as a case manager, I decided to go into nursing. I've found the transition to be very smooth...as far as med surg--everyone told me I "had" to do at least a year of med-surg. I opted against that advice, and it has been a good decision for me. you do not need a year of med-surg. While we do have medically comprimised patients, the majority of the issues are psych related. I would suggest that during your interviews, you get a clear idea of what exactly your job will entail, and request some sort of preceptorship/mentor program. Psych nursing is very challenging, but it is definitely a unique opportunity to work with a diverse group of patients. And your SW degree will certainly help with the psych aspects. Consider geri-psych nursing-has a good balance of a little med-surg, and a lot of psych...great for a new grad. good luck again with school and your decision making process...