new grad/psych nurse

Murt · Jun 16, 2003

They told me the same, that i should do normal stuff first. But the pay was so bad i went straight into psych and havnt regretted. Ok i havnt set a drop etc since but it takes like 2 minutes to learn it again and whereever you are youll allways learn new stuff.

Go straight into it if thats what you want to do, listen to yourself.

sbic56, BSN, RN · Jun 16, 2003

I agree with Murt. I loved psych and when I was working it, I had very little "other" background and it didn't adversely affect my performance as a psych nurse. You have the basics. I don't see the need to work in a field you are not going to be using, but you should be able to do a basic physical assesment, which you should be able to do at this point, anyway.

I have to admit, though, that my psych experience has been very helpful in my subsequent positions.

sanakruz, ADN · Jun 16, 2003

Do what you love-You will see plenty of medical patients if you work on an inpt. psych unit- detox ,s/p overdoses,diabetics,lupus clients HIV etc etc.It's REAL nursing no doubt about it!Murts right

Not alot of IV's, true enough-plenty of straight caths tho,as haldol can cause urinary retention. Lots of IM haldol to be given.

TinyNurse, RN · Jun 23, 2003

Thanks for the advice, i've accepted a prn position in a local behavioral unit!!!!!!

xoxo

Jen

sanakruz, ADN · Jun 23, 2003

Right on! Keep us posted!

sbic56, BSN, RN · Jun 23, 2003

Originally posted by TinyNurse
Thanks for the advice, i've accepted a prn position in a local behavioral unit!!!!!!
xoxo
Jen

Ditto! Glad you went for it!

TinyNurse, RN · Jul 12, 2003

well i'm keeping you posted i worked last weekend, in training, and broke up a fight actually. The RN in charge said I did a great job of redirecting! haha

sbic56, BSN, RN · Jul 12, 2003

Good for you! We knew you'd be great!