Hi - New Nurse - New to Psych!

Published

Specializes in Psych, OB-GYN.

Hi,

Just wanted to introduce myself. I'm a brand new LVN and just finished my third week of training at my first job! I'm working as a med nurse at a psych hospital. It's not exactly what I had in mind, but it's a job. I had a hard time finding something! I'm currently taking clases to finish my last 2 pre-reqs before applying to a BSN program.

So far, work has been, er - interesting. I have no psych experience, other than in the class room (I'm have an AA degree in Psych as well). I've done OJT on adolescent, but will be moving to ICU for my permanent placement. I've lived a pretty sheltered life, so people with sever psychiatric issues are new to me!!

Anywas, just wanted to introduce myself since I will likely be hanging out over here trying to learn all that I can about psych nursing!!

-Sarah-

Up Vote Up Vote ×
:lol2: I am new to psych. nursing also.I'm an RN,and my experience is in the O.R. So I am hoping to learn from other experienced nurses also.
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Hi and welcome! I also started as a LPN in psych and have no plans to ever leave. There are so many different areas and never a dull moment.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).

Punkydoodles (Sarah):

It is SO good to have peers interested in working in Psychiatric Nursing.

I can appreciate your statement, "I've lived a pretty sheltered life, so people with severe psychiatric issues are new to me." on different levels. Before I got into nursing, my first job after graduating high school was working as an Attendant at a Residential Facility for Developmentally Delayed individuals. I also worked at another Residential Facility as a Houseparent for troubled teen-age boys. Both were eye-opening experiences.

One of my first nursing jobs was as an LPN on a Psychiatric Unit. On one occasion, I got flustered with the behavior of one of the patients. I proclaimed my frustration to the RN. I guess I was acting a little "holier than thou". She took me aside and basically told me that I was no better than any other person. She said to me, "Remember- you could be any one of these people, or any one of these people could be you." Sort of, "there for the grace of God go I" kind of thing. Well, that statement made such an impression on me that I easily recall the words over 25 years later.

Working with the population that we do takes considerable amount of understanding and empathy.

The best to you, and good luck to you in your endeavors.

Dave

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Dave, thank you for such an encouraging note.The RN gave you 'life impacting' advice,and you took the time to play it forward.It is a very powerful statement.I really enjoy my job,hope my work makes a difference,and pray that God keeps me safe.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment