Are LPN's hired much for psych facilities?

RochesterRN-BSN, BSN, RN · Feb 7, 2009

I am in NY--upstate and there have never been any LPNs in any psych unit I have worked in-- I don't believe they hire them-- where I am now--psych ER , no LPNs and no new grads or nurses with no psych expereince. Our manager decided to try one a while ago--new grad RN as she had a Bachelors in psychology--that was a disaster and they ended up forcing her to transfer to one of the inpatient psych units. They will never do that again. I have worked with few LPNs any where-- a few in medicine and a few in medical ER but they ended up moving all of the LPNs to the quick care part of the ER or to floors--out of the main ER. Oh and I worked with them in LTC. Not a lot of use around here....and not in psych.

flightnurse2b, LPN · Feb 7, 2009

the psych facility i did my clinicals at in NC actually offered me a job. they have alot of LPN's there. there are also a bunch of postings here for LPN's at a children/adolescent psych facility here, as well as one for an eating disorder treatment facility.

not sure where you live, but central NC will definately utilize you in psych.

beeenieweeenie, RN · Feb 14, 2009

I am a new grad LPN and I just got hired on full time to work in an acute inpatient psych facility. There is always an RN, but basically if you prove yourself and you know what you're doing, you can do just about anything needed and the RN's will sign for you if necessary. Our nursing staff trainer is an LPN even.

mary0507 · Feb 18, 2009

I have worked in three states. All psych on locked units. The only thing the LPN"s are allowed to do is pass meds. FLA. OH and PA Philly. I love LPN"s. It is hard to pass meds and charge a unit on acute care.

Whispera, MSN, RN · Feb 19, 2009

I've worked in Indiana for the past 15 years. At one facility there were no LPNs. At another LPNs shared duties with RNs. There was always an RN and if there needed to be another nurse present, it could be an RN or an LPN. The only thing the LPNs didn't do was admits and discharges. They were very respected and valued.

mimimartina · Feb 19, 2009

I worked psych for the state of Louisiana several years back as LPN,,,we passed meds, did treatments, and took off med orders. Took care of stocking meds,,,,,meds, meds,meds....I felt like I was just a medication person...moving on with my RN program now..if you like passing meds, you can work psych in LA...

josinda421 · Feb 25, 2009

Hi, I am a LPN and have been working in a psych hospital for about 3 months now. LPN's can do everything a RN does except get orders for restraints and seclusion. And like what was mentioned earlier if the census drops on a floor then only a RN is utilized and a RN must always be working alongside a LPN. The LPN cannot work alone. Hope that helps.:nuke:

So, can you tell me what your day is like; cause this is a field I'm interested in, but afraid of getting beat down by the patients.

mary0507 · Feb 26, 2009

I have never been beat down by a patient except a female patient swung at me and caught my arm. Never turn your back on a patient and be very aware of your surroundings. When I lived in Fla. I had a problem with people walking behind me on the beach. My husband could not understand why I would stop and let people pass. Treat patients with respect and don't challenge them. Always be aware of their body language. Their eyes and hands will tell you a lot. Make sure you are at least arms length at all times. If someone is escalating try to talk them down before they are totally out of control. If they are of harm to themselves or someone else don't hesitate to call a code. Remember to treat them the way you would want to be treated or how you would want your family member to be treated. The patient isn't the only one you need to be concerned about. the family is just as important. Always, always work as a team this is so important in psych. You need to have each others back. Work with your techs and don't be too good to get your hands dirty. They will respect you in return.

josinda421 · Feb 26, 2009

I have never been beat down by a patient except a female patient swung at me and caught my arm. Never turn your back on a patient and be very aware of your surroundings. When I lived in Fla. I had a problem with people walking behind me on the beach. My husband could not understand why I would stop and let people pass. Treat patients with respect and don't challenge them. Always be aware of their body language. Their eyes and hands will tell you a lot. Make sure you are at least arms length at all times. If someone is escalating try to talk them down before they are totally out of control. If they are of harm to themselves or someone else don't hesitate to call a code. Remember to treat them the way you would want to be treated or how you would want your family member to be treated. The patient isn't the only one you need to be concerned about. the family is just as important. Always, always work as a team this is so important in psych. You need to have each others back. Work with your techs and don't be too good to get your hands dirty. They will respect you in return.

So do LPN get paid as much as in LTC's. Cause I'm thinking it might be a lower pay grade, right?

mary0507 · Feb 26, 2009

It depends on where you are working. I would think it would be higher than LTC. I was paid a lot lower as and RN in LTC. I would think LPN"s would get more in psych. It also depends how long you have been a nurse. Always, always negotiate your pay. It's like buying a car. I get top pay because I have done psych for 25 years. If you are and LPN most hospitals will pay for your education to become and RN. I made $39.00 in Philly. Hope this helps.

aloevera · Mar 1, 2009

LPN's are vital in my psych faclity....they dispense the medications and take off the physician orders and help the RN with "troublesome pts." we are a team...we work together.....the pay is definately higher than at a LTC facility...