How do I make the choice to go in to psychiatric nursing or general nursing?
Prior to registration, often it is meaningful to get involved with some volunteer work in service delivery agencies, hospitals or community mental health programs such as detox centres or group homes, where you gain some first hand experience with individuals or families with psychiatric problems and learn about the services provided by mental health professionals. With such experience you should be able to make a decision pertaining to your student nursing career. As a psychiatric nurse, you are expected to be a very good communicator since communication plays a significant role in the therapy for people with psychiatric disabilities.
Prior to registration, often it is meaningful to get involved with some volunteer work in service delivery agencies, hospitals or community mental health programs such as detox centres or group homes, where you gain some firsthand experience with individuals or families with psychiatric problems and learn about the services provided by mental health professionals. With such experience you should be able to make a decision pertaining to your student nursing career. As a psychiatric nurse, you are expected to be a very good communicator since communication plays a significant role in the therapy for people with psychiatric disabilities.
