"Specialization?"

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Hello everyone. I'm REALLY sorry if this has been asked a thousand times before, but I have tried searching everywhere and can't really find a conclusive answer to my question, so here we go..

I'm currently in a program where I'm going to have my RN and Associates degree and all that... But I'm confused as to how I can get a job working in psych. if I'm an RN, can I just apply for a job at a mental hospital/etc? Or do I need some special certification? And if I do need it, how do I get it, how long does it take, etc?

Once again, sorry for the mundane question, but every website says something different, and I can't find a conclusive answer. Thank you for the help.

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Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

It depends on where you apply...some want you to be certified in psych, some want you to have experience in it, and many will hire you straight out of nursing school. You need to ask the facilities you are thinking about, to tell you their policies.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatric, Behavioral Health.

I second what Whispera says.

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Specializes in Psychiatric, Spinal Cord Injury.

I'm a new grad too. I just applied to the hospital I wanted to work at and got the job. Best of luck to you :)

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

In my area I started as a new grad in psych. Because I work at a magnet hospital they like us to become certified but it requires a couple of years experience. Good luck!

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