rel4507

Hey guys, I'm new here, but start nursing school in the Fall. I already hold a BA in Theatre, but after graduation began working for a large hospital in the Home Health Dept. I had three years experience as a nurse aid before beginning work here. I was PRN and picked up shifts other places too, bouncing over to Renal/Oncology (I hated it) and eventually landing in the Psych ward. Which I love. I do. I was a Unit Clerk/ Psych Tech before getting my current position of Registrar. I've been having concerns for awhile and they kind of came to a head today as I was talking to a Unit Clerk who transferred from here to ICU. My main areas of concern are being stuck in the Behavioral Health Unit after nursing graduation. Here a lot of the time, the dept you work in while in school is the one you Graduate Nurse in after getting your license. I don't want to end up with no med experience at all as a nurse, but I do love Psych. Another is my current salary. It is far too low for someone with a Bachelors no matter what it is in. The girl I was talking to was telling me they are currently hiring for a unit clerk in ICU, I would probably get a fairly decent pay increase and could still work night shift. Plus I'd be on 12's instead of 8's, alternating 3 and 4 days off every other week. She also said that it is likely I could get a preceptorship in ICU after graduating, thereby getting the medical experience I want. The Psych ward is also a fairly heavy breeding ground for drama, and while it doesn't affect me too much, she was driving a pretty decent recruiting bargain. I love my job, but I feel like I am kind of stuck here, both financially and career wise. After working for 5 hard years, getting a degree and then deciding to become a nurse, I just can't fathom making what I currently am until I graduate nursing school. But I do enjoy my job. But I might enjoy ICU just as much. I am very isolated here, I work largely by myself and while I don't mind it, I do miss people a lot. Any insight? I am just lost. The thought of leaving this department is kind of a scary one. Thanks! :)