3 answers
Adriana
Student
Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA
1
Question
Updated
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How can I find work in psychiatry?
I'm about to attend college and get my BSN, and then get my license, but I'm unsure on how to get started as a psychiatric nurse.
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3 answers
Christine R.
Registered Nurse
47
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Christine’s Answer
Hi Adriana,
Great question and that's great you already know you want to work as a psychiatric/mental health nurse. Yes once you finish your degree and pass your NCLEX options will open up. There are plenty of great avenues to work in the psych nursing area. If you plan on staying in Virginia take a look at the state mental health facilities, I know they are scattered throughout the state. Also another option would be to look at working at the US Department of of Veterans Affairs and/or the military even though there is a lot of uncertainty in federal government jobs they are often in need of psych nurses, also look at county government jobs as they often have a behavioral health component. Also while believe it or not if you look at working in the area of corrections (jails) there is a good bit of overlap with working with individuals with psych/substance use issues. Other options would be to see if you can get a part time or prn position working as a psych tech at a local psychiatric hospital to help you build experience and connections. Wishing you the best, and it seems like this field has expanded a lot over the past couple of years.
Great question and that's great you already know you want to work as a psychiatric/mental health nurse. Yes once you finish your degree and pass your NCLEX options will open up. There are plenty of great avenues to work in the psych nursing area. If you plan on staying in Virginia take a look at the state mental health facilities, I know they are scattered throughout the state. Also another option would be to look at working at the US Department of of Veterans Affairs and/or the military even though there is a lot of uncertainty in federal government jobs they are often in need of psych nurses, also look at county government jobs as they often have a behavioral health component. Also while believe it or not if you look at working in the area of corrections (jails) there is a good bit of overlap with working with individuals with psych/substance use issues. Other options would be to see if you can get a part time or prn position working as a psych tech at a local psychiatric hospital to help you build experience and connections. Wishing you the best, and it seems like this field has expanded a lot over the past couple of years.
Cindy Muhonja
Registered Nurse
58
Answers
Ashburn, Virginia
Updated
Cindy’s Answer
Hello,
Finish your BSN, do your NCLEX, and apply to psych jobs. Options are many in Virginia. In Northern Virginia you can try Dominion. All the major hospitals like Inova and VHC also have psych floors. The Inova Fairfax psych floors are amazing. Go to the hospital website when applying to a specific area. When doing your RN, you will probably have a psych rotation which will give you the exposure you need. You can request to do a preceptorship at the end of your program on a psych floor. Other psych options are corrections, rehab, long term care, and offices.
Finish your BSN, do your NCLEX, and apply to psych jobs. Options are many in Virginia. In Northern Virginia you can try Dominion. All the major hospitals like Inova and VHC also have psych floors. The Inova Fairfax psych floors are amazing. Go to the hospital website when applying to a specific area. When doing your RN, you will probably have a psych rotation which will give you the exposure you need. You can request to do a preceptorship at the end of your program on a psych floor. Other psych options are corrections, rehab, long term care, and offices.
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1093
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Adriana,
Congratulations on your decision to become a nurse! There are so many exciting options!
You first get your bachelors. Next you need to take the NCLEX-RN exam and get licensed in your state.
You can now apply for nursing jobs. When you have practiced as a nurse for at least 2 years, accumulated at least 2000 hours in mental health facilities, and completed 30 hours of mental health nursing education, you can earn your Mental Health Nursing Certification (PMH-BC).
I left some links to more information for you below.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://www.healthecareers.com/career-resources/nurse-career/steps-to-becoming-psychiatric-nurse
https://www.nursingworld.org/our-certifications/psychiatric-mental-health-nursing-certification/
Congratulations on your decision to become a nurse! There are so many exciting options!
You first get your bachelors. Next you need to take the NCLEX-RN exam and get licensed in your state.
You can now apply for nursing jobs. When you have practiced as a nurse for at least 2 years, accumulated at least 2000 hours in mental health facilities, and completed 30 hours of mental health nursing education, you can earn your Mental Health Nursing Certification (PMH-BC).
I left some links to more information for you below.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps: