Any one ever work in a crisis stabilization unit?

[clorinda]

After years of hospital med-surg and ltc, I applied for a position in a mental health adult crisis stabilization unit. It is a 10 bed unit. Has great benifits but lower pay. Which is ok because it is so close to my home I can ride a bike to work. (save gas and get needed exercise).:rotfl: The staffing is always one lpn and a cna on each shift. Any way my question is: does any one have any experience in this type of clinical area?

I interviewed over an hour and half. I was very excited to learn that I recieved the positon. I start monday. Now my nerves are getting the best of me in the anticipation of starting a new job in an area of nursing I have never been in. Any advice? Helpful hints? Thanks.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I have a PRN job as a medication nurse on the adult inpatient unit of a psychiatric hospital. This psychiatric hospital has three divisions of adult psych: faith-based, chemical dependency, and the crisis stabilization unit. Out crisis stabilization unit is always staffed with one RN and one aide. The crisis stabilization unit patients tend to be more unstable than the rest of the adult psychiatric patients.

My tip is to remain firm. Always walk and talk with confidence because the patients will attempt to run all over you. They have had many experiences with other psych facilities and know what to expect.