psych job 3-11 shift? - Page 2

OK, so I survived my first 3-11 shift...

It seems like the pts are all amped up between 3-7pm because they just came back from their groups and want their snacks and coffee, etc. I had a cup thrown at me and splashed with water.

I felt like I had a little bit more time to read charts and behavioral plans and also spend time out in the milieu. Everything gets quiet by the end of the shift because pts are winding down, or already in bed. So I do feel like I have more room to think and do paperwork...

Was wondering how this went for you... I am looking into options for myself and wondering about inpatient Psych at a State Facility... I too like the 3 to 11 shift..

Now looking online at their site, it states starting pay is a level 14 but that range is pretty wide.. also, it states pay is by education and experience.. I am wondering what to expect. I have 36 yrs exp with a BS and not BSN so anyone have an idea of what to expect pay wise..

Thanks

What field is your BS in? Some facilities may give you differential pay based on having that BS - when I was doing clinicals at the local teaching hospital there was a nurse with an ADN who had a BS in Public Health and was applying for the differential. See what they say.

Things were a little chaotic in the beginning of my shift last night. And not in the fun, interesting, "good" stress kind of way. You know, I don't think psych nursing is for me...

I am wondering this too.... is it for me? Hmm.... my BS is in Social Sciences... was going to head to a MSW but life got in the way.. thanks for the replly.

Maybe you need to give it a little more time?

When I worked 2nd shift at a State Hospital we barely ever got admissions and most of the orders were taken off on dayshift. Most of the time was spent passing meds, treatments, interacting with patients, taking them outside to smoke. Staffing wise there was the charge nurse (always a RN) another nurse to pass meds which was most of the time a RN but sometimes LPN, and usually about 3-5 psych aides. On the unit I worked on there were about 35-40 patients. The work itself was not bad at all, and by like 9:30pm the patients started going to bed. Good luck to you! :-)

Thanks for the insight... it is like a totally different area for me to work and I need to get a feel of what to expect...Thank you..