Returning to nursing

[mamabear]

I'm returning to psych nursing after a nine year absence [i'm a recovering addict, but my license wasn't jeopardized]. I will be working in a small inpatient unit, mostly acute cases, a few 72-hour EDs. How much has changed in the field, besides just the meds?

Thanks.

[AussieRN]

Originally posted by mamabear:

I'm returning to psych nursing after a nine year absence [i'm a recovering addict, but my license wasn't jeopardized]. I will be working in a small inpatient unit, mostly acute cases, a few 72-hour EDs. How much has changed in the field, besides just the meds?

Thanks.

Hi there! I guess being in Australia I cannot really answer but I have been working in mental health over 10 years and I can say that if you have a good grasp of the clinically features of disorders and update some of the new additions to the DSM, then you will be fine. Yes medications have evolved and there may be changes in legal guidelines (eg for involuntary admissons) but I don't think you have too much to worry about.

Michelle