http://allnurses.com Topics of discussion: mental/emotional disorders, current treatments/therapies, milieu management, patient interventions, medications, and patient education. en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:46:18 GMT vBulletin 60 http://img.an-file.info/misc/rss.jpg http://allnurses.com http://allnurses.com/psychiatric-nursing/assault-on-unit-440198-new.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:40:57 GMT I am just starting on a child/adol unit and have a question. We have one patient who in the two... I am just starting on a child/adol unit and have a question. We have one patient who in the two days I was there assaulted two patients ( two separate occasions--police called and came) and fled the unit (another occasion and sceurity was called to get him back on the unit). Do you all keep this type of patient on your unit? I am fine with this during the day when there are a million staff around but worry since I will be working weekend evenings with much fewer resources. We do have security available at the push of a button but a lot can happen in just a very few seconds. Thoughts please??

Thanks!
Amy ]]> Psychiatric Nursing HendersonRN http://allnurses.com/psychiatric-nursing/assault-on-unit-440198.html http://allnurses.com/psychiatric-nursing/behavioral-unit-anyone-439859-new.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:26:05 GMT Is it just me or does anyone else dislike the term "Behavioral Unit?"? To me it conjures up images of training versus healing, as one would train an animal. Where did this term come from? Are we that inclined to come up with an inaccurate term just to dispell stigma? I sincerely doubt anyone is fooled. I like good old fashioned "Psychiatry." Let's call it what it is. Anyone else bugged by this?? :cool: ]]> Psychiatric Nursing Smitty08 http://allnurses.com/psychiatric-nursing/behavioral-unit-anyone-439859.html http://allnurses.com/psychiatric-nursing/any-psyc-facilities-439801-new.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:36:27 GMT Hello Everyone; I graduated in March of this year and have not started in a hospital job... Hello Everyone;

I graduated in March of this year and have not started in a hospital job yet...But my passion is pscy..Does anyone know of facilities in Maryland, Virginia or DC that are hiring new grads... ]]> Psychiatric Nursing caribbeanbeauty http://allnurses.com/psychiatric-nursing/any-psyc-facilities-439801.html http://allnurses.com/psychiatric-nursing/anyone-work-strong-439554-new.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:10:23 GMT Just wondering if anyone works there in any of there psych units and what are your thoughts? TIA!... Just wondering if anyone works there in any of there psych units and what are your thoughts? TIA!

Colleen ]]> Psychiatric Nursing colleennurse http://allnurses.com/psychiatric-nursing/anyone-work-strong-439554.html http://allnurses.com/psychiatric-nursing/can-anyone-tell-439071-new.html Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:19:40 GMT Hi! I am a nurse who is interested in pediatric psych. I have past experience with ed kids from my... Hi! I am a nurse who is interested in pediatric psych. I have past experience with ed kids from my past teaching experience. I was wondering what pros/cons there are to this specialty and what a typical day as an RN is like. Any information would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks! ]]> Psychiatric Nursing Fluff36 http://allnurses.com/psychiatric-nursing/can-anyone-tell-439071.html http://allnurses.com/psychiatric-nursing/recommended-psych-facilities-438817-new.html Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:32:10 GMT Hi can anyone here recommend good psych facilities in Northern New Jersey for employment purposes?... Hi can anyone here recommend good psych facilities in Northern New Jersey for employment purposes?

Anyone hiring at this time that anyone knows about?
Any responses much appreciated.:up: ]]> Psychiatric Nursing fawnsternurse http://allnurses.com/psychiatric-nursing/recommended-psych-facilities-438817.html http://allnurses.com/psychiatric-nursing/psychiatric-nursing-conference-438643-new.html Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:41:43 GMT I recently received a flier on a Psychiatric Nursing Conference on Las Vegas April 21-24, 2010. It... I recently received a flier on a Psychiatric Nursing Conference on Las Vegas April 21-24, 2010. It doesn’t appear to be sponsored or endorsed by the American Psychiatric Nurses Association. It is sponsored by a company called “Contemporary Forums”. Has anyone here attended one of these conferences? If so, was it worthwhile? ]]> Psychiatric Nursing chazman1040 http://allnurses.com/psychiatric-nursing/psychiatric-nursing-conference-438643.html http://allnurses.com/psychiatric-nursing/ancora-psychiatric-hospital-438517-new.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:10:55 GMT Anybody work there? I kept hearing it is a dangerous place to work at. Is that because it is a... Anybody work there? I kept hearing it is a dangerous place to work at. Is that because it is a state facility and they treat inmates there too?

I have an interview with them soon. After seachiing on the internet. Seems all the news pop up for the place are bad. I'm so worried about the safety of working there now. I don't want to risk my physical safety for a job.

Anybody has any information about RN working safety at that hospial, please share. You can also PM me. Thanks ]]> Psychiatric Nursing mag_new http://allnurses.com/psychiatric-nursing/ancora-psychiatric-hospital-438517.html http://allnurses.com/psychiatric-nursing/coalinga-state-hospital-438389-new.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:51:31 GMT I am looking for information on Coalinga State Hospital. I am aware of the patient population (SVP)... I am looking for information on Coalinga State Hospital. I am aware of the patient population (SVP) and what comes with such a population. I am looking for information such as,
Are the RN’s still working 12 hour shifts?
How often are the RN’s getting mandated?
Much over time?
How common are assaults on staff?
Is the working culture supportive or toxic?
Are the units still being staffed with State Hospital Police?
Are the RN’s working the functional under the direction of a Psych Tech shift lead? ]]> Psychiatric Nursing chazman1040 http://allnurses.com/psychiatric-nursing/coalinga-state-hospital-438389.html http://allnurses.com/psychiatric-nursing/protocol-patient-safety-438326-new.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 01:33:28 GMT Does anyone have a protocol that they follow for 15 minute checks on psychiatric patients? I... Does anyone have a protocol that they follow for 15 minute checks on psychiatric patients? I particularly would like to know what you require of staff doing these checks during the night.
Thank you. ]]> Psychiatric Nursing ldnvorhe http://allnurses.com/psychiatric-nursing/protocol-patient-safety-438326.html http://allnurses.com/psychiatric-nursing/leaving-work-work-438099-new.html Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:50:43 GMT Can anyone offer any insight/thoughts on this post? I really need support. ... Can anyone offer any insight/thoughts on this post? I really need support.

http://allnurses.com/correctional-nu...rk-438097.html ]]> Psychiatric Nursing Eirene http://allnurses.com/psychiatric-nursing/leaving-work-work-438099.html http://allnurses.com/psychiatric-nursing/working-psych-while-438066-new.html Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:58:34 GMT I going to be doing my psych rotation during Spring semester and I want to know if there is... I going to be doing my psych rotation during Spring semester and I want to know if there is anything I should know in advance. I know nothing about psych nursing. I will be somewhere between 20 and 36 weeks pregnant, depending on whether or not I get the 1st or 2nd 8-week section. For some reason I am scared that somebody will assault me simply because I will be visibly pregnant. I know this probably sounds really dumb to those of you with experience in the field but just remember I am still learning and that is why I am here looking for guidance. ]]> Psychiatric Nursing FutureNOVARN http://allnurses.com/psychiatric-nursing/working-psych-while-438066.html http://allnurses.com/psychiatric-nursing/whats-next-psych-438015-new.html Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:12:17 GMT I'm thinking about where I'm going to go next. I've been doing this for 3 years now and I enjoy some aspects of the job, especially the time talking and helping the patient figure it out for themselves, seeing the lightbulb go on. The rest is becoming monotonous. I am in the process of applying to a Master's program, but I am not sure why, other than I think it's a natural progression in this career path. I think I really want to be a counsellor, and work in community or with outpatients. Any thoughts on how I should proceed? ]]> Psychiatric Nursing epg_pei http://allnurses.com/psychiatric-nursing/whats-next-psych-438015.html http://allnurses.com/psychiatric-nursing/knowing-when-medicate-437983-new.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:50:46 GMT I'm a new nurse, and just off a very short orientation. I feel confident in handling the routine stuff, paperwork/admissions/med pass, etc. However, actually managing my patients isn't coming as easily. I work nights, and last night we had 2 patients/roomates that were refusing to sleep or at least remain in their room. They were in and out of the room, singing, RIS, or rambling to the staff incoherently. I didn't feel they were disruptive to the other pts, no one else woke during the night, but they were disruptive to us as we had 2 admissions and routine paperwork to complete. Considering that they weren't bothering the other pts, I was reluctant to give a prn, and felt redirection was more appropriate. However, when one of the women began walking in the hall topless, I had to draw the line, so I gave a prn haldol - she was cooperative - and that seemed to be effective for a time (it was about 4:30am at this point, and she did go to bed, however when she woke at 630 for vitals her behavior was unchanged).

This brings me to another question. How to select the appropriate prn, when more than one is ordered for the same sx. Most often the prns that we have ordered are Haldol/Benadryl and Ativan, both for anxiety/agitation, sometimes I'll see Seroquel too. This pt had Haldol and Ativan order, and I was inclined to give the haldol, because the ativan is controlled, but wasn't sure if that was the proper choice.

If I didn't mention, I am the only nurse on my unit overnight with 2 techs. So I didn't have someone to turn to right there, though there is a nurse sup in the building at night also. I will definitely be questioning my co-workers when I go to work next, however, I am hoping for some "outside" opinions as I sometimes think maybe my facility "overmedicates." But that could just be my naive opinion, which is why I'm asking you all!


So to summarize (sorry for being long winded):

1) How does one know when medicating a pt is appropriate or if redirection is a better choice?

2) How to decide between PRN's ordered for the same symptoms? ]]> Psychiatric Nursing lovenandj, RN http://allnurses.com/psychiatric-nursing/knowing-when-medicate-437983.html http://allnurses.com/psychiatric-nursing/starting-new-job-437851-new.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:09:27 GMT Hello, I been reading the thread, for resources for my new job.:yeah: I am so excited to start... Hello,
I been reading the thread, for resources for my new job.:yeah: I am so excited to start but a bit nervous, because psych is so different, been reading up on disorders to get my assessement skills up to par, but I feel unprepared. I wonder if you all had any suggestions, like books or advice.
Looking up :specs: ]]> Psychiatric Nursing kindgo http://allnurses.com/psychiatric-nursing/starting-new-job-437851.html