CPEP

Hi, I just got a contract job in a CPEP setting. Just wondering how many out there work in CPEP and your thoughts about it. Do you work 8 or 12 hr shifts? What Computer Documentation system do you use?

Do you receive an actual assignment or is it a free for all as people come in?

Do you place people immediately in blue pajamas after a search where their belongings are locked up?

This particular CPEP is Adult, Pedicatric section and an EOB section. (short term 72 hr stay)

Thank you in advance:)

Hmm, no one here works in a CPEP?

Maybe it's called something else other places. What does CPEP mean?

Oh yes, you are correct. Sorry It's an Acronym for Comprehensive Psychiatric emergency program.

It is basically an ER for psychiatry.

Just wondering how its run. Nurse-patient ratio. Restraints? Computer documentation. Assignments. Contraband etc

As a new grad I worked an inpatient psych unit in a hospital that had a CPEP unit. It had a 6 bed 72 hour observation unit. There was a receptionist person they saw first. Then a nurse triaged them. We always had a psychiatrist either in the unit or next door at the hospital who came over and saw every patient after they were triaged. We did use 4 point leather restraints (sometimes 5), lots of chemical restraint as well. We were all trained in behavior management techniques, but when things were really bad the hospital security guards would come and help out. As with any ER, sometimes it was really quiet and sometimes it was like a bus pulled up and let them all out. A lot of it was stuff like they had run out of meds, had no place to stay etc. We also had a social worker type there who would work on getting placement if needed, detox and stuff like that. We patted them down, but didn't strip them in the ER. It was a great place to work!

I am really enjoying my experiences in the CPEP unit. I may never want to return to floor Nursing again~ :)

Yes, if your staffing ratios are good then it's a great environment to work! Have fun!

Are you the nurse that worked with me in buffalo? Cpep how have you been?