"New grad" rn with dreams of psych

[lasgrace]

I've been a "new grad" nurse with a BSN for almost 2 years... Nothing but volunteer work in an ER so far...but I was top of my class. I had a couple years after my BSN where I had personal issues... Judge what you will.. I am a nurse with a brain and most importantly heart that will impact the career positively. .. I want to get back for DNP ...but even my masters seems out of reach. I live in a big city with a lot of job seekers...but psych is more than my passion. I was told to work at least 1.5 years as an RN then apply for MSN. Met the director of behavioral health at a major hospital after one impromptu interview recently ... Because of the "passion" I displayed in a talk with the main recruiter ( who I know rejected a few friends more recently graduated and seeking Med Surg jobs.. not a specialty placement) Didnt get to final interview with CNO... If other applicants with experience were as dedicated ..good for them. I know the issues with hiring and training an RN especially for a specialty area like psych. Question is...tips on best way into psych nursing. I know it may be: a few years medsurg exp. .. or a bs in psych...I don't want to give up on my life's passion...I know I can make a difference. Mental Health care, Mental HC funding, and therefore Mental Health Nursing too is faulty... high rates of burnout. ..Just curious. If I get a response that got this far, thanks!

[nurse lala, BSN, RN]

Knowing what I know now, I would encourage you to invest in some specialty education. Take a course in Motivational Interviewing, a valuble process to engage the patient into taking active steps to change behavior. This is invaluble in every aspect of nursing as well as mental health care. Consider taking other cources in evidence-based practices, such as cognitive behavior therapy or dilactic behavior therapy. These specialized skills will make you more marketable as a nurse in any area of practice, and especially psych nursing.

Good luck

[elkpark]

Knowing what I know now, I would encourage you to invest in some specialty education. Take a course in Motivational Interviewing, a valuble process to engage the patient into taking active steps to change behavior. This is invaluble in every aspect of nursing as well as mental health care. Consider taking other cources in evidence-based practices, such as cognitive behavior therapy or dilactic behavior therapy. These specialized skills will make you more marketable as a nurse in any area of practice, and especially psych nursing.

Good luck

CBT and DBT, any style of psychotherapy, are outside the scope of the generalist RN. Taking "courses" in psychotherapy would not help a "new" grad with employment. Continuing education courses in psychiatric nursing topics might be a good idea ...

However, being two years out of school and not having had regular nursing employment during that time is a big strike against you. You may want to consider a general nursing "refresher" course, or looking for employment in a SNF, LTAC, or any regular, permanent RN position you can get.

Best wishes for your journey!

[macgirl]

Not sure where you live.. but here in NC it's pretty easy to get a psych job. Most hositals want experience. That said how do you get it??? Go into a state job, think state psych hospitals. A year and any hospital will hire you. The alterantive is go to a small hospital and work in psych there. That was how I got my start. But after I got that job every state psych job I applied for called some 3 times even after I told them I had a job. Is moving for a year to another state an option? Do you just want a RN job? That would be the fastest way to get one then you could go back and try to get into psych by way of a transfer.

[macgirl]

I just wanted to add... Please for the love of god stop working for free. It makes it harder to find a job for yourself and everyone else. Go to a nursing home and work there, you will see a lot of psych there. Gero psych is often over looked.

[kanRN]

You might try searching for Nurse Residency Programs if you don't have any professional work experience. I entered psych right out of school into a year long Nurse Residency program at a psychiatric hospital. Not sure where you are located, but I highly recommend this type of program. I am now 2 years into psych nursing and have not worked in any other areas with my RN. I also second the Nursing home option or community hospital option.