[finness]

How is different? How should one BEST prepare themself?

[chimama]

In GeriPsych nursing you need to be aware that your patients probably have underlying health problems exacerbating their mental/behaviorial problems. Medications are , not more important, but must be used very carefully and reviewed often. Family dynamics and end of life issues factor in, as well as loss of independence, depression, and dementia. I find the area fascinating and appreciate nurses who have the patience and compassion for this field of nursing.

[finness]

So would you say that a med-surg background is especially important here?

[Nurse Ratched]

Originally Posted by finness

So would you say that a med-surg background is especially important here?

Med-surg is invaluable in geropsych.

The old adage goes: "If the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail." There are dozens of geri-specific health concerns that can cause delirium that would be mistaken for strictly psych-based if one is not attuned to possible physical causes.

[finness]

Nurse Ratched, you are one smart cookie! I like that adage a lot...

[Mister Chris]

Originally Posted by finness

How is different? How should one BEST prepare themself?

Prepare for anything and everything. Oldies have all sorts of physical and mental problems together. Dementias with heart/lung conditions, Schizophrenics with bladder and bowel problems, Bipolars with traumas to limbs and skin tissue.
I am glad that I quaified in general/medical/surgical nursing as well as psych and mental and physical hadicap areas.
It certainly gives you a challenge.
One thing you do learn is that some of the problems within the mixed diagnoses do not get better or go away.
Don't forget also you will not learn all there is to know in a few years - it take a long tome to cover all the subjects.
I'm over sixty and still learning (and still working in psychogeriatrics), and loving it!
Good luck!
Mr.C.