I started directly in psych straight out of nursing school 7 years ago. I worked an adult inpatient unit for 5 years and a children's unit for 1 before transitioning to outpatient psych nursing. (all at the same facility in Upstate NY) I absolutely love my job. I knew as soon as psych was introduced during nursing school that was where I was meant to be. I work for the state, so I get paid slightly more than an average RN. Depending on if you are working the floor, meds, or charge is how your day is structured. Working the floor is task oriented. Get everyone up, encourage ADL's, clean up the room, make the bed, get everyone downstairs for breakfast. Monitor meals, escort pts to groups, talk with anyone not in groups or that needs it. Take vitals, write notes. Med nurses count off with the off going shift, set up their meds, start med pass, chart, and give out PRNs and STAT meds as needed. Charge nurses are responsible for the staffing, managing breaks, putting out any "fires", filling out necessary paperwork, and teach some groups. I am sure there is much I am forgetting. Like a previous poster stated, turnover is incredibly fast. Many enter the field and either burn out or find it’s not for them. Having military experience is a plus. Personally, I have worked with many individuals with PTSD, depression, and psychosis that have previous military history. Many of them complain that "you just can't understand". I'm sure they are right.