psych is so hard to break into...

Specialties Psychiatric

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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

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.

That's probably the biggest hurdle. Not being able to connect with a human being. On the one hand, I get it, especially from HR, recruiters, hiring managers, etc... Can you imagine if every applicant was stalking them and had access to their direct phone line and/or email??!! hahaha. On the other hand, there is so much that is left out by just submitting a resume and having it floating out there in the universe. Sometimes, a quick phone conversation can really convey enthusiasm, knowledge of the company and their mission, and a willingness to learn. But, you are absolutely correct that in the year 2016- this is difficult to achieve. Thank you for your awesome advice and what you said to that particular hiring manger is spot on. There are many different ways to land that job!

Hello Everyone. Finally, I caught a break. I had a great interview the other day with the director of behavioral health for an inpatient psych position. I wish everyone could be interviewed by this man. He was kind, warm, engaging, and encouraging. It was truly and pleasant experience regardless of the outcome. I got called yesterday for a second interview with the nurse manager. I'm beyond excited and equally as nervous.

I just wanted to share with you all because you were a great support to me through this process and helped build my confidence.

I have a question for the psych nurses. My background is in mental health and I currently have a Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling. I am thinking of becoming a nurse since this was my first love. Besides becoming a RN, is there any other credentials I need to become a psychiatric nurse? Thanks.

Specializes in Ambulatory Case Management, Clinic, Psychiatry.

MA has a ton of psych jobs and will definitely hire new grads. The entire Arbour system, unlocked 'crisis stabilization units" (my first nursing job, w no psych experience), north shore medical center, blake 11 @ mgh, community psych/dept of mental health vendors (baycove, vinfen, north suffolk), Mclean, and I am sure more. I am an ASN w a BA in psych and worked psych for almost 10 yrs

Maybe you didn't pass the evil test.

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.

Are you sure your applications are actually getting to the hiring managers? Not sitting in some file somewhere in HR?

I once applied at a school, told the HR staff I was interested in learning more about 4 different positions they said were open. Didn't hear back about any of them. Called HR to inquire, was told that one manager was on vacation, another had dropped her request for a new hire, and whatever other reasons the others were not even notified that I had applied. This call did get me an actual interview finally and I was hired.

So it might be good if you can call or go to the HR offices, even the HR manager maybe. Just ask what you can do to let them know how interested you are in their organization, how much you covet being able to come aboard such a fine organization, how much you desire to help people with psychiatric needs.

Or maybe you could somehow manage to meet the hiring managers or someone who knows them. Nothing like having a friend who can put in a good word for you.

Specializes in Hospice, corrections, psychiatry, rehab, LTC.
You mean like a free standing psych hospital? If so, yes, have applied. There are 2 big ones in my area and they are constantly hiring. They are even strict, requiring at least 3 years patient experience and then I want you to be CPI certified coming in.

That just sounds lazy to me. They have to offer CPI training classes and have trained instructors on staff. CPI is not that difficult, and not having already been through training for it should not be a barrier to employment. I was also trained in Mandt near the beginning of my career. Just a different approach to the same thing.

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