Profiles in Nursing
< back to full profile search list
Lorraine R.
San Jose, CA
RN, MSN, CNS, Clinical Specialist, Psychiatry
As a girl, I had the desire to be a nurse, but thought it unachievable. My female role models were not career women, and no one in my family had attended college. But I was accepted to my state university, did well, and asked to transfer into nursing. This began my 28-year nursing career. I also had an interest in psychology, but believed “a degree in psychology and a dime could get you a cup of coffee.” I knew with nursing, I would always have a job. What I didn’t know was that there were psychiatric nurses. Nurses bring the biological bases to their care of patients with mental illness, like psychiatrists. As a clinical nurse specialist—a position which requires a Master’s in Psychiatric Nursing—I am licensed to do individual, marriage and family therapy, and, in most states, I can prescribe medications. It has been fascinating to me to see the advances we have made in the area of psychopharmacology. I also teach and write about psychiatry. I love the variety that being a psychiatric nurse has brought to my life. If you feel the calling to be a counselor or therapist, consider nursing as your entry. Nursing training will give you a broad knowledge base, and you will have many varied opportunities. I guarantee it!
Free Recruitment Materials
Nursing Careers
Pediatric Nursing
These nurses specialize in ...
To learn more about the wide range of nursing specialties available, select from the drop down menu below:
Nursing Profiles
Beth G.
I am currently a medical/surgical unit nurse manager at West Penn
Allegheny Health System-Forbes Regional Hospital in Monroeville,
PA. I earned my nursing degree from Citizen School ...
