From Med/Surg to Psych?

Furst · Aug 20, 2003

Hello Smack,

Writing as a nurse who recently did just that, I'm very happy with my decision. I LOVE mental health. Unfortunately the staff at this particular facility, leaves more than enough to be desired. It's not about the ratio, but the interactions; They are very far and few between. I am left with the impression that the average nurse is intimidate by psych pts. I suppose it really was no different in M/S but some how, I think its a little more important.

smackRN · Aug 21, 2003

Hey Furst

I understand what you're saying. I suppose that may always be an issue no matter where you work. It's been on my mind for some time to make this switch. I'm just trying to lessen what ever pitfills that are inherent in the process. Did you just kinda dive into it ? Do you find it radically different then M/S?

Thanks-

Smack

Furst · Aug 21, 2003

Yes, head furst-lol. I decided after several month of total chaos [in M/S], I needed a change. [To be perfectly honest it's been total chaos since my hire 2.5 years ago.] I petitioned the nurse manager, who was reluctant to let me go. Finally, she consented. Was it entirely different? Yes, medical is still medical- needless to say, but psych is a completely different atmosphere. They are there because their life has become unmanageable and most recognize that, wanting and seeking help. Some, as psych people like to say, are there for three hots and a cot; and some don't know or want to know what's going on.

I did have some prior experience. I have been actively involved in an ETOH and RX treatment program in the past; and at times the behaviors exhibited there were greater than those on almost any unit.

You can't be intimidated, or show it anyway; and the pts seem to appreciate being treating on equal footing [to the largest degree]. :roll :roll :roll :roll :roll :roll

RN-PA, RN · Aug 21, 2003

I have a friend in her mid-20's, a fairly new RN who worked with me in Med/Surg but had to leave due to recurrent back problems. She now works with kids in a psych facility. It's a sort of "step-down" unit (I obviously don't know the lingo. They have more privileges, are not in the acute care area.) She adjusted really quickly and likes it. She says the pace is incredibly easier than M/S, she still does full assessments when they have admissions so keeps up some skills, deals with doctors frequently-- for orders or problems, and sometimes has to accompany a teen to our hospital when there's been a suicide attempt or medical emergency. There's a lot of "down time" (she works 1500-0300), and I admit to feeling jealous sometimes, of how much easier it seems, but I don't think I could handle some of the issues she deals with these kids; too sad and maddening, as well (family backgrounds, abuse, early sexual activity, escapes from the facility, etc.)

smackRN · Aug 22, 2003

Ok,guys what you're saying sounds good to me! I work at a small charity hospital and we get our share of pts w/ ETOH as secondary dx. (OMG- the guy that bit the blood tubing in half:eek: I suppose that counts as experience of sorts.And we continue to wait and see when and where the lay off ax falls:confused:

Nurse Ratched, RN · Aug 22, 2003

It's nice to get nurses in psych who have a medsurg background. Some people leave school and go directly into psych and are VERY uncomfortable with physical illness, so your comfort with physical ailments will make you a standout. You may even spot physical problems that others may attribute to behavioral issues. You won't know how to feel about the psych component until you try it. That's what I did, and I found much to my surprise that I loved that population.

Good luck! :)

Furst · Aug 22, 2003

Nothing left to say except, psych is OUTSTANDING-it offers many rewards that M/S can't compare to. Granted it's not for everyone, but anyone who has an ounce of understanding and a pint of compassion [alright, maybe a quart] would be an asset to mental health. GO FOR IT!! good luck in what ever u chose to do-keep us posted.

Louie18 · Sep 4, 2003

Unless you take it serious. They are either psychotic (getting chemically lobotimized) or neurotic. Sociopaths are not psychotic.

All I can say is what my wife says to me:

"The minute I see the tinfoil on you're head, you're outta here DuLac"

I'm Louie

smackRN · Sep 6, 2003

Oh yeah, you guys have me mega psyched now

I'm still waiting to see when and how the ax falls but maybe I oughtta just go anyway.......

really? Tinfoil?