[mommie2bodie]

I am about to go to LPN school and I am just looking into my options. So are LPNs utilized in this area? Also is size a factor? I am very petite at 5 foot, 120lbs. My husband thinks it would be a danger to me.

[goettin98]

At my hospital, they have phased out LPNs and do not hire new ones. The ones who were working there either had the option of working as nurses aides or going to school to become RNs.

[RN2begin]

Originally Posted by mommie2bodie

I am about to go to LPN school and I am just looking into my options. So are LPNs utilized in this area? Also is size a factor? I am very petite at 5 foot, 120lbs. My husband thinks it would be a danger to me.

I work at a psychiatric hospital and I am finishing my final year in nursing school, with the plan of continuing employment as a psych nurse. The "fear" that you are referring to has more to do with the stigma of mental illness, than the actual danger involved. The majority of mentally ill people are not dangerous, just as the majority of people you will encounter in any hospital setting. The only difference with working in a psych hospital is that you have a heads up on a potential risk for violence and should one arise, all staff are prepared to handle it appropriately. You take a risk each time you choose to treat someone, anyone, anywhere...mentally ill or not.

The hospital I work at only hires LPN's for their geri-pscyh floor...but it is a foot in the door...

I would encourage you to educate yourself about the field and the population you are looking to serve before assuming the worst.

[cjp526]

I am an LPN and worked at a state hospital. Size was not a factor there because we recieved 3 week training on theraputic precautions, and we had "man-down" systems that we carried on us at all times. Our policy also was if you felt uncomfortable for ANY reason, take another person with you for protection. Mental Health patients can be intimidating at times, but working with them is very rewarding (it was for me anyways). Good Luck.

[DonaldJ]

I am an LPN working in inpatient Dual Diagnosis (mental health + substance abuse), so yeah, you can be a psych nurse as an LPN. As with most specialties, it just depends on the hospitals and organizations in your area. There is no catch-all rule for psych like there is for ICU or OB.

Also, size is not an issue. You will have other nurses, mental health techs, counselors and so on around at all times. If things escalate, you'll likely have plenty of backup well before things get physical.

[Katnip]

At the facility I just signed up to work at, LPNs are the med nurses.

[elph7420]

Hey, I just graduated from an LPN program and I work at a mental health center. We have lots of LPN's working in this company. I am on the small size myself, and it doesnt seem to make any difference. I feel pretty comfortable with the clients. I really enjoy working with them. Good luck with school and keep your options open.