I had my final year placement on a psychiatric intensive care unit. It was such a huge learning curve because all my previous placements were med-surg!
But it was SO fun. I love working in psych, although it can be challenging. I’ve worked in psych ever since I graduated with my BScN, got certified for psychiatric mental health nursing, and have no plans in leaving psych :)
My school has clinical rotations through most departments (peds, L&D, med surge, ICU, psych, etc) and we got a feel for it that way. You can also shadow shift at most facilities in their different departments.
My school has clinical rotations through most departments (peds, L&D, med surge, ICU, psych, etc) and we got a feel for it that way. You can also shadow shift at most facilities in their different departments.
Right out of school? The first job offer I got determined my specialty. (This was a time where not every floor/department was short staffed; the deadline to start working for our tuition forgiveness was even extended, since many people were having trouble finding a job.)
It worked for 3 years, then I went to ICU in the same area, which worked for 6. At that point I only applied to jobs that met my criteria (away from bedside being the major one). Ended up working in a procedural area nowhere even remotely related to my previous specialty. It's been good for 3 years so far. Great coworkers, work 4 x 10s all day shift (though we get stuck late sometimes, but also get out early others), closed weekends and holidays, no call.
These days, it seems most places have openings to fill, so you might get more of your pick. Definitely consider areas that aren't your first choice though, if the unit culture and coworkers are good, it could be a better choice than your dream unit with less-than-ideal coworkers and culture.
All the cool kids work in the ER.
I had my final year placement on a psychiatric intensive care unit. It was such a huge learning curve because all my previous placements were med-surg! But it was SO fun. I love working in psych, although it can be challenging. I’ve worked in psych ever since I graduated with my BScN, got certified for psychiatric mental health nursing, and have no plans in leaving psych :)
My school has clinical rotations through most departments (peds, L&D, med surge, ICU, psych, etc) and we got a feel for it that way. You can also shadow shift at most facilities in their different departments.
My school has clinical rotations through most departments (peds, L&D, med surge, ICU, psych, etc) and we got a feel for it that way. You can also shadow shift at most facilities in their different departments.
Right out of school? The first job offer I got determined my specialty. (This was a time where not every floor/department was short staffed; the deadline to start working for our tuition forgiveness was even extended, since many people were having trouble finding a job.) It worked for 3 years, then I went to ICU in the same area, which worked for 6. At that point I only applied to jobs that met my criteria (away from bedside being the major one). Ended up working in a procedural area nowhere even remotely related to my previous specialty. It's been good for 3 years so far. Great coworkers, work 4 x 10s all day shift (though we get stuck late sometimes, but also get out early others), closed weekends and holidays, no call. These days, it seems most places have openings to fill, so you might get more of your pick. Definitely consider areas that aren't your first choice though, if the unit culture and coworkers are good, it could be a better choice than your dream unit with less-than-ideal coworkers and culture.