Psych RN with No Skills

adumblonde68 · Mar 13

After working psych & corrections for 34 years, I refreshed my acute skills at an LTAC. Now I'm a nursing instructor (much easier on my back!) LTAC hired me on the spot, but I only stayed a few months. Long enough for a good refresher for me.

Jfbjam · Mar 13

I appreciate this answer; I've been a nurse for 14 years, all of which has been either been in substance use disorder or psych. I have been curious about trying to get a job in bedside nursing but really have not done anyhing hands on since my clinicals in nursing school.

FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN · Mar 13

First of all, you do have skills. Anytime you go to a new specialty, you have to learn the required skills.

I went into hospice from psych. I let the employer know that I didn't know how to do tube feeds, wound care, that I had placed only one foley in my life, etc. I really wanted to learn and they took the time to teach me and support me. Now I just YouTube stuff I'm not familiar with. It's not a big deal. I know how to be a nurse.

There are refresher courses you could take, but I can't vouch for the value of those.

Good luck! Apply to where you want to go and openly express your enthusiasm to learn. It will work out!

JKL33 · Mar 14

FolksBtrippin said:

First of all, you do have skills. Anytime you go to a new specialty, you have to learn the required skills.

THIS. I started to type a reply about this earlier but was interrupted. What a ridiculous thing for that manager to say; too bad for them that their ability to reason is so limited.

FolksBtrippin said:

Apply to where you want to go and openly express your enthusiasm to learn. It will work out!

Agree with this, too! Have someone review your resume, apply to any jobs for which you are interested in putting in the work to learn what you need to learn, then go to interviews and sell yourself and all the relevant skills that you do have with a can-do attitude. Thing big picture. For example, who cares if you need a refresher on some task if you have excellent interpersonal skills, problem solving/reasoning, organization, etc., etc.

Career Columnist / Author · Mar 14

Breaking into acute care in your situation can require a lot of persistence, strategy, interviewing and resume skills, and networking. I like the strategy of casting a wide net (apply, apply, apply), and if you are offered an opportunity in sub-acute care, take it. It might not be your dream job or ultimate goal, but it can be a valuable stepping stone in the right direction.

Consider every interview you land an opportunity to improve your interviewing skills. Take control by studying interviewing and resume skills—it will help your depression.

There's a lot of articles here with good info to help you such as resume help and How to Answer What's Your Greatest Weakness? Good luck!

MarkMyWords · Mar 21

This is one of the most common reason given for not hiring a candidate in

all fields. I heard it numerous times in other jobs, myself. It means they have other

People who have experience, not you. I learned that you have to Impress them with your personality and drive ,and that may not be enough. Study the technique procedures at least. Some even offered to work for less for a while to be ready, but I never did that and don't recommend it. Good luck

Vectrexevo · Mar 24

Do hospice, HD, or find a hospital with a sub acute floor then transition onto another floor later. Buy a house, convert into an assisted living / hospice