Psych nurses

Slobgob · Mar 20, 2005

Obviously:

Have you ever worked psych?

Have you ever worked with children?

Why do you want to work here?

Why do you want to work with kids?

More probing questions, but less frequently:

How do you respond to a child yelling at you?

What is the difference between adolescent psych and adult psych?

What is the difference between child psych and adolescent pysch?

Are you familiar with psychiatric medications?

Have you ever dealth with extensive case work, parents, and local agencies?

There are so many questions that could be asked... but it shouldn't be hard to get a job. You simply need to convey a few simple ideas about yourself:

1) You are rationale.

2) You always keep a cool head.

3) You are caring, in a parental way.

4) You understand that children are different that adults.

nursebraswell · Mar 20, 2005

Obviously:
Have you ever worked psych?
Have you ever worked with children?
Why do you want to work here?
Why do you want to work with kids?
More probing questions, but less frequently:
How do you respond to a child yelling at you?
What is the difference between adolescent psych and adult psych?
What is the difference between child psych and adolescent pysch?
Are you familiar with psychiatric medications?
Have you ever dealth with extensive case work, parents, and local agencies?
There are so many questions that could be asked... but it shouldn't be hard to get a job. You simply need to convey a few simple ideas about yourself:
1) You are rationale.
2) You always keep a cool head.
3) You are caring, in a parental way.
4) You understand that children are different that adults.

Thank you so much for the help!

peaceful · Mar 20, 2005

Be sure to study up on the developmental differences between, child, adolescents, and adults. These differences are important when considering treatment options.

1. What treatment model does the hopsital use? Where i work they use the Recovery Model. Study up b/c they would feel this is an important aspect.

2. Be aware of the basics with psychiatric meds, new generaltion (less S/E), compared to old generation antipsychotic meds. What are potential SE's that a nurse would be looking for? Life threatening ones (important!), all are important. Basics of antidepressants, antianxiety. Which meds need lab monitoring or extra careful b/c of DM issues?

3. Group therapy stuff, some hospitals would want you to run a group, ideas? Maybe health teaching or

4. Be prepared to explain how you are in a crisis. They want to know you can handle anything.

5. Talk safety, safety, safety, all decisions are for safety of patients and staff. This actually is number one priority. They love when you are aware of this.

Good luck, keep us posted on how all goes. Feel free to PM me with questions.

I have an interview scheduled this upcoming week with the Behavioral Medicine unit at the hospital (working with children and adolescents). I have never done psych nuring before. Any ideas on what type of questions I might get asked? Thanks for any help!

nursebraswell · Mar 21, 2005

Be sure to study up on the developmental differences between, child, adolescents, and adults. These differences are important when considering treatment options.
1. What treatment model does the hopsital use? Where i work they use the Recovery Model. Study up b/c they would feel this is an important aspect.
2. Be aware of the basics with psychiatric meds, new generaltion (less S/E), compared to old generation antipsychotic meds. What are potential SE's that a nurse would be looking for? Life threatening ones (important!), all are important. Basics of antidepressants, antianxiety. Which meds need lab monitoring or extra careful b/c of DM issues?
3. Group therapy stuff, some hospitals would want you to run a group, ideas? Maybe health teaching or
4. Be prepared to explain how you are in a crisis. They want to know you can handle anything.
5. Talk safety, safety, safety, all decisions are for safety of patients and staff. This actually is number one priority. They love when you are aware of this.
Good luck, keep us posted on how all goes. Feel free to PM me with questions.

Extremely helpful info. I really appreciate it. I have heard that this particular hospital was rated #1 in EMPLOYEE satisfaction so I really want to get a job there. I have heard nothing but good things about this hospital. Wish me luck and I will keep you posted!

peaceful · Mar 21, 2005

Extremely helpful info. I really appreciate it. I have heard that this particular hospital was rated #1 in EMPLOYEE satisfaction so I really want to get a job there. I have heard nothing but good things about this hospital. Wish me luck and I will keep you posted!

Wow that is good rating for employee satisfaction, good sign. Is the hospital in California by any chance? Lets us know how all goes after interview. Have a feeling you will do just fine.

nursebraswell · Mar 21, 2005

Wow that is good rating for employee satisfaction, good sign. Is the hospital in California by any chance? Lets us know how all goes after interview. Have a feeling you will do just fine.

Actually it's Baptist Hospital in Pensacola, Florida. We just moved here a month ago from Atlanta. (Don't miss that traffic one bit!). I don't know if you saw any of my previous threads, but I have a BSN with six years of experience. I have worked in doctor's offices mostly with one year of internal case mgmt for a home health company. Do you think my lack of hospital experience will hurt my chances of getting the job? Just curious what you think.