Switching specialties... nervous!! :)

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Hey everyone!! I think I need a little reasurrance from you all. I have been an RN now for 2 years. Right from school I started working in Peds. There is no room for me to advance at my current job and I don't think I want to really continue my career in Peds. I recently was hired at a very big state psych hospital, orientation starts August 27. Needless to say, I am very nervous!! I have experience but most certainly not psych. I think I will love it but I am just scared about the transition. Any advice?!?

Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.

I just had to laugh, because early in my career, I switched from psych to peds. You should be fine; you'll be surprised how much experience in one job transfers to another that doesn't seem remotely related.

Through an accident of fate, I started out at a state psych hospital, and have never had experience in another specialty. I think, as the previous responder has eloquently stated, you'll be fine, and your experience and skills will translate. The same basic mental and physical needs are the same at any age, and our job is to assist people to achieve their best health potential, both medical and mental. A bit of variation in the details, but you'll adjust in time. Unfortunately, the hardest problems I've ever faced in my years of nursing is dealing with coworkers and oblivious management, but seems to be the experience of nurses in many specialties. Best of luck!!

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