advice for new psyche nurse

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Hello,

I will be starting employment on a child/adolescent psyche unit as an RN in a few weeks and was just wondering if anyone had any words of wisdom they could share with me. Also, what is a typical day like? I am very excited about this career move...it's been something I've wanted to pursue for a few years. Any responses would be greatly appreciated! Thanks. :)

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WOW... child/adolescent psych... I work in an adult psych acute admissions unit (also in jersey)... I've never done adolescents but a colleague of mine has, and basically be prepared for an exercise in mental gymnastics, your limits will be tested and expect to have fun, because you will... as for psych in general my feeling is that there isn't much difference between myself and the person on the other side of the locked door, circumstances (some self induced and/or some environmental) put them there and not me... I try not to lose sight of my sense of humor, I try to realize when I'm being manipulated vs when someone is being straight with me (I'm not always able)...you will not relate to everyone, and some will push your buttons any chance they can get... they are creative, observant, and can tune into you sometimes faster than you can tune into them, and they know whats going on on the floor sometimes better than you do.

Hey, good luck in your adventure, personally I'm happy I left the ER and went to psych.

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Proceed with caution-

Stay alert & present yourself as the authoritive figure at all times-

I have found teens to be very manipulative, and they have no fear of consequences.

Do not put yourself in a position where you can be accused of abuse/assault & battery. What I am trying to say is- never touch a pt. unless you ask them if it is o.k first.

And have a private consult with security.

Don't mean to scare you.

Hope my advice helps. Good luck.

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I too work with Adolescents (and childrens unit when staffing is bad).

The above posts makes some good points - be careful of putting self in position for allegations (though in my experience - it is more often the Aids that are accused), Remember most of the kids you will work with will have been physicaly, and/or sexualy abused in the past. Stay on your toes as they will try and manipulate you (watch for staff splitting), and they (like most kids) will definitly TEST YOU to see what they can and cannot get away with when you are on. Finaly when they are angry/agitated dont think they wont hit you - many will when they are out of control so be aware of that before you get to close and try and "mommy" them at least when they are tantruming.

Some general advise or rules: - Dont lie to get them to do something. Even if they dont like what hearing if they think they can't trust you - its over. Dont make promises you can't keep. Be careful what you promise as they will remember it no matter how small. Don't show fear - they can sense it and they need YOU to make them feel safe - so even when things get hairy or a big one is threatining you - try not to get to frazzled and keep control. Remember EMPATHY not SYMPATHY. Its hard sometimes but its necessary. Be yourself - you have to have your own style - what works for me may not work for you, you dont have to be exactly like your collegues - we all have our own style and if you try and be something your not it dont work.

All that said it can be a very rewarding experience. Seeing a kid that comes to the hospital in disaray is sad - but when you see them doing better (and dont be suprised if some dont) and get there lives back even if a little bit is very pleasant.

I hope you will enjoy your new carreer path - my advise is give it some time even if you dont like it at first. Good luck.:rotfl:

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