Psych Nursing - The Staff are Worse than the Patients

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Hello Nurse Beth,

I've worked in psych for over three years at three different facilities (one small acute psych hospital, state hospital, and now a unit that's part of a big multi specialty facility). While I love psych, and I still find it very fascinating, I feel really burned out. My job stress is affecting all other aspects of my life. I'm sitting for my psychiatric board certification exam shortly, just because I can.

I'd like to try another specialty, but I'm not sure who will take me. I have a lot of experience in geriatrics, but no med/surg, and I'm definitely not interested in going there. But lots of other fields -- NICU, ICU, neuro, PACU, all sound very interesting. OR is not an option due to a health condition I have (though I wish it was). Any advice on where I should concentrate my efforts? I don't want to apply to thousands of positions in a field that will never consider me.

I'd like to do nurse internship programs, but I can't seem to tell if you're paid for any of those? I'm the only provider for my household, so I can't go without pay. I'm willing to do night shift for a while if that's what it takes.

Thank you,

The Staff Are Worse Than The Patients

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Dear The Staff Are Worse Than The Patients,

The areas you mention that interest you- NICU, ICU, Neuro, PACU- all are acute care, and all are very different from what you've been doing. With three years in psych, transferring to acute care is going to be a matter of selling yourself and finding opportunity.

You'll need a compelling resume and stellar interview skills. Read Revamp Your Resume for some solid resume tips and How to Prepare for Your Interview for interview skills.

Look at the job boards at facilities you want to work in to see what's out there. You sound very flexible, so that's a plus, and you can emphasize that in your application (willing to work nights). The most important thing is to get your foot in the door. Check out the Job Board here online to familiarize yourself with requirements and opportunities.

A nurse internship program would be amazing, but many have criteria that may make you ineligible, as you've been working for three years. You never know, though, and my hospital hired a nurse recently into our residency program who has a background in skilled nursing. Every program is different and you just have to inquire.

How about networking? Think about who you know that works in acute care, or has a connection. You have old classmates and instructors, and chances are some of them have influence. At the least, let everyone know you are looking. Join a local nursing organization.

Be persistent- when there's a will, there's usually a way!

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth