Switching from psych

[rubyagnes, BSN]

Hello!

I was wondering if anyone here has worked as a psych nurse for a while (a few years or longer) then switched to another type of nursing (med surg, acute/intensive care, etc...)

I've read a lot of posts about how getting into a speciality field can be limiting... can someone work as a psych nurse then switch to another type of nursing?

Thanks!!

[Alexis17512]

You can switch for sure! I was a psych nurse for most of my nursing career (7+ years). I was able to switch to OR nursing. Find a small or rural facility in the specialty you want to transition to. When submitting your resume, be sure to be very detailed in explaining your desire to switch and your willingness to learn the skills in the new field. You need to submit a lot of resumes. Think outside the box and be persistent.

[rubyagnes, BSN]

@alexis17512 Thank you for sharing your experience! I know every experience is unique, but it feels good to hear some positive feedback. At this point I just want a job in a field I enjoy, and I definitely enjoy psych... I've always been interested in it. A lot of classmates and family have been saying "don't start in a specialty" and say I'm going to get stuck, but if I love it who cares if I get "stuck" I wouldn't even see that as being stuck anyway... lol thanks again!

[~Shrek~]

Yes it is possible to leave psych. If you are leaving psych for a branch of nursing that is outside acute care, it will be much easier. Moving into acute care is more difficult, but is still doable.

[rubyagnes, BSN]

@~shrek~ what branches of nursing do you think are most compatible with transitioning from psych? tbh, I could actually see myself in psych for a while because I do truly enjoy it and find it very stimulating and fulfilling, but I still want to be practical and keep my options open...

Thanks!