How does a psych RN spend her time?

[linda2097]

During a typical shift, how much time does a psych RN devote to each task? I am guessing that they talk to patients 50% of the shift, document 40% of the shift, and medicate patients 10% of the shift. Am I right?

[kiwipsychnurse]

When people ask this question I always compare psych nursing to the fire service.

Some days can be busy doing all the paper work, family meetings etc.

Other days can be very slow.

If you work acute mental health its much more full on with admissions and discharges.

I work Forensic mental health and things move alot slower. Average stay is about 5 years.

The rehab end of the service requires people to be involved in some form of work/study, so alot fo our time is spent transporting patients around to various places of employment. Hope this helps.