Interview tomorrow for psych floor LVN

Nurse Blondie, RN · Dec 7, 2009

What type of psych floor are you interviewing for? Is it Children's Psych? or Geri-Psych? Or is it a more dangerous floor?

In my hospital there is the double-locked unit for people who are considered harmful to others. For example there could be prisoners on this floor, or abusive alcoholics, child molesters, rapists, etc. The Child Psych and Geri-Psych floors are less frightening, but often more sad. It is always sad to see young children with suicidal ideations - worse when you read about their family situations. Geri psych can be rewarding, especially when you see the way patients are when they come in and compare that to the improvement you usually see upon discharge.

On an inpatient psych ward (in my experience) the day starts with report, followed by quickly researching your assignment (charts, labs, physician/psych notes) then 9am med pass. During the med pass is when I usually perform my daily assessment. Because it is a psych floor, there is less of a need for a full-blown physical assessment (in theory) but I have found it can't hurt to try to cover all your bases as much as possible. Included in this is your behavioral/mood assessment. Since I work on Geri-Psych, pain, fall risk, bm's and skin is part of the daily routine. We have morning rounds with the psychiatrist during which we share information and come up with treatment plans. After this, is 1 o'clock meds and then notes.

I don't know if this is helpful, but I thought maybe outlining a day in the life, might be useful.

I have floated to the children's unit and the day starts out with meds, then follows with "school" during which the kids are assimilated into a classroom-type group. Those who's families facilitate contact with the teachers can do their regular coursework. Others sit and read.. Those who cannot sit in the classroom are provided with other group-type activities. After classroom time, group-time is provided, during which the patients share their feelings and experiences with mental health councelors.

I know that the more dangerous, double-locked unit offers the opportunity for group-therapy sessions with the psychiatrist. This is open to patients who live at home and can come in for out-patient therapy.

I am thinking the questions they may ask you in the interview might include how you would de-escalate a situation where a patient is becoming agitated or hostile.. You might mention "redirection techniques" or "decreasing stimulation" (esp. useful when the patient in question is being riled up in a group of others or a loud environment). You might place a patient in their own room where they can sit quietly with no outside stimulation.

In my state, restraints can only be used when the patient is able to remove them. ie. a belt that fastens in front.

You might need to know some drug information. Drugs we commonly use prn to calm people include risperdal, haldol, seroquel and ativan.

I hope that I am helping you and not confusing you. I wish you luck for tomorrow!

tricialynn78 · Dec 7, 2009

Honestly I am not sure what type of Psych floor it is all the nurse manager said was Psychiatric Adult floor. So i guess that is something i need to inquire about tomorrow. I guess I didnt really realize there were so many different types. Thanks for the input and you didnt confuse me. gave me some things to look up (the meds) and I will just be honest that I havent had much experience with Psych, but the field interests me and I am willing and able to learn and do the work.

Nurse Blondie, RN · Dec 7, 2009

How did your interview go?