How does a psych career affect the psych nurses?

psynurs · May 16, 2008

I agree that you must "go goofy" once in a while to keep your sanity...

But all in all working in mental health has really given me great insight and helped me in other areas of life. I now have more patience with people and can recognize behavior disorders and most of all have learned to "not take things said personally"....that is number one priority working with psychotic pts. and/or addicted pts. It has broadened my communications skills and helped me to listen more intently. I would have to say working psych has indeed improved my life.

tnrose · May 16, 2008

I just wanted to say that I'm thinking of a switch from Med surg to Psych, and it's nice to see a positive outlook for a change. I've always been interested in this area and thought it might be for me, (I seem to gravitate toward these patients on my floor and like taking care of them). I know it will be challenging, but what part of nursing isnt?

aloevera · May 16, 2008

tnrose----that is wonderful that you are thinking of going into psych nursing....it has been very rewarding for me...I didnt find my "niche" in psych for 15 years, but better late than never !!!

I would never go back to med-surg, long-term, telemetry, hospice, home health.....yes, I ran the gamut before trying psych on a wing and a prayer....glad I did...Good Luck if you decide....

green12, BSN, RN · May 16, 2008

I've been in psych for 2 years and I've found that I'm hypervigilant about loud noises. On the unit we all are, from housekeeping to social workers ("shh, did you hear that, did it sound like a bang?"- very useful response) but I'm annoyed that I'm like this even when I'm not at work and I don't know how to stop. If I hear loud noises/bangs/thuds I always note it (and occasionally startle) even if I know it's nothing. Anyone else affected this way? I would like to be able to not notice my neighbors falling down the stairs (if that's what that noise was) like I used to.

CABEAU · Jun 17, 2008

I have been a psych nurse for many years now, and I think it is a matter of coping mechanism. I have firm boundaries which I stick to. I also have a very odd handle on my own mental health. I monitor things like my sleep pattern. If things don't go well, It means I nead a holiday.

On my days off, I do not think of work and I enjoy them to thr nth degree.

I think that in order to function well we as psych nurses need to no ourselves, It also helps to have good Clinical Supervision:up:

42gameover · Jun 18, 2008

I've been in psych for 2 years and I've found that I'm hypervigilant about loud noises. On the unit we all are, from housekeeping to social workers ("shh, did you hear that, did it sound like a bang?"- very useful response) but I'm annoyed that I'm like this even when I'm not at work and I don't know how to stop. If I hear loud noises/bangs/thuds I always note it (and occasionally startle) even if I know it's nothing. Anyone else affected this way? I would like to be able to not notice my neighbors falling down the stairs (if that's what that noise was) like I used to.

Glad I'm not the only one. I do think some of us are more susceptible to this sort of thing, and for those of us who do have that tendency, Psych is probably not going to help. Every time I hear a loud noise I'm afraid a pt's just thrown a chair through a window (or thrown a peer through a window, heaven forbid). The positive aspect is that I'm always the first one to race to the source of the noise. The negative is that I jump ten feet in the air every time the fire bell goes off, and if I'm ever giving an injection while that occurs things could get ugly.

In regard to the original poster, I've worked in an acute-care psych unit for 17 years and it has taken a toll -- but I really feel any branch of nursing could do the same. Again, it's partly a matter of our own particular frailties, but whether you're tough or a bit fragile, nursing is damned stressful. I addressed the burn-out by giving up a head nurse position and taking a part-time staff RN job.

That said, I would just add that a nurse who can work effectively and compassionately in the field of psych is doing something special in this world, and if you think your skills lie that way, go for it.

Wildwood Flower · Jun 21, 2008

:twocents:I agree with everyone, psych changes you for better and at times for worst. I got into psych because of an abusive childhood that I was able to overcome{mostly} and felt that because of my experiences I might be able to make a difference, reach someone who needed to know that no matter what, This Too Shall Pass. On the other hand because of things that happen in my personal life, I sometimes feel that the compassion and caring I bring with me is not deserved. This is especially true of those pts who keep comimg back, especially at the end of the month or theie payck when whatever drugs the doc gives is better than none. Mostly I just try to remember but for the grace of God go I.

aloevera · Jun 21, 2008

now I find myself seeing mental issues with everyone that I know !!!!

My husband I think now has Intermittant Explosive Disorder, my best friend I believe is borderline, and so many others !!!!

that is the only down side to psych that I can think of....I love it and would never go back to med-surg, home health, LTC, telemetry, etc....

wonderbee, BSN, RN · Jun 24, 2008

I haven't been at psych nursing very long. Just 4 months. I work on a general adult unit with plenty of violence and drama. I've numbed out a little at home. At the sound of anything loud, I tend to jump out of my skin. I may be a little depressed or maybe I'm just worn out. I seek quiet and find solace in solitary activities; gardening, photography, just watching grass grow or appreciating bird song on a cool summer morning. I can hide from the world in my back yard for hours.

It's not just psych nursing though the psych aspect makes the danger much more palpable. It's nursing in general that's so draining. I feel like I've been to war and every day is a new battle.

On the positive side, my sense of humor has saved me. There are many funny moments on a psych unit. I've learned to find humor in some of the darkest places.

aloevera · Jun 24, 2008

you sound like me....I sit on the back porch and listen to the birds and watch the squirrels for relaxation and enjoyment.....I tend to stay away from real crowded places and would rather be home with family than go anywhere....now with the gas prices, it makes sense anyway !!

cherubhipster · Jul 21, 2008

I just want to say I have found this post very helpful. I am a pre-nursing student now, and researching psych as a possible future specialty. Thank you for all of your posts!

psynurs · Jul 22, 2008

the down side is that you tend to dx. behavior of friends/acquaintences....in the beginning you self dx. at times but then again I did that in nsg. school....seems I had symptoms of many disorders of the body also that eventually I got over....realized that was not anything.....heck, one woman in school must have had 4 MRI's...seems everything that we studied she found was wrong with her !!!! it was very funny after awhile....but I do love psych and would never go back to med-surg.....