Advice for new RN caring for clients w eating d/o.

[CatherineG87]

I accepted a position to work for a smaller facility that focuses solely on clients with eating disorders. They have residential programs for both male and female clients, as well as partial hospitalization and outpatient treatment. I am a new graduate with no prior healthcare experience other than what I gained while in nursing school. We did have a quarter of Psychiatric Nursing, but as for eating disorders, I do not have any experience. The staff is wonderful and I feel that they will be a great help while I learn my duties, policies, and procedures, and they even recommended books such as "When Your Child Has An Eating Disorder" and "Life Without Ed" to help me gain a better understanding. Are there any experience nurses who have recommendations on reading materials, such as communication with clients, or more condensed textbook like reading to review standard medications and nursing interventions so I can carry with me on site? Or just advice in general for a new nurse in this area? I want to feel more prepared for this position, because I will be the only RN on staff. Thank you in advanced :)

[Davey Do]

CatherineG87:

It sounds like you are taking a good approach to this new role, as you are seeking information on the treatment process.

Learning the therapeutic approach of other professionals in a particular area is always a good approach. Knowing what the right hand is doing assures synergistic energy on the part of the left hand.

However, since you are going to be the only RN on staff, utilizing your knowledge and education in your area of expertise would be an asset in the therapeutic process. In other words, let the therapists focus on the psychological aspects, and you could focus on the affects that eating disorders have on the body.

For example. you currently pocess an understanding of the alimentary canal. You could focus on the physiological effects of this disease.

Of course, we all know that the an individual knowing ramifications is not going to deter that individual with a particular disorder to cease their behavior. However, that knowledge is necessary when coupled with the various other areas of therapy.

The best to you in your endeavor, CatherineG87.

Dave

[CatherineG87]

Thank you for the advice :) I'm going on my third week and I am absolutely loving it. Granted, I'm a little nervous over the idea that I'll be leading some group education sessions, but I'm looking forward to it. I'm developing a better understanding of the physiologic consequences, and I am continuing to learn more. I am also developing a better understanding in the use of the different types of medications, such as antipsychotic and antianxiety medications. I do know it'll take time to learn the behavioral aspect, as I do interact with the clients through out the day. I feel that this is a place where I should be, and I am looking forward to see what comes next.