A job interview

Specialties Psychiatric

Published

I have a job interview coming up next week in a small inpatient psych unit.

I have 4 years of combined experience as a CNA and as a LPN in LTC facility. I was wondering if members could give me some advice/tips.

Thank you in advance.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Brush up on your basic therapeutic communication, psych conditions, medications, adverse effects of medication (e.g. s/sx of EPS such as tremors, rigidity) and how they would be treated (Benadryl or Cogentin). If they've seen your resume they don't expect you to be a psych expert, but you do need to know the basics.

And remember, it's OK if you don't know something...but don't just say "I dunno" and leave it at that. Say "I don't know but I would find out from X/Y/however or whoever."

Good luck!

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Specializes in Mental Health-BC.

Great advice from Meriwhen! If I could add something, I would say be sure you know what to do if a psych patient is getting out of control. Answer is to try to de-escalate the situation as smoothly and quickly as possible. The person with the best rapport with the patient should be the one to try and talk them down, even if that person is a tech, cna, etc. Also maybe have a good answer for why you like psychiatric nursing and want to go into that particular field. Good luck!

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