New Grad offered Pediatric Psych Position

[StellaLunaRN]

Hi all,

I am a new grad recently offered a position at a residential chid/adolescent psych facility. There are kids with various neuro/behavioral issues, and they do restraints frequently on the younger children, from what I have been told. Apparently some units are fairly laid-back while others are the "fastest-paced" in the psych world. They badly need RN's, hence why they want to hire me. I hear that the staff is great, however.

Psych is not my passion (not sure what IS my passion..I think it may be public health), but I did like psych in school and I like kids. I have experience with kids, but nothing extensive, and no prior experience in psych. I would describe myself as a "gentle soul", I am a sensitive, thoughtful individual and not sure if I'm cut out for any area in nursing that is "fast paced". I don't like adrenaline rushes. After only 2 weeks of orientation, I will be expected to be the sole nurse on a unit in charge of 2-5 patient care techs, 10-30 kids, managing mileu safety, communicating with doctors/parents, giving meds, etc. I see this as a positive in one sense, because I would like to really learn some managerial skills, but I would much prefer to have another nurse on the unit. I'm not sure why there is not more orientation, but 2 weeks is the standard at this facility. I have heard that the staff is very supportive and I can call a nurse on another unit at any time, but I am hesitant.

I want to give it a shot, but I feel like I have NO idea what I am getting myself into. Any thoughts?

[TerpGal02, ASN]

Your gut is def telling you the right thing.

[Orca, ADN, ASN, RN]

I wanted to update everyone. I tried making this job work but before orientation is finished, I am quitting. Less than 1/2 of the 2 week orientation is on the unit, and the nurses are too overwhelmed to teach anything. IMO This place has major problems and I'm getting out. I think I could make a great psych nurse, though. The kids don't scare me, neither do the (bunches of) codes. It's the fact that there's inadequate, poor, unorganized training, understaffing, and barely any education on policy and procedure, and the fact that nobody is actually following the policies. I feel that my license is at risk if i stay. My gut is telling me it's not a "trustworthy" situation. Outta there.

Understaffing is the understatement of the year. One nurse on a 30-bed unit is just asking for problems.

You made an excellent decision, one that may have saved your license. Your future may well be in psychiatric nursing, but it's best to practice it in a place that will provide adequate staffing and training. This place obviously does not.