Hired on a psych floor!

[srleslie]

Hey folks. After two years of med/surg and telemetry I have been given the opportunity to follow my dream job in psych nursing. The unit is part of an acute care hospital that takes the sickest of the mentally ill and has a largely indigent. I will be working nights with 12 hour shifts. They say I will receive 4-5 weeks of orientation. I would appreciate any advice people have about starting this job. I'm looking forward to it!

[macfar28]

Learn all you can from your preceptors. Ask questions, even the ones you feel might be dumb. Trust your gut feelings when working with patients - both in terms of safety but also in terms of what they might NOT be saying. Never put the patient between yourself and the door (or whatever escape route). Figure out which staff has your back and go to them - hopefully they all will:)

Good luck. It is a wonderful field!

[mikenmim]

Remember that they are people too! So many people walk on to the floor and are afraid of the psych patients. Over time you will develop the ability to know when you are over your head and need help. Your preceptorship and the long time psych nurses can be your best tool. Sometimes you may have to throw away the text book and follow your instincts. Above all, remain professional and always show respect both through your words and your demeanor. It's a great field. I've been working with psych patients for 35 years. It has become my passion and I learn new things every day.