53 year old psych nurse laid off and needs job advice

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

I think when a door closes, a window opens.

 You've got some solid offers on the table, and you're also thinking long-term about possibly becoming a psych NP. Let's break it down a bit to make things clearer.

Case Manager at a Local Hospital

• Pros: A case manager role can be a great opportunity if you're interested in coordinating care, advocating for patients, and working across disciplines. It might offer a more structured schedule and give you a broader understanding of healthcare systems. It could be a good stepping stone to transition to something outside of direct patient care. It could transition into remote work later on.
• Cons: Case management can be hectic and demanding in a different way—more paperwork, less direct patient interaction, and potentially more stress due to managing and coordinating resources for multiple cases simultaneously. This might feel less fulfilling if you're craving more face-to-face patient interaction.

Intake Psych Nurse at a Local Psych Hospital

• Pros: With your psych experience, this could be a great fit. It would allow you to reconnect with your roots and be more hands-on with patients. Working in intake would likely involve assessing patients' mental health needs, which could be both challenging and rewarding. You'd have the chance to impact patients' immediate care and guide them through the intake process.
• Cons: Working in a psych hospital, especially in an urban setting, can come with challenges—sometimes working with high-acuity patients or dealing with difficult situations. But with your 18 years of psych experience, you might already have the tools to handle those challenges. Shift work can be demanding as we get older, though.

Going Back to School for a Psych NP

• Pros: This could be the long-term career move that really suits your passion. Becoming a psych NP would open up a whole new world of opportunities—greater autonomy, the ability to prescribe, and potentially a higher salary. This could be the way to go if you're interested in advancing in your field and working in more advanced roles. Plus, you already have a solid background in psych nursing, so you're not starting from scratch.
• Cons: School for a psych NP is a big-time and financial commitment. It can take several years to complete, and if you're already overwhelmed, it might add another layer of stress. You'd also need to consider how that fits your current life and work situation.

Considerations Before Entering Psych NP

What brings you the most joy in nursing? Is it the direct care with patients, or do you feel more fulfilled in an administrative role like case management? If you miss direct patient contact, the intake psych nurse role might reignite that passion.

• Long-term goals: If you want more autonomy and the ability to prescribe treatment, then going for the NP might be the right fit. If you're feeling burnt out by the thought of school, it might be worth easing back into a role that reignites your love for psych nursing first.
• Work-life balance: Going back to school while working is a balancing act. If you choose one of the positions now, you could get back into the rhythm of things and then decide later if school is a realistic option in the future.

I think you're in a really strong position with your experience, and either route could work well, depending on what feels most sustainable for you. What's your gut telling you? Talk to your loved ones, family, and friends who know you well.

Try thinking about what aligns most with your personal needs and future aspirations.

Very best wishes,

Nurse Beth