psych is so hard to break into...

heynow1313 · Nov 22, 2016

If you have some extra $$ for continuing ed, trauma informed care training is a big deal. Try doing some online classes and then add them to your resume. Also very surprised that you are having trouble finding a job, Psych has a very high turnover because new grads come in without any Psych background and can't handle the stress. Don't give up! Happy to look over your resume if you want to PM me :-)

interested in this trauma informed care training but not sure I'm finding the correct course online. Would you be kind enough to provide a direct link to the course you have in mind? Thank you so much.

heynow1313 · Nov 22, 2016

I'm really surprised that you're having such trouble! I'm a new grad BSN with a minor is psychology who just got hired with HCA west Florida branch. They're willing to train GN's. I did my Practicum on a psych floor on the east coast which was also a HCA facility and they were always short nurses. It's definitely not over-saturated, good nurses in psych are very much needed! Have you tried applying to the position anyway? A lot of times managers will make exceptions. The other suggestion would be to work at a facility with a psych floor and transfer over after a year. Transferring within facilities seems easier. If you're looking to add certifications, CPI has been used at every facility I've been at. I wouldn't personally recommend it, it's expensive and in my experience if a facility wants you they'll pay for you to get it. The facility I'm working for paid for me to get ACLS and CPI...and oddly enough ECCO (critical care cert) and EKG. Another one that may look good is Mental Health First Aid, a lot of places offer it for free and I had that one before being hired. If you're looking to volunteer in mental health, I would suggest some sort of crisis line. I personally volunteer at Crisis Text Line, but I have no idea if that was factored into their decision. I really got the feeling they hired me because I was passionate and a BSN. Don't give up!

just sent my application in for the crisis text hotline. Thank you for a great recommendation. That's something I would like to be apart of even if I weren't looking to fluff up my resume.

Jusween · Dec 4, 2016

Try Largo Medical. They will hire anyone. Grit your teeth and tolerate it for six months and you can transfer anywhere in the HCA system.

softrbreeze · Dec 6, 2016

Have you tried applying at a forensic hospital? Or contacting nursing agencies to help you? I recently just started a FT position at a nearby forensic hospital through an agency.

heynow1313 · Dec 6, 2016

Try Largo Medical. They will hire anyone. Grit your teeth and tolerate it for six months and you can transfer anywhere in the HCA system.

Thanks for the recommendation. I live in Miami area so that's a bit far but I appreciate the reply. There are a lot of HCA facilities down here, Aventura, Kendall Regional, Mercy, etc... . I've applied to all. They all want inpatient psych experience and seem to not be budging on that.

Upon recommendation of another poster, I've begun the process of becoming a Crisis Volunteer and a certified Mental Health First Aider. I've no idea if these things will matter to hiring managers but I am interested in both so it's worthwhile regardless.

Again, thanks to you and all of you for helping to brainstorm. I really appreciate it.

BeenThere2012, ASN, RN · Dec 9, 2016

As another suggested, submit your application anyway and see what happens.

Also, this may be a stretch, but what about the prison system? They certainly have psych issues and many have specific units for inmates with psych issues. It may qualify for "psych" experience.

psych-nurse-michele, BSN, RN · Dec 11, 2016

Hello! I like your enthusiasm for mental health. I've been a RN, BSN, for over 16 years and work full-time on an acute care psych unit. Maybe this will help you...I attained my psych nurse national board certification last February for personal achievement AND acceptance into a PMHNP program.

I wish you the best of luck. You can do it! If you need any help, please let me know!

Nice to meet you!...michele

heynow1313 · Dec 11, 2016

As another suggested, submit your application anyway and see what happens.
Also, this may be a stretch, but what about the prison system? They certainly have psych issues and many have specific units for inmates with psych issues. It may qualify for "psych" experience.

Yes! I just applied to corrections positions and some newly posted state facilities. I'm not giving up. Thank you for your recommendation.

heynow1313 · Dec 11, 2016

Hello! I like your enthusiasm for mental health. I've been a RN, BSN, for over 16 years and work full-time on an acute care psych unit. Maybe this will help you...I attained my psych nurse national board certification last February for personal achievement AND acceptance into a PMHNP program.
I wish you the best of luck. You can do it! If you need any help, please let me know!
Nice to meet you!...michele

That's such awesome and inspirational news! Nice to meet you too and thank you so very much for your kind words.

BeenThere2012, ASN, RN · Dec 12, 2016

Hello! I like your enthusiasm for mental health. I've been a RN, BSN, for over 16 years and work full-time on an acute care psych unit. Maybe this will help you...I attained my psych nurse national board certification last February for personal achievement AND acceptance into a PMHNP program.
I wish you the best of luck. You can do it! If you need any help, please let me know!
Nice to meet you!...michele

Very nice post! I love it when the allnurses community is supportive, as was your lovely comments. Just sayin....!

BeenThere2012, ASN, RN · Dec 12, 2016

Yes! I just applied to corrections positions and some newly posted state facilities. I'm not giving up. Thank you for your recommendation.

Yes, please do not give up. It may be a bit of struggle down this road, but if this is what your interest is, you will be happy you stuck it out.

BTW....Mind you, this was several years ago and I suspect, more difficult to do these days, but one position I got when I was in a similar situation wanting to be given a chance without direct experience, was that I called the unit manager directly. I simply said something to the effect of, "Thank you for taking my call. I submitted my application for the blank position. I understand you are asking for only those with experience to apply. I want to ask what it would take for you to give me a chance? I have this and that experience, and these qualities...etc. This is my dream position and I believe I can do well here. I won't let you down. ". It worked and she hired me.

Good luck. Keep coming back to allnurses and let us know what happens. This site is awesome for support.

Safety Coach RN · Dec 13, 2016

I've posted here before on this topic. I'm a BSN with a BA in psych. I currently work in private care with a dementia care patient and part time at an urgent care clinic. I have been actively applying and (quite aggressively) reaching out to every hospital in my area (Miami-Ft. Lauderdale) with a behavioral health program. Almost every single hospital is hiring but, almost every single hospital states under their requirements that they desire at least 1 year acute psych hospital experience."
What can I do about this? What certifications could I get without any experience in the filed that might be appealing to hiring managers? Could I volunteer/shadow? Is there anything any of you could recommend that would give me chance to get my foot in the door?
One of the greatest things about the field of nursing, in my opinion, is the wealth and diversity of specialties. It's disheartening that hospitals are so closed off to training. I have the passion. I have the background and education. I simply lack the experience which I cannot get if hospitals won't hire folks like me.
Thanks in advance. I really am willing to do what it takes and feel like I need a fresh approach

Depends on your area/region. Around here they're giving away upwards of $10K hiring bonuses for acute psych at some locations.