Switching out of Psych

As an internal candidate, apply to jobs at your facility (med-surg, ED) that interest you. Next contact the manager or nurse educator for that unit, let them know that you have applied for the position and request a shadowing opportunity. Treat your shadowing experience as if it were an interview with the staff. Show them why they want to work with you. After you finish shadowing, send an email to the manager thanking them and the staff (refer to who you shadowed by name), re-express your interest in the position. You have learned many, many marketable skills in Psych and you are certified in your specialty. Since you haven't work in acute medical settings since nursing school, taking a refresher class or signing up for some telemetry monitoring/IV skills classes that your hospital provides would show great initiative. Best of luck!

Thank you for taking the time to share some

great tips!

My friend got some experience per diem in geri psych (there is a lot of turnover there). From there, she transfered internally from psych to med surg. Now she works @ one of the best hospitals in the country on a vascular floor. She started out at a tiny psych only facility. It can be done!

I would also say that if you are open to non traditional nursing jobs you could apply with your state for public health positions, dshs/med floors, or at the corrections dep they also have med wings. these places are not so glamorous and often hire with no experience needed and are willing to train.