Sharprn1

I don't know where you live, but in California, 40k doesn't go very far and you would be giving up a lot more than lattes. That is a stiff chunk of change for anyone to handle let alone a new grad. The 10 year plan that was suggested earlier makes a lot more sense and you would be surprised at what areas qualify.

I have been a psych nurse for about 7-8 years I think.. I have been an RN about 20 years.. From my first job to where I am now has been a journey and evolution. A lot of people like to write off psych nursing as not a real nurse job.. It's kind of reflected in pay scales. Psych nurses aren't generally paid as much as hospital counterparts and certainly not specialty pay.. I have found my medical background has been helpful. I work with 2 newer nurses who went straight into psych( because new grads can often get hired) and one of them is worried about losing her medical skills. So really I wouldn't recommend it as a first job. I LOVE what I do. I am currently working in a more clinic vs inpatient setting. We serve the seriously mentally ill. It's rare to see aggression.. When I worked in inpatient, I also loved it, but it was a different setting. It dealing with a unit of patients not just one. And all you need is one person to set off a milieu. But how that goes is really dependent on you and the rest of the staff. I am a huge believer in de escalating and using a take down or isolation or restraints as a last resort. I have worked in places where you take down first and ask questions later.. I really believe psych should be a passion. If it isn't you can still do it and perhaps like it. With these patients you are not dealing with things that have black and white answers. It is draining sometimes I had 2 different doctors share 2 very valid thoughts. 1. You have to treat a person's "head" make it well before you get the rest of the body to follow along.. It really makes sense when you think about it ( I don't know if I articulated it as well as I could ) 2. When I was trying to decide about my current job, it wasn't the highest paying option I had, the Medical Director said people don't work here for the money, they work here for the patients we serve. That got me. The people I work with are some of the most dedicated people I have ever worked with. Lol, after all this, I hope I answered some questions and shared some insight.. I guess the bottom line is people just really like it or they don't.. Sometimes you just to have to try it on for size. If you have any questions.. Let me know.. We are in a very interesting place these days with all the interest/concerns about people with mental illness and their access to care.. Interesting things in Washington.. Good luck in your career..

Accept help when you need it. It's all about teamwork. With experience comes confidence and speed. The worst thing is when you're not sure about something and you don't ask for help or info.

I am sorry to say this, but welcome to the real world. Being a nurse requires the ability to change plans and adapt quickly! Because the one thing that you can count on is change