Starting in Psych - A Good Choice?

[DontDoThat]

I'm a new grad in Psych. Should I have started my career in a more traditional medical setting? Is this going to hurt my chances to change specialities in the future?

I already have expertise in Psych, having worked as a counselor on an inpatient unit for many years. I thought I would always want to be in Psych, but now I'm not so sure.

[elkpark]

Whether or not new grads should have some med-surg experience before starting in psych is a controversial issue (and has been for a long time). Here is an old (but ongoing) thread on this topic you may want to look at, if you haven't already:

https://allnurses.com/forums/f46/why-do-one-year-med-surg-nursing-before-going-into-psychiatry-nursing-250677.html

And I believe there are some others you could find, if you search for them or just "cruise" the psych nursing forum.

You mentioned you're "now not so sure" about psych -- what is changing your mind?

[GooeyRN, ADN, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN]

I worked psych first and loved it. I got married and moved. There are no psych hospitals here. I work med/surg now. It was a difficult switch, thankfully I did it after only a year out of school. I feel it would be harder to switch now. If you are certain you want psych, go for it. Otherwise, I wouldn't right away.

[Happy TBA Nurse]

I'm thinking of switching out of psych/MR and onto a Neuro floor at the hospital. I've done psych/MR since I graduated 3 years ago. Any Advice?

[GooeyRN, ADN, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN]

It will be rough but you can do it. I would do it now before waiting longer to make it easier on you.

[rn4ever?]

I have been a Psych RN for about a year now. It is my first Nursing job-----I went straight to it-----and I never regretted my decision. Admittedly, many people have dissuaded me to get into it directly after graduation---but I wouldn't feel good if I followed their advise and not my heart's desire.

Go for what your heart desires. Good luck!

I'm a new grad in Psych. Should I have started my career in a more traditional medical setting? Is this going to hurt my chances to change specialities in the future?

I already have expertise in Psych, having worked as a counselor on an inpatient unit for many years. I thought I would always want to be in Psych, but now I'm not so sure.

[wonderbee, BSN, RN]

It's no secret I'm a big proponent of getting some med/surg experience first. We have recently had two instances where patients' physical conditions went unrecognized and untreated leading to complications. It really is in the patients' best interests.