Info about acute psych nursing in LA

[chloe125]

Hi,

I'm a registered nurse, with 7 years experience in acute adult psychiatric nursing working in Sydney. I am looking into doing the same in LA and I was hoping you could provide me with some info on working conditions etc., as I have no idea on what to expect.

Below I've outlined what it's like in the hospital I work at, if someone could provide a similar description of their's I'd really appreciate it.

Here is Sydney,

I get paid AUS$30/hr base rate as a clinical nurse specialist, we get 10 days of per month and six weeks paid leave per year. We work 8 hour day and afternoon shifts and 10 hour nights on a rotational request roster.

Our staff to patient ratio is approx 1:4, the majority of our admissions come from ER, with some being bought directly team to the ward with the crisis team on a prearranged basis.

Registered nurses are required dispense medications, counsel and educate patients and families and work as part of a multi-disciplinary team in delivering care and discharge planning. Nurses medicate and seclude potentially aggressive patients themselves, however we can page security staff or call the police if necessary, the former we do on a regular basis. The use of restraints is illegal in psychiatric facilities.

The philosophy on our unit is one of least restrictive care. Patients are allowed leave, at the doctors discretion, nurses wear casual clothes and patients are encouraged to as well.

Thanks in advance.

Chloe :)