First externship in a psych floor, what to focus on?

[Coumarin]

My Psych rotation was pretty much observation, attending group meetings, some interviewing of patients, and helping nurses with whatever I could. this was a similar response from other students as well.

I was placed in a psychiatric floor for my first externship. I will be on an unlocked unit. My school instructor told me that rarely are there IVs, foleys, trachs, pretty much few patients that require a lot of hands on care/nursing skills. I'm concerned that I will be an observer with not much to do. I also don't want to be a burden to my preceptor and follow her for the entire shift. Every week, I need to submit 5 measurable outcomes to reach. what should I focus on? How I can make myself useful and make the most out of this experience?

[RunBabyRN]

She's right- very little of the physical skills. However, you will work A LOT on therapeutic communication, and you'll still need to assess people. For example, vitals are very important to watch if someone is escalating into mania. You'll also need to assess them for side effects of medications, so be sure to review NMS, tardive dyskinesia, etc.

Talk to your preceptor to get his/her input. You can get a lot of great ideas from your preceptor, and they can give you good guidance to help ensure you get the most our of your experience. :)