Psych Psych Psych

[Meerkat]

I keep trying to post this but it does not look like it is showing up, so please excuse me if somehow it's already up and I missed it.

I want to switch to psych nursing, which I'm very interested in. Part of my interest stems from being a patient, and I feel that my experience can only make me a better nurse.

I'm well now thanks to therapy and meds...my question is this: Would mentioning my experience as a psych patient help or hurt me in an interview. My gut feeling is that I should not bring it up, because of the stigma...but then again we are nurses and should not judge people for a psych history. I mean, if I were an ortho patient at one time and had experience in rehab/PT, I would not hesitate to bring that up. It's always good for a nurse to have a patient's eye view, right? But the psych thing...well many people still view it as 'spooky' even after stabilization.

What do you think

[Curious1alwys, BSN, RN]

I say don't mention it. WAY too risky....

But I am not yet a nurse. What do the nurses think???

[Meerkat]

Any other thoughts?

[SmilingBluEyes]

I would think it depends on your reasons for psych hospitalization and current status. it's a slippery slope. Remember, you have only ONE chance to make a good first impression. Tread carefully.

And remember, to be a good oncology nurse, one need not have had cancer---rather, a LOT of compassion, competence and integrity. Personal experience is not always the best predictor of performance in a given area of nursing. Lots of women (and men) who never had babies work in OB and do amazing work.

What I am saying here is true in ALL areas of nursing, not just onco or OB.

Be careful how much you share in that interview process.

[elkpark]

I would be careful about disclosing any personal info in a job interview; you don't know anything about the person(s) interviewing you or what kind of conclusions s/he may draw about what you reveal. Frankly, I don't think that disclosing that you have a personal psych history would help you get a job in psych, and it may well hurt your chances (however unfair that may be), so why take the chance?

Remember, once you've shared the info (whatever the subject), you can't unshare it -- if you end up with the job, end up getting to know and trust the people you are working with, you can always disclose info later on if you choose to.

You're right about combatting the stigma and setting a good example, and that potential employers shouldn't judge you because of your history, but we all know that there are lots of things people (nurses) "shouldn't" do that they do anyway ...

Best wishes with your psych job-hunting --

[ZZTopRN, BSN, RN]

I would be careful about disclosing any personal info in a job interview; you don't know anything about the person(s) interviewing you or what kind of conclusions s/he may draw about what you reveal. Frankly, I don't think that disclosing that you have a personal psych history would help you get a job in psych, and it may well hurt your chances (however unfair that may be), so why take the chance?

Remember, once you've shared the info (whatever the subject), you can't unshare it -- if you end up with the job, end up getting to know and trust the people you are working with, you can always disclose info later on if you choose to.

You're right about combatting the stigma and setting a good example, and that potential employers shouldn't judge you because of your history, but we all know that there are lots of things people (nurses) "shouldn't" do that they do anyway ...

Best wishes with your psych job-hunting --

I have volunteered on a psych unit for over a year. Learned a lot about psych and MANAGEMENT. I would not disclose it in any way, shape or form to management. I went to a interview at a psych hospital I was in for depression for a few days. This was over 2 years ago. Since I just renewed my RN license, I did it just to feel things out. I really didn't want to go into psych. I was interviewed by 3 people. I did not recognize any of the interviewers, but one jumped in and said "I KNOW YOU." I never got a call back, not that I really wanted them to. And, who knows, it might have been because I really had no psych experience. Right now I am just looking around to see where I fit in starting back. I am working part-time in a youth at risk program that I get to attend a lot of workshops. One was on the subject of self-disclosure when dealing with pts. Like if a patient starts asking you questions about yourself, you say something like, "we are not here to talk about me, we are here to help you!!" Kind of off the topic, but I would not disclose this to anyone for a long time unless you felt you could trust your fellow nurses. I worked with the 2 same nurses that were just wonderful, and a time came when I disclosed my hx of depression, but just be very, very careful for a long time. But never to management. As you probably know from this board, there are nurses abounding in mental health issues. Hope this helps. I am happy to hear you have overcome, because it can be done. Lots of hugs.