My Dream Job

People who know me well know that I've loved the field of psychology and psychiatry ever since high school.  My high school psychology class introduced me to the wonders of the human brain and all the things that can go wrong with it.  I studied Abnormal Psychology right before I graduated high school and was determined to be either a psychiatrist, psychologist, or psych nurse.  A close family member (somewhat unfortunately) told me that I shouldn't be a psychiatrist or psychologist.  I determined I would be a nurse at that point in my life.

During my sophomore year in college, I worked as a CNA at a geriatric psychiatric facility in Salt Lake City.  One of the best jobs I've ever had - I learned a lot, got beaten up and bitten by patients, and had a grand old time.  I was sure my future as a psychiatric nurse was guaranteed. So I went to nursing school, awaiting the day that I would begin my Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing course in my senior year.   As I knew I would, I LOVED it.  I loved it so much that I chose to make it my focus in my Nursing Capstone class.  My capstone was at the University of Utah 5 West unit, where they bring in people from off the streets and from the prison.  

I had hoped that Jordan would be accepted to the University of Utah and that after working in Med-Surg for a year, I could transfer to 5 West and work there for the rest of my career - it was that good of a place.  Then we got the email that we would move to Virginia - unknown territory.  Did they have good psych facilities out there?  Would I even be able to get a job, considering my lack of experience and resources?  Well, I have discovered that there are indeed amazing facilities in Virginia to help those with mental health problems - facilities that have been around for over 100 years, back when they called these places "sanatoriums."  

My lack of experience has been made up for by working at my current job with over 20 patients and dealing with their family members as well - if that's not psych nursing, I don't know what is!  After working at my current place of employment for almost 8 months, I am VERY happy to say I've found something different.  I will begin working at a small hospital 40 minutes south of me that has an amazing psychiatric unit!  I will work with another nurse and take care of 8 patients.  It will be SUCH a huge change, a change for the better.  

Pros:

1. Psych Nursing!  Helloooo!  My dream job!!

2. Smaller unit, less patients

3. More fulfilling - I'll be able to do more nursing care instead of "pushing pills."

4. I'll lead group sessions with patients.

5. Cheaper health insurance

6. Good staff retention - means it's a good place to work because the people like working there!

7. Hopefully I'll have less overtime...I don't really like staying 3 hours over my shifts to complete my work.

8. Work less days a week for the same amount of time - 3 to 4 days each week

9. The hospital system has hospitals all over the country, so if we need to move for residency, I can just transfer to another hospital!

Cons:

1. Pay is a little less.

2. It's 40 minutes both ways driving.

Basically, I'm stoked!  I start working there May 16, and will quit my current job May 8.