First Day on The Job

Specialties Psychiatric

Published

Specializes in Assisted Living Nurse Manager.

Today was my first day in pysch. They have adults and adolescents. It is a 67 bed hospital. They deal with some chemical dependancy, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and personality disorder.

I worked the adult side with another LPN today. All went well. The patients all remained calm and were easy to interact with. I did manage to go to the adolescent side a few times during the day. Adolescents seem to make me a "little" nervous. Maybe it is because I feel that they are at such a fragile time in their lifes that I would not want to do or say anything that would make things worse.

But anyways it was very busy with a total of 35 patients between the two units. All the nurses were "fantastic". I felt at ease and really enjoyed my day.

will keep everyone posted. Have a great night!!!!

Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatric, Behavioral Health.

Most wonderful news!

Glad you had a great first day.

Wolfie

ND mom, how has it been going since??

Specializes in Assisted Living Nurse Manager.
ND mom, how has it been going since??

Hi cherilee,

It has been going well. I was on the adolescent side on wed. It went well but there were a couple of incidents that made me a little nervous. I am sure as time goes by it should get better for me.

The other nurses that I have been working with are "awesome". I really admire thier knowledge and thier ability to manage crisis situations. I hope to be like them someday.

I will keep everyone updated. My next day to work is this coming monday.

I love the 12hr shifts.

Specializes in Med Surg, Mental Health & Addictions.

Congratulations! You are right as time goes by it will get better and you will become more comfortable. Keep us updated on how everything is going.

Specializes in Assisted Living Nurse Manager.

Well I am on my 3 days off before returning to work on saturday. I have been working on the adolescent side. It has been very interesting to say the least. The patients know my name and do some interacting with me. I have been doing more hands on care as you could say and it has been going well.

I sat through an intake and it was very enlightning. I was nervous at first since this was a suicidal/homicidal thought process case. I relaxed after a bit, when I realized everything was going to be okay, but I did keep vigilant of my surroundings.

There is alot I need to get used too and that will take time. I am fine while I am at work, but when I have a day off I get nervous before going back. I am sure this is because of the unknown.

On a second note, I was wondering if any of you have ever been in a situation where you felt your safety was at risk and how did you handle this and what did you do to get yourself out of the situation.

I am just looking for some tips!!!

Im glad things are going well for you. I am starting my new job on a locked unit in a week and a half. Im pretty nervous myself,keep hearing about people getting beat up and things like that is kind of unnerving.

Im glad things are going well for you. I know in nursing school, the psych instructor told us to never be in a situation or space where youcannot quickly exit. I was told that Keeping a matter of fact tone/attitude when someone is escalating is also a good idea. We were taught to help the person use their own internal controls first, if that doesnt work, to set a non punitive type structure for the patient, ie, " You seem annoyed, maybe it would be helpful if you take some time in your room , to gather your thoughts and then we can talk".

I have no idea if this stuff works but in theory it sounds good:lol2:

anyway, Im interested in hearing more about your job, as I will be in the same type of position very shortly!;)

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