starting psych nurse career in NYC

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I'm a new grad (BSN) about to start looking for my first job. I'm only interested in psych, please don't try to dissuade me, I've heard it all 1000x. I was the only one in my class interested in psych and didn't receive any career advice. To be honest I'm pretty sure the only psych related advice I received was "don't go into psych".

In med nursing the steps needed to hone your skills are pretty clear. Do a few years in medsurg then go on to desired unit. With psych the steps are not so clear. My dream job would be working with adolescents who have substance abuse issues. There are a lot of substance abuse job postings online right now but I'm worried if I go straight into substance abuse I'd be missing the "medsurg" of psych. Is there a particular psych unit a new grad should start in?

I can tell you which are the most desirable hospitals for medsurg in NYC but with psych I'm at a loss. I'm not sure how accurate it is but I've heard NyPres is the best. Which hospitals would you consider top 5 in NYC?

If there's anything else you think I should know or do to start my career on the best footing possible please let me know.

Thanks everyone

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).

I don't know anything about NYC as I am on the opposite coast but I have been a psych nurse for the better part of my career. I personally love the specialty. There have been times when I left the specialty for a year or two just keep my clinical skills relevant but I always come home to psych.

You do run the risk of being pigeon holed so while I won't discourage you from going into psych I would tell you not to be surprised if employers are reluctant to hire you if you want a change.

It takes a lot of really good people skills, excellent boundaries and compassion to be a good psych nurse - but if you love it go for it. The patients and their families will test you in every way possible, find your buttons and push them all so be prepared. It's not a specialty for those who like to see tangible results.

Also be prepared as there seems to be a lot of really angry nurses in psych - but I don't know why.

Hppy

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Specializes in ICU.

Not trying to dissuade you! But someone I knew in nursing school wanted psych but also didn’t want to lose clinical skills and wanted to start somewhere she would get those. Teacher suggested starting in ER. I’m just throwing that out there in case you want to start with skills you don’t have as much in psych, you do see a ton of psych patients in ER and I’m sure if you work at the right place you will see adolescents with substance issues.

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).

Since adolescent psych is your interest you will have to learn how to talk to parents who are quite often the cause of their children's problems. The Psychiatrists everywhere I have worked expect the nurses to "interface" with the families so they don't have too.

Hppy

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I love psych as well, so I get it. Are you wondering if you should work in a psych in patient hospital to gain skills? I am from the other side of the country so can't recommend hospitals. I started with adult out-patient psych but then decided that I better gain skills so worked in a med/surg floor in a hospital. 6 years later I am back and working with adolescent out-patient psych and happy again. It is where I should have stayed the whole time.

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On 3/21/2019 at 6:07 PM, amusedRN750 said:

I love psych as well, so I get it. Are you wondering if you should work in a psych in patient hospital to gain skills? I am from the other side of the country so can't recommend hospitals. I started with adult out-patient psych but then decided that I better gain skills so worked in a med/surg floor in a hospital. 6 years later I am back and working with adolescent out-patient psych and happy again. It is where I should have stayed the whole time.

Do you think there is a skill difference working in vs out pt?

Wondering if in-patient is a better place to learn d/t sicker pts or starting off slow and working my way up is better?

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On 3/20/2019 at 10:10 PM, 0.9%NormalSarah said:

Not trying to dissuade you! But someone I knew in nursing school wanted psych but also didn’t want to lose clinical skills and wanted to start somewhere she would get those. Teacher suggested starting in ER. I’m just throwing that out there in case you want to start with skills you don’t have as much in psych, you do see a ton of psych patients in ER and I’m sure if you work at the right place you will see adolescents with substance issues.

LOVE YOUR USER NAME!! ER not for me

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Specializes in ICU.
49 minutes ago, TG2017 said:

LOVE YOUR USER NAME!! ER not for me

Got it! Well good luck to you, if you know for sure you want psych I’m sure you’ll get in somewhere. The places around me are always hiring nurses, can never find enough people who are truly passionate about the specialty.

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On 3/22/2019 at 6:18 PM, TG2017 said:

Do you think there is a skill difference working in vs out pt?

Wondering if in-patient is a better place to learn d/t sicker pts or starting off slow and working my way up is better?

You will find sicker patients, mentally/physically in-patient which will also give you more experience. I would start in-patient personally, so that you can build on your skills. But that's only my opinion. Good luck to you. I look forward to hearing about what you choose and how you like it.

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On 3/25/2019 at 5:03 PM, amusedRN750 said:

You will find sicker patients, mentally/physically in-patient which will also give you more experience. I would start in-patient personally, so that you can build on your skills. But that's only my opinion. Good luck to you. I look forward to hearing about what you choose and how you like it.

Thank you.. still sending out applications. Hoping to hear something soon.

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On 4/4/2019 at 8:37 PM, TG2017 said:

Thank you.. still sending out applications. Hoping to hear something soon.

hi! just found this thread! I'm in this boat as well - did you end up finding a psych hospital that hired a new grad? I'm looking all over nyc for one.

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