allensn

Thank you both!

I'm a new RN looking to start a mental health nursing career. I'm hoping to eventually become a mental health nurse practitioner, and maybe to do some psyche travel nursing before then. I currently have two job offers and need to decide which one to take in the next 24 hours: 1. An adult unit at a psychiatric hospital. Pros: - much better pay (nearly $20,000 more per year). - possibly better career opportunities, owned by a giant company with facilities all over the country. Cons: - 2nd shift, not great with two small children, and one weekend off every two weeks with two more random days off. - less dynamic work day, probably less patient interaction as I would be managing the unit with an LPN and a tech doing more with the patients. 2. An ACT program. Pros: - working out in the community vs. in a dusty institution - better hours, typically 8-5 M-F, better with a family - more patient interaction - patient care appears to be more team oriented Cons: - much less pay - possibly fewer long term career opportunities. - occasional on-call duty Any input would be appreciated!