from psych to medicine

yoginurse29 · Dec 31, 2014

why did you make the switch?

I_Nurse · Jan 27, 2015

Hey there. Just to start off with, I have never made that sort of switch before, however, I do work with a few co-workers that have made the switch. I work on a medicine unit at a small hospital which doesn't have a psych ward. This usually means that we end up getting many mental health/social related crisis'. The coworkers with the mental health related experience we all find very valuable.

Things do get better. Just as any role in nursing, starting something new is and always will be daunting. The main things you will need to overcome are time management and prioritizing. I'm sure that these are skills that you already have.

Something that many nurses become worried about are the skills. The hands on skills. In phsyc nursing I'm guessing you haven't had much experience with; PICC's, starting IV's, using G-tubs, inserting catheters, and the like. However, all of these skills are easy to learn through reading and using resources at the hospital. Honestly if it takes a few days coming in on your days off and going through things with a clinical educator or reading through documents of protocols it will be worth it.

Things probably seem overwhelming right now, but things will get better. =)

Nurse_Bo · Jan 30, 2015

Hang in there, I am currently going through this transition. I work in psychiatry and more recently in med/surg. It is a big adjustment, but you will find that your psych skills do come in handy and can be helpful in your care to your patients. I too, felt overwhelmed initially ( with the workload,unit pace,tasks/skills) but with time and support things do get better. I agree with the above poster's suggestions; I think taking time to go through protocols,policies, clinical decision making tools, patho etc. and touching base with your educator or a mentor is helpful. Also, develop a good shift plan. All the best to you!