Psych nursing postions in IL?

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Hi everyone,

I recently graduated with my Master's in Counseling and I am transitioning into nursing to eventually become a psych nurse. If all goes as planned I hope to start an accelerated nursing program next yr...does anyone have an experience or info about psych nursing in IL? Starting salary? Patient to RN ratio? Psych settings?

Thanks! :)

SP:clown:

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Wow...I am stuck between nursing or social work/psychology. Can you tell me why you are switching from counseling to nursing?

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I'm going into nursing because I enjoy the biological component of psych...and there aren't too many high paying jobs as a Masters level in Counseling SAD! Most start in the 30's and sometimes 20's....I can't pay off student loans on that salary....unfortunately social service positions are underpaid in most states :(

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Specializes in Not specified.

In Chicago, there are several hospitals that have psych units. The pay for new psych nurses is equivalent in any area of nursing in chicago--roughly $24-26 an hour. However, most psych units and free standing psych hospitals require at least a year of experience, preferably in med/surg. So then your starting pay as a psych nurse with a year of med surg under you belt would vary greatly.

Ratios: I did a clinical rotation at Lutheran General and the RNs only had 5 patients, but there were ancillary staff and lots of professional staff--CTRS, Pastoral services, management. So the unit was well covered. My rotation at UIC was about the same. 4-5 patients per nurse with ancillary staff. Weiss has two nurses for a 10 bed unit plus a PCT and a social worker.

Hope this helps.

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