very excited!

[sweetieann]

So I recently accepted a job at a psych hospital on an eating disorder treatment floor. I am so excited! I have always been interested in ED's for some reason (not sure why). I am a new grad (May '07) and originally started in July on a pediatric oncology floor. Knew within a month that it just was NOT my cup of tea...stayed another month to make sure....then talked to my manager and put in for a transfer to work at the psych hospital. I hated all the IVs and everything on the onc floor and wanted to focus more on the psych issues in nursing. I'm just so excited because when I started my original job search, there were no openings on the ED treatment floor. Anyway--just wanted to share my excitement :) Whereas before, I wasn't interested in readign abotu cancer, I'm soo excited to pick up a book on ED and treatment and just read it. The mind is facinating.

Anyone have any tips for a new psych nurse? Any of you work with ED pts?

[TrudyRN]

I worked a few shifts in that specialty as an agency nurse many moons ago. I don't have much advice except that you have to be both kind and firm. The patients may not go to their rooms or the toilet after eating so they can't vomit. They try to fight you on this. It was mostly women but their are some males in need of this type of care, too.

I agree, the mind is fascinating. God bless you for wanting to help. Keep safe. Nothing is as important as your safety. Repeat: Nothing is as important as your safety. Nothing.

You might not see a lot of cure but you can contribute to your patients' lives by helping them learn to cope. Learn the Psych drugs and their side effects. I'm glad you have found your niche.