LVN as Mental Health Tech

maryberry123 · Sep 6, 2014

Hello,

Is anyone working in a mental/psych facility here?

If yes, how is it like? How much do LVS get compensated?

Really looking into applying in a mental facility.

Thank you!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Sep 6, 2014

I worked PRN as an LVN medication nurse on the 3-11pm shift at a psychiatric hospital in North Central Texas for a few months in 2006.

As an LVN I basically administered medications, participated in some group sessions, obtained admission orders, occasionally supervised patients' smoke breaks, and performed procedural skills on a very infrequent basis such as finger stick blood sugars, insulin injections, suppository insertion, and dressing changes.

The RN did all admission assessments, intake interviews, focused assessments, and charting, as well as obtained telephone orders from the one or two psychiatrists who refused to speak to LVNs over the phone.

At $16/hour the pay was low and very noncompetitive, but I wanted the experience of a specialty other than long term care.

I stopped working there because the facility was 50+ miles from my residence, the pay was low, and the disorganized staffing coordinator sometimes did not cancel my shifts until I was arriving in the parking lot to report to work.

maryberry123 · Sep 6, 2014

I worked PRN as an LVN medication nurse on the 3-11pm shift at a psychiatric hospital in North Central Texas for a few months in 2006.
As an LVN I basically administered medications, participated in some group sessions, obtained admission orders, occasionally supervised patients' smoke breaks, and performed procedural skills on a very infrequent basis such as finger stick blood sugars, insulin injections, suppository insertion, and dressing changes.
The RN did all admission assessments, intake interviews, focused assessments, and charting, as well as obtained telephone orders from the one or two psychiatrists who refused to speak to LVNs over the phone.
At $16/hour the pay was low and very noncompetitive, but I wanted the experience of a specialty other than long term care.
I stopped working there because the facility was 50+ miles from my residence, the pay was low, and the disorganized staffing coordinator sometimes did not cancel my shifts until I was arriving in the parking lot to report to work.

Thank you for your response. I applied as a mental health technician (since this facility doesnt hire LVNs I think) I indicated in my resume though that I am an LVN and they scheduled me to take a test. Not sure if I would get compensated more, but I do want to work under my license.

May I ask if the facility was managed by UHS? This facility I am applying for is and I have read really bad and scary reviews. Im determined to practice and work in that facility, just really doubtful because of the bad stuff Im reading.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Sep 6, 2014

May I ask if the facility was managed by UHS?

No, it wasn't. The facility was in Texas. I assume you are in California, correct?

Although I completed my LVN training in CA, I have never actually worked as a nurse in CA because I relocated out of state six weeks after graduation.

CaliBoy760 · Sep 7, 2014

A bit off topic, so I apologize in advance. As an LVN in Cali, I explored becoming an LPT as well, seeing as they are managed by the same BVNPT. I could find no other way to sit for the LPT exam except for going through the entire LPT program. Which, as we all know, is virtually identical to the LVN program except for the Mental Health module. Doesn't make much sense to me. I really wish this would change as it would open a lot of avenues for LVN's with an LPT license as well.

heatherw3128 · Oct 29, 2014

I work as a LPN for a UHS psych facility in the South. I'll do my best to answer your questions, but it's from my experience and may not necessarily match up with how they operate in California.

1. I don't think you will be able to get extra compensation for being a LVN. If you are hired as a MHT, medication administration is out of your scope of practice as a MHT. MHT duties at my facility generally include Q15 rounds (nurses are required to do them as well, but MHTs definitely do more), transporting the patients to and from activities and meals, some charting and putting charts together for new admissions, taking VS, assisting in groups and group notes.

2.MHTs down here get paid about $10/hour and there is shift differential and a weekend bonus. Education is not a factor in pay at my facility. There are multiple MHTs with their Bachelors in Psychology and in the process of obtaining their masters degrees, or MHTs who have a background as EMTs or paramedics. They don't make any additional money of for that experience or education.

3. UHS has policies in place to protect their employees. During orientation you will learn CPI training to ensure the your safety and the safety of the patients in a situation where a patient's behavior is escalating. That beings said, occasionally something does happen where a staff member does get hurt. It's not often but it has happened. Working in behavioral health is never easy, and some of the patients are in crisis, having hallucinations, ect. In my facility, whenever a code is called the MHTs are the ones who go straight to the scene and handle the situation together, usually with the help of a nurse and some Ativan! There is a risk, but you will find a risk wherever you go. I've worked in psych for almost 1 year now and never had a patient become physical towards me. I previously worked in LTC and was spit on, hit, and scratched. Hope the information was helpful. Like I said there are always risks, but working in psych is a rewarding job and there's never a boring day! Good luck!

Natasha A., CNA, LVN · Oct 29, 2014

Hi, I am a CNA/Mental Health Worker. I have been working at a Psychiatric Behavioral health private hospital for 5 years. My start pay was $11 without night shift differential so I make total $13/hr. We do have LVNs working at the hospital and several started as new grads. I believe the a Psychiatric hospital is a great place for new grads. One of my coworkers is a LVN and she told me before she worked in a nursing home and prefer to work in a pysch hospital because the pay is wayyyyy better. Maybe because its a private hospital

BellaRose4281, RN · Oct 30, 2014

I'm going through the hiring process at a Psychiatric hospital in Ca. They've indicated that they can't wait to get me started so it looks like I'm in pending my background check. They start their LVNs off at $22.50 an hour. I don't think they employ MHTs.

Natasha A., CNA, LVN · Oct 30, 2014

Hi bella that's pretty good pay. did you have any experience?

BellaRose4281, RN · Oct 30, 2014

Hi bella that's pretty good pay. did you have any experience?

Nope! I'm a new grad. That's why I'm really hoping this comes through. They did indicate that they have a hard time keeping employees, however. They said you either love it or hate it. That makes me a little nervous but since I'm a new grad, I can't afford to be picky right now.

Natasha A., CNA, LVN · Oct 31, 2014

True. Well congratulations!! Still good news :)