Advice for psych rotation, also top psych drugs to brush up on?

cb0027 · Jan 9, 2005

I did my psych rotation last spring. I spent three weeks on an adolscent unit then the other three on a substance abuse ward. The adolescent unit broke my heart. The substance unit scared me. Some of the clients had lengthy backgrounds and at times had outburst on the unit. Basically you just observe, we were not allowed to hand out drugs or particpate in groups. It was interesting but not my cup of tea.

Thunderwolf, MSN, RN · Jan 9, 2005

Become familiar with the different classes of psych meds and their puposes is a starting point. Come to know the meds under each class and their typical dose range. The big thing to know and understand is the neurotransmission of dopamine, serotonin, acetylcholine and norepinephrine and their neuro pathways. It will help you make sense as to why certain meds are prescribed and why. Learning about expected side effects of meds is also important and interventions to lessen them as a patient becomes adjusted. Compliance is a major issue regarding medication. A medication is only as good as it is taken. Developing your knowledge base regarding these basic things will assist you greatly in this field of nursing. It will also help you in patient education because many patients may ask you about them.

From an old ex-psych nurse

Thunderwolf, MSN, RN · Jan 9, 2005

Also regarding the field of psych, you may want to check out this page that allnurses has.

allnurses - Mental Health - Learn about clinical depression symptoms and treatments for depression, information on schizophrenia or ADHD and adhd characteristics in adults.

Good luck to you!

TifRN2B · Jan 12, 2005

Yes, know all those psych drugs and neurotransmitters! Another HUGE thing to study is therapeutic communication skills. I think we had more test questions on "what would you say to this patient" than drugs. Know the personalities... schizophrenia and all the delusions/hallucinations.... bipolar disorder...all of those psych diseases. Alcoholism too is covered in detail. Psych was a tough course... expecially since I took it at the same time I did my second med/surg. Time consuming really.... but I was lucky enough to get a B in both courses. Make sure you study hard!!!

Tif

RNinRubySlippers, BSN, RN · Jan 12, 2005

Ensure you contract for safety with your patients!! This is key!

I would say know your classifications of meds, because they are all very similar with in your classifications. Know about EPS and how that is managed. Dont fell bad if they tell you where to go (litereally) and just keep your nurse informed! Do not be too happy all the time, the patients dont like it all that much (overall). Be mellow and do teaching wne appropriate. Know the diff between typical and atypical antipsychotics. Wellbutrin is a med that has a lower incidence of sexual side effects. THat is something to be aware of. It is not oits main purpose, but often pts are put on this because of the less chance of ADRs. Well have fun and good luck!