Hello,anyone in Psych rotation or have been?

kbstudent · Sep 6, 2003

I am also in my pysch rotation. Am assiged to the adolescent unit which I have to admit I find very interesting. It is a total switch however in focusing in on your therapeutic communication skills. A challenge for me. I like it better than I anticipated all summer, but not the field I will chose to go in to after graduation.

NJS · Sep 7, 2003

Worked as a psych tech for about two years, so while I cannot speak about student experience I can say that working there was easy as a tech and easier for the nurses.

The most hectic time was in the morning as the docs would make their daily rounds and morning vital signs.

Love-A-Nurse · Sep 7, 2003

my psych rotation was last [summer] semester. i learned a lot but glad it is over!

Nrs. LaLa-Land · Sep 7, 2003

I loved my psych rotation...I was scared to death at first because of all the stigma and stereotypes associated with mental disorders...it's a lot different once you are there...you really have to focus on the therapeutic communication...I enjoyed the ICU but had the best time on the adolescent unit....those kids have some really messed up family lives but some have regular family lives too...they really need attention and a good listener...Good luck.

Fox88 · Sep 8, 2003

I'm starting my psych rotation this week (I've also mentioned this in other threads), and I'm kinda worried. I wasn't when I first heard that that's where I'm going to be but the rumours about it being a boring experience where you can't really practice your nursing skills is worrying me... but I'm still open to it... just not sure what to expect. I'm also currently struggling with a bit of depression myself (I used to be much worse but am getting better - however it's just the beginning of the year and stress), and know that in the past when I've been around other people who are very down it makes me worse... I'm kind of worried that because of this I might be more harm than help to those on the unit! I guess maybe I'm just running crazy thoughts through my mind because I'm worried and don't know what to expect. Any advice/suggestions? Thanks!

stillsmilin · Sep 9, 2003

Hi, I had my psych rotation last semester. We spent 2 weeks in an outpatient setting with adults and teens, and 4 weeks at in-patient hospitals. Honestly, I am glad I had the experience but I knew before it was over that this was not where I wanted to be. I think most either love it or hate it. \

Get the most out of it and try to have some fun. One plus was no pre-planning or care plans:D :D

CrazyNurseD · Sep 9, 2003

Hi,

I had my psych rotation last spring and I enjoyed it. I was really nervous at first but learned to relax and not take things personal. I like psych. We were unable to work with children but we did have some teenagers. To see someone with schizophernia or who is bipolar is amazing. To watch them and see how they function is interesting. It makes you realize how lucky you are. Since my psych rotation I no longer stare at people on the street or in the mall who are talking to themselves. I know that sounds funny but, its true. Now that I understand there disorder I feel bad for them. We also had to work a day at a soup kitchen type of thing and that was a memorable experience.

*DANIELLE*

nurse2be in ny · Sep 9, 2003

Fox88,

I used to work in a psychiatric unit, and many of the staff dealt with things like depression. My overall feeling is that this can be an advantage when working with others who struggle with the same problems. It can give you so much more insight and compassion when you've been through it yourself. Try not to worry about "harming" the patients and instead think about all you have to offer them in terms of understanding and true empathy.

maeyken · Sep 10, 2003

I've got my psych placement this semester too.... we had an orientation day, but haven't actually been on our units. I found the orientation day was good cuz they had us talk about things like stigmas and steryotypes... I think i feel more prepared now.

My placement's on the geriatric psychiatric unit... I think it'll be good, cuz there's a lot of different diagnoses, unlike most of the other units, where it's all one disorder...

Keep the stories coming! I'm sure once I start my placement I'll have a bunch!

~ maeyken

JulieAW · Sep 11, 2003

I'm also doing a psych rotation this semester. So far it seems okay. Besides being on a psych unit, we are required to go to observation sites - inpatient substance abuse groups, outpatient therapy, and juvenile detention center. We have 8 weeks on the unit, then we are in the community for the remaining 6 weeks for a group project that involves a paper and oral presentation. Overall I think it will be a good experience. :)

BowlerRN · Oct 11, 2004

I just have to go to a psych hospital this wednesday and thursday, I ended up in the forensic unit, the instructors warned me it's kinda a scary area to be in. We also have to dress casual, but are not allowed to wear jeans, I am kinda excited, but a little scared. I've seen quite a few geriatric residents with psych disorders at work, i definitely don't think i could handle working in a psych hospital

BowlerRN · Oct 11, 2004

I just have to go to a psych hospital this wednesday and thursday, I ended up in the forensic unit, the instructors warned me it's kinda a scary area to be in. We also have to dress casual, but are not allowed to wear jeans, I am kinda excited, but a little scared. I've seen quite a few geriatric residents with psych disorders at work, i definitely don't think i could handle working in a psych hospital