Considering transfer to psych

Davey Do · May 5, 2011

Hey, if it's a paying job, go for it.

Evenings can be a energized shift on a Psych Unit: Along with the Typical Tasks, there's a lot of Admissions, Visits with Family, Psychiatrists, and Therapists. A lot of Programs, Behaviors, and Clean-Up from the Day Staff take place on Eves.

The Evening Shift is my least Favorite. But, then again, if I had to work it, I would. And, working the Evening Shift could get your foot in the Door for Day Spot.

Good luck to you, 1996RN.

Dave

Jules A, MSN · May 5, 2011

Like Davey said if it is your only option and doesn't sound horrible I'd give it a try. I loved evening shifts although I'm not a fan of having to work 5 days a week at the same place. The nurses station isn't overrun by administrative type people, you know where your charts are when you need them and the patients are usually out and about. It is also a time, imo, when many incidents like fights can happen so it is important to know where the supplies are to safely and quickly give an IM if needed. One thing I love is that usually we have time to actually speak to our patients and get to know them. Good luck!

ImThatGuy, BSN, RN · May 6, 2011

I don't know beans about working in psych, but the 3-11 (or 2-10) shift is crap. I hated working that in another profession.

Iris34 · May 7, 2011

I worked the 3-11 shift on a psych unit for 3 years. I loved it. There aren't many administrative people around anymore, and by 5:00PM all the social workers and pschiatrists are gone. You have time to sit and talk to your patients. There is a potential for dangerous situations but I think its like that on all the shifts. If this is going to be your first time in psych, this is a great starting poin for you.