Working in a Psych Hospital... Will employers consider this "Hospital experience" ?

[futuresctRN]

Hey everyone :)

I currently work as a PCA at a psych & chemical dependency hospital (spring stone). I have heard that when looking at new grad RNs, they look for hospital experience as a CNA/PCA. Will mine count? I ask because it's not technically an acute care hospital, but it's a "hospital" none the less (and is listed as such on my resume)

I am graduating with my BSN in May, btw.

What has your experience with this been? Do employers see psych hospitals as valid hospital experience?

[llg, PhD, RN]

It will count some ... but not as much as if you had held a similar job dealing with the types of patients you hope to work for after graduation.

It's not an "all or nothing" situation. Having the job in a clinical situation, working as a team, taking care of patients is a good thing providing valuable experience and that will be noted. However, someone with experience working with the type of patients you hope to work with after graduation would have more relevant (and therefore, more valued) experience.

The word "relevant" is the key word here. Employers are looking for "relevant" experience. So when describing your current role on your resume and in an interview, be sure to emphasize how your current job experiences have taught you lessons that will be relevant to the job you are seeking.

Good luck!