kimbuhlee

Thanks for the reply, EzyDoesItRN! That sounds great! I can do without the novelties. Sounds like something that would interest me for sure!

Hi there, Just starting off my career as an RN. I have always been interested in the idea of working in a community mental health clinic but would like more information about what it is like. So for anyone who is an RN or an APRN in such a place, would you care to comment? 1) What drove you to pursue a career in such a place? 2) What is a typical day like for you? 3) What do you like/not like about your job? And would you recommend? Any other things you think would be helpful are greatly appreciated, thank you!

Hi Whispera, I think most people tend to think I'm "too nice" when they first meet me and this is what I believe what some of my instructors meant when they said I would be a better fit for OB than psych. I do and I don't agree with them. I don't think a certain type of person is meant for psych but rather certain qualities may help you in that field, such as the ability to set limits, listen, and be firm. Sometimes, I tend to be to be overly naive and want to believe the best in people which leads me to believe everything that they say. Also, at times, I can be too easily persuaded. I think before I become a psych nurse, there will be a lot of things that I myself have to work on. Do you have any insight?

Thanks Meriwhen, that was really helpful! I will definitely keep my eye out for those per diem psych positions. A psych/med floor sounds particularly interesting. There was one at the hospital I used to intern at so I'll look into that! Thanks again!

Hi all, So I am a new grad about to be employed on a med-surg unit, mostly because I was indecisive and didn't know what specialty to go into. I know I'll love the unit that I'll be on but I've always had an interest in mental health/psychiatry and community health. I have a far-fetched idea of opening up my own mental health community clinic to serve those with varying degrees of mental illness. So I suppose this is advice for the far future, but how do I transition from a med-surg nurse to a psych nurse? As much as I am interested in mental health/psych, sometimes I am also afraid that I don't have the "personality" for psych nursing. My professors have always told me that I'd be better fit for OB. If anyone wants to reflect on that all, that would be great too! Thanks!