psychRN2005

jmhillis, I love psych and like you started as a tech many years ago. I did however go in to critical care after graduating. I felt like I should do some "medical stuff". I guess I'm glad that I did it. I learned a lot. (like psych is everywhere :)) Now I'm back in psych and feel like I'm back home. I will finish my psych np up in May and there are many opportunities if you want to advance your career. As for making a difference, we make one every day to someone. Don't worry about what others think because they are usually too afraid to come and work with us. I have no idea about travel nursing with psych. Good luck!

Orca, you are a rockstar! Good for you! I wish all hospitals would open their eyes and be more receptive to letting us intervene in situations like these. I had to laugh though because "medical" nurses think that we are the dumb ones and all you did was listen to the patient. LOL

First I think you could be a great asset knowing what it feels like to suffer from severe anxiety. Second I hope you have received help for dealing with it before you consider a position on a psychiatric unit. It is a very rewarding area to work in and taydian gives good advice. It is stressful in a different way than trauma but still stressful. Maybe shadow prior to making a decision so you are able to ask questions of the staff that already work there. Good luck!