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When you get your nursing degree it is a starting point.What you do after that is up to you.All areas  require their own further education and orientation detailed specifically to that areas need and job description.Starting out in med surg will give a braod base for all types of nursing , as it envelops all aspects in a general setting,types of pt's and diseases and helps you develop time managment,ipr skills.Rehab nursing and psych nursing is not alike.Each ares has it's goals of treatment and care, how nnursing is performed.I suggest, start with med surg, then feel your way to see what other types on nursing is for you.You will know what area to go into as you improve your nursing skills and see what type of pt's or diseases you prefer and which nursing care type you prefer.Good luck.......

I worked on a rehab floor without any experience in that field. You learn the different  types of detox ie..etoh, opiate, and benzo's easily. The second week I was there I asked the supervisor when I could work on the MICA (mentally Impaired Chemical Addicted) unit. She said usually in three months. I was on the MICA unit in about six weeks. You must have alot of determination, patience, understanding, and compassion for people when in this field. It is so different then med/surg etc. You must have the ability to handle some difficult situations and issues that the "clients" may have. You can be working with the homeless as well as very professional people. Your assessment skills are learned by experience. The drug seeking behaviors and what some will do to get any medications takes a little longer. Pseudo seizures, forced hand tremors, making their pulse rate go up to get anxiety meds are just a few. There will be more Bi-Polar in the future so they can collect medicare (the symptoms are passed by word of mouth). It is easier to present the S + S's of mental disorders now a days than to try to get on assistance for a physical disability. So be prepared.I Loved my job there and will never forget my experiences.  Joni