Psych nursing to medical nursing

[lizzlebizzle]

Hi, everyone,

So, I'm a new grad (August '08), started my job on an adult psych unit in December, and...well...already, I want to go to medical nursing. But not just med-surg: I eventually want to get to ICU.

I feel stupid because a) my goals have changed, b) I feel unreliable, and c) I thought this is what I wanted to do. I love my job, don't get me wrong...but I'm not stimulated enough mentally. I try to keep myself as busy as I can, but I really want to get into the ICU and eventually a CRNA program.

If I could, I'd tough out the next couple months until I can transfer (you need to be here for 6 months to be eligible for transfer). I mean, the job is good, I *love* the patients, and they really seem to like me. Unfortunately, there are people that I WORK with who don't want me around. It seems like the more I do things RIGHT, and the more my patients like me, the more this certain group of people wants me gone.

I've had rumors spread around about me since I started. I was written up last week for having a break overlap 15 minutes with a coworker (who everyone thinks I'm sleeping with). I don't think I've been around this much gossip since I worked in a hair salon in high school.

The work environment is toxic, and that's the part that I simply can't tolerate.

What do I do? I was going to talk to my manager when I go in today at 3, but I'm not sure what to say. Changing to 12-hour shifts might help; then I wouldn't have to interact as much with the night shift individuals who don't want me around. Plus, I wouldn't have to be there as many days of the week. I work evenings right now.

On top of that, how in the world do I go from psych nursing to ICU?? Or even back into medical? I've been sending out mass applications, and it seems as though I'm less desirable than I was when I first graduated. Any advice would really help! Thanks...

lizzle

[stephva1008]

I think this time in our history with the recession is not a good time to quit a nursing job without another lined up. I would just keep plugging along trying to find something but don't quit without something else lined up (unless you are independently wealthy, lol). It's harder for nurses to find jobs now, many hospitals have hiring freezes.

I would discuss it with your unit manager about the toxic work environment. It may or may not change things.

Changing to 12 hour shifts is a great idea too for the meanwhile.

I did psych, med-surg, ICU-ED, then back to psych. I wanted to see if I could handle the really sick patients and the codes and all that "excitement." And I could. I did it for 5 years and then remembered why I liked psych. I was afraid I would be "labeled" a psych nurse forever. But it's what I want to do, and I've accepted that now.

You'll find your way - that's the great thing about nursing. If you want to pursue a CRNA, you need at least 2 years ICU experience, if I remember correctly, to get accepted in programs. Very competitive but I'm sure you can do it.

Good luck!