Child psych: low summer census blues

[pinkiepieRN]

Ugh. So I just started floating to child psych in May, right as school was getting out. We've had 1-5 kids all summer and I know I'm getting spoiled. Even if there's no kids, there needs to be a nurse on the unit at all times just in case of an admission. People are taking off time left and right and I've got some time but I'm just cringing in anticipation of what the start of the school year will bring. I'm full time on child psych now after a transfer from adult psych, so I'm still kind of getting used to the routine and the differences between working with children and adults. Can anyone help me figure out how to prepare for when the census rises and I feel automatically overwhelmed from the drastic change?

[Jules A, MSN]

This is a great way to transition and after the summer you should be ready for the influx that will come the week after school starts. It will be what you are used to doing only way more. Warning it happens the week before Christmas as everyone is cured and is discharged but within hours of the presents being unwrapped on Christmas afternoon the phone calls for admissions will start. :)