First Day Working in Psych Hospital

Specialties Psychiatric

Updated:   Published

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Hello everyone I'm a fairly new RN. I just got a new job working in a psych hospital.  I'm kinda nervous any tips on doing this job? I'm excited but I don't really know what to expect.

1 Votes

Congratulations on your job.  I have been doing psych nursing for 8 years with 4 years previous working as a psych tech.   

My advice is to show your patients respect and kindness.  This may be manifested in listening to their stories without judgment or a late night coffee and snack when they are agitated.  

They will remember these kindnesses.  Many times an agitated and aggressive patient has been told by a "frequent flyer"  to go light on me because "he is a nurse who cares and listens".  

6 Votes

Thank you for the advice. 

1 Votes
Specializes in Psych, Substance Abuse.

More tips:

  • Don't mix IM Zyprexa and Ativan.
  • When a patient becomes agitated, stay out of striking distance.
  • Educate yourself on your state's involunrary admission rules.
  • Never be afraid to ask for help.
  • Actively listen to your patients.
5 Votes
On 10/29/2022 at 1:36 PM, B52 said:

More tips:

  • Don't mix IM Zyprexa and Ativan.
  • When a patient becomes agitated, stay out of striking distance.
  • Educate yourself on your state's involunrary admission rules.
  • Never be afraid to ask for help.
  • Actively listen to your patients.

Yesterday  was very overwhelming. Preceptor didn't know she had to train me, didn't really want to train me so another nurse did..that was horrible as well! I don't know a lot of the psych meds or the I'm meds they use..I hope today is better?

1 Votes
Specializes in Psych, Substance Abuse.

If your  hospital has a psych educator, ask him or her for advice and feedback. Some nurses are not cut out to be preceptors.

2 Votes

You can say that again! I definitely  will be contacting the nurse educator.

1 Votes
Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
On 10/31/2022 at 2:08 AM, Born2BAnurse said:

Yesterday  was very overwhelming. Preceptor didn't know she had to train me, didn't really want to train me so another nurse did..that was horrible as well! I don't know a lot of the psych meds or the I'm meds they use..I hope today is better?

I hope this didn't happen at my facility LOL. I am a master trainer in my facility which means all new hires go through me at some point. I do try to be kind, informative and helpful to them.

I work with adolescent patients and there's a lot that's just different than working with adults.Try not to judge their behavior. It does not  matter if it's drugs, alcohol, cutting etc..... Try to understand the motivation behind the behavior. Watch how your preceptor handles things. There is a saying that goes "When the student is ready a teacher will appear!" I apply this to my patients every day.

Hppy

1 Votes
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