California Department of State Hospital? (DSH)

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Hi allnurses members!

I'm a recent new graduate waiting to soon take my NCLEX. I want to build a career in forensic and/or psych nursing and looking to apply at various CA state hospitals (Napa, Coalinga, Metro, Atascadero, Patton). On my research through various platforms it's hard to find recent information.

Anyone have some experience in any of these facilities?

If so,

What are your overall thoughts of working for a state hospital?

Did you apply through the state or through an agency? (ex. MHM Services)

How difficult is it working with this population, is it as terrifying/unsafe as I have read in some old posts?

Is being a male a benefit in this setting?

What are your hours like a week and OT? (8's or 12's; night shift/morning shift)

Considering it's a forensic facility, would it be a "smoother" transition to a correctional nurse position in a prison later on?

If anyone has an answer or possible answers to any of these, they would be heavily appreciated.

Thanks! ?

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I’m on my last day of NEO training here in Napa and already regretting my decision. Not because I realized I don’t want to do psych, but it’s because I want acute psych. And I also didn’t realize how much legal stuff is involved. The only exposure I had with psych was during nursing school (acute psych hospital) and 2 patients I had when I was working on medsurg unit. But I haven’t been on my unit yet. I am hoping that things turn out okay.

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Specializes in Psych.

Off topic, however does Napa hire per diem RN's

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On 7/27/2020 at 9:33 PM, Chazman said:

Off topic, however does Napa hire per diem RN's

I don't think so, either part time or full time

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