If you want to be a psych nurse, I would highly recommend you get your CNA and work in a psych hospital! I, myself, am a CNA working in a psych hospital and it is, truly, a unique experience. I work the geriatric unit and I rely heavily on the nurses to help me out. We have to dabble in everyone's job a bit (even the BHAs) so having done the CNA part first will be very beneficial for you.
I know you did not ask, but I will also, if I may, advise you to at least get a PRN job at a MEDICAL hospital while you work psych as an RN. Many of the RNs who went straight to psych have "lost" alot of medical skills over time because those skills just are not used as often. I have seen these nurses break out in a panic because the phlebotomist isn't around for the blood sample the doctor wants NOW. The nurses have not had to draw blood in so long... they can't do it! They freak over IVs and NG tubes too! Some don't even know how to do a proper dressing change! Hmph!
Only the nurses that keep up their skills feel comfortable with these things and they are VALUED!!!!
Good luck! It's a trip!
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