Psych nurses in NC???

State hospital pay is very poor. But, the retirement is good--if you can wait that long!

Is anyone a psych nurse here in NC? If so, how do you like it? What don't you like about it? I am unsure if it's an area I want to go into, but it's an area that has always interested me. Anyone here work at the state hospitals? I appreciate any information you may have. Thanks.

I work in a state psychiatric hospital in North Carolina. I have worked at this hospital for almost 19 years. I find the pay to be comparable to other hospitals - better than the forensic (prison systems) in North Carolina. Unlike the physical illnesses - which can be treated and discharged, i.e., a cholecystectomy, psychiatric patients are generally not "cured". This is both a negative and a positive. We get the revolving door syndrome and you get to know your patients and their illnesses well. There is laughter and tears. I have very much enjoyed my experiences in my career as caretaker of "the forgotten ones".

Is anyone a psych nurse here in NC? If so, how do you like it? What don't you like about it? I am unsure if it's an area I want to go into, but it's an area that has always interested me. Anyone here work at the state hospitals? I appreciate any information you may have. Thanks.

Been with the State for almost two years now. There are advantages. The starting pay is pretty much in line with local employers such as the local hospital. I wish that I had started here as soon as I got out of school because of the retirement. If you get "vested" with the state, when you retire, they pay your insurance. there are other benefits also. Email me if you have specific questions.

Hi,I was wondering if anyone had any opinions on John Umstead? What the working conditions are like? Would you work there? etc... I'm in a LPN program at the moment and then transfer on to a RN program and was hoping to get into Psych nursing and saw that they hire LPNS...continuity in employment would be great while going from LPN to RN. Any information about Umstead or any other Psych unit that hires LPN's would be greatly appreciated.Thanks

State hospital pay is very poor. But, the retirement is good--if you can wait that long!

I worked for a state run mental hospital for 16 yrs. I was paid 1.00 extra for working 2nd shift, 2.00 extra for working HIGH CONTROL and total was 17.10 a hr. I think that is very good pay for a med tech, cna II. Esp. since this all took place about 12 yrs ago.