childrens unit good place to start psych nursing?

Jules A, MSN · Aug 17, 2008

I'm not sure that starting with peds or adults makes a difference although they are very different populations. I think it is either something that suits you or not. I love working with kids. There is that slight element of hope that keeps me going. For the ones that I know will never live independently I try to appreciate the small things and knowing that I am treating them with kindness and respect is my personal reward. Many of these kids have been so abused and knowing that they are safe in our facility also makes me feel good.

vkunurse94 · Aug 17, 2008

Thanks so much for your insight. I really think that I will enjoy working with children as well. I have done home health and hospice for the past 10 yrs, and am just ready for a change.

Have a great day!

aloevera · Aug 19, 2008

If you enjoy adolescents, then go for it !!! When I started in psych a few years ago, they put me on the adol unit for the first year...I really did like it but then went to PRN so now am on Adult Mental health..The kids seem to be more open and will interact more than the adults...but their historys are heart wrenching....if you can get past that, then you will surely be an asset to the children...Good Luck....

RN007 · Aug 20, 2008

I love this thread about kids. Would you all describe your facilities? I work in an adult unit but wouldn't mind working with a younger population. Thanks! :)

little black cat · Aug 26, 2008

With the exception of one adult unit, which is subdivided into geropsych and short term inpatient, we are strictly an adolescent facility. There are two male sex offender units. These are the kids with the most to lose. We have one coed locked unit. These kids have probation officers. The other two units, one female, and one male, are mostly Cluster B diagnoses. We have kids with conduct disorder, bipolar, PTSD, some kids have psychotic disorders. I was a mental health worker on residential. We have a pretty good staff, and they do the groups. We pass meds, do treatments, health education. We have two separate M.D. staffs, psychiatrists who specialize in pediatrics, and an M.D. staff. There is also an on-site clinic for the kids run by a WONDERFUL N.P.

The kids have very structured days, and go to school on campus.

I tried all over to find a "real" nursing job, and couldn't find anything, despite a solid work history. I had never really quit this place, and was PRN during school. I was kind of depressed when HR called me in and wanted to know if I wanted to go to work for them. Sometimes I just don't get the way my nurse manager thinks, but she tries to be fair, but I really like nursing there. I wear my street clothes, and I don't have to be with the kids the entire shift. That was burning me out as a MHW. Now I can't imagine working anywhere else.

little black cat · Aug 26, 2008

Oh, and the R.N.s do the face-to-face after seclusions & restraints.