psych nursing in CA new grad opportunities

[Lotusgirly]

Hi all,

I just got accepted into the BSN program at National University in San Diego. Now that I know I will actually be a nurse, I figured I would start asking some questions.

I was wondering how competitive psychiatric nursing is for a new graduate. What can I do to improve my chances of getting hired once I graduate? Do any San Diego hospitals have student or new grad programs in behavioral health? How did you network to get your first job?

Are Sharp Mesa Vista and the VA hospital the best choices? What other companies have good behavioral health units?

I am a veteran and I have heard about the valor program at the VA, but that is the only program I know about and I don't think you get to specify what area you want to work in.

If I don't want to work while I go to school, then what other options do I have to get some experience. I could do workstudy at the VA. Is that worth it?

What is the outlook for psychiatric nurses vs other specialties as far as benefits and pay and job market?

Thank you [/img]

[Natasha A., CNA, LVN]

I'm a mental health worker/cna and have been working at a behavioral hospital for five years. I know a MAB certificate would look nice on a pysch nurse resume. All staff gets it renewed once a year.

[abbyolivia1]

Hi! I'm a new grad RN, and finished in June. I work at a great psych hospital in LA now, was hired in November (three months after I got my licensure).

I didn't work while I was in the nursing program, as I didn't have time to work, especially to volunteer. However, most psychiatric hospitals in southern CA are desperate for nurses nowadays. With that being said, they tend to like to keep a healthy balance of both seasoned vets and new grads. It's nice to hire new grads, as we are a fresh and clean slate to work with.

Most hospitals, whether they're mental health or medsurg, want some kind of experience. You will probably have a psych rotation in your program, and that does count as "SOME" experience.

I think you'll be able to find a job relatively easily. I mean, no RN job is easy per se, to find, but psych is in HIGH demand.

Good luck!:)

Abby Lessem, RN, ADN, Psychiatric-Mental Health

[Juntra]

Is this true that psych RNs are in demand in California? I'm a new grad and I would love to start my career with psych within my state, particularly in southern California! But I have a feeling it's still going to be just as hard to find a job anywhere in CA, just because CA isn't very new grad friendly...