Immediately joined psych as a new grad this year but craving opportunity in different specialities (nicu, mother baby). How can I make my résumé more appealing?
I began my career in psych and then after 4 years went to ICU. Play up the medical end of what you have done - psych patients who need meds teaching for newly diagnosed medical problems, those who have become ill on the unit and needed medical/surgical care, any psych emergencies you have dealth with that affected patients' physical well-being, etc. Also be sure you emphasize that in ICU, patients who are alert and aware need good psychological care for their fears, traumas, etc - you can provide that very well. And families need that 'psych nurse touch' - a good listener who can emphathize with their fears and concerns and read between the lines of their questions. I was always asked to deal with our most difficult situations because of my psych background, and was much appreciated because of it. I was also able to help team members by mentoring them so they were better able to give the emotional care while taking care of the critical physical care. Win-win for us all, and especially for the patients and their families!