Toronto: Courses, Psychiatric Nursing to Medical Surgical

[electricblack]

So here's the situation, I am currently employed full time as a Psychiatric Nurse and have had six months experience so far. I love Psych Nursing--it's quite rewarding, but am currently feeling like this is not my 'home unit'.

Unlike most new nurses, I yet have to find the one or two units that I will eventually settle in. I have had thoughts of eventually getting in ER or ICU Nursing and some new nurses just jump to the situation. I however feel like there is no rushing and would appreciate having some experience prior to moving on to something more 'intense'.

I have had some experience as a student in Medical Surgical and have loved it. I understand that this field of nursing can be stressful as well and is quite different from the Psych Unit that I currently am working. My question is, to those that work in Med Surg or those who have made a successful transition from Psych to Med Surg...what prep courses can you recommend. How can I make myself more 'attractive' in terms of being a better applicant.

I am currently in the Greater Toronto area and wouldn't mind taking some Leave of Absence from work and taking some of these courses. Would any of you recommend any specific course(s) in the area?

[buenavista]

I was a psych nurse for 2 years and just started on a med-surg floor. I love psych nursing, but after 2 years it was time for a change, and I wanted to branch out and learn more. I didn't take any prep courses, and I got hired to the med-surg floor without any med-surg experience... because I think they really liked that I had psych experience and I was able to sell myself on that. I don't think 6 months is quite enough... because you're still considered a new grad. But just wanted to write and say that it IS POSSIBLE to go from psych to med-surg...there were so many people telling me that I couldn't do it and I wouldn't be able to. But having a psych background is a great advantage!!

And maybe you could take ACLS or IV cert classes too.

[tareija]

I'm in the same boat! Good luck with job hunting, I am just starting that process.