My new career

Anjann, RN · Jun 24, 2007

hello there, congrats on your new job!

I hope this info is of help to you, there might be others here with much more experience or different experiences whom will not agree with me, but here is my personal experience:

I was a psych tech for a short time while getting my RN, and in my facility, the main responsibilities for the psych techs were taking vital signs, doing "rounds" on patients every 15 minutes to make sure they weren't in the process of harming themselves, checking items in and out of the locked closet for patients that they were not allowed to keep items in their rooms (i.e. anything sharp or that could be used to harm themselves or with alcohol in it like mouthwash) sitting in and helping out with group sessions, helping to re-orient patients who are actively hallucinating or confused, being prepared to help secure a patient who becomes unstable or violent, enforcing the rules of the unit, as psych patients seem to like having rules to follow but some also seem inclined to try to break the rules and will play one staff member off on another (ex: "well, so and so said I was allowed to) or ("I like you because you let me.....) offering encouragement, praise and support, and being on the lookout for any change in the patients condition that the nurses need to be made aware of, and taking patients on smoke breaks if the facility allows it, as alot of psych patients seem to be diligent smokers. There isn't so much "technical" work as there is busy work and trying to keep up with all of the patients constantly needing something and challenging the staff. It's very hard work, but very rewarding when you go back on shift and see a patient who is starting to respond to treatment and is feeling better and you can see a change in their demeanor.

Good luck to you and I hope you enjoy your work!

iminsideurmind · Jun 25, 2007

WOW...Thanks for such a great job description. It really seems like I am going to love it. I plan on continuing school but im not sure what I wanna do next. I am curious how to best respond to a hallucinating patient. In some places I have worked its not proper to say "it will be ok" etc etc. I am wondering what is the best way to deal with these patients. I am nervous because I know ppl will be watching me in my first few weeks and I want to do things right.

Again thanks for a great post. Very informative!

Anjann, RN · Jun 25, 2007

That is true, at least from a nursing perspective, that you don't tell a patient "it will be ok" because you Don't know that, and you don't know what the patient is experiencing. It is considered an innapropriate response from what I have been taught.

You must check with your facility for their procedures, but generally speaking:

If a patient asks you or tells you that they "saw monsters coming through the window" it is ok to say that you do not see them, but that you believe the patient believes he sees them.

This validates the patients feelings while letting him know that you are not seeing what he is seeing. (This is part of the re-orientation)

I am sure your facility will give you guidance on the proper responses, and if they don't... the best thing is to say nothing until you can watch how the nurses respond. Saying the wrong thing could set a patient off and you could end up in a real mess. Although this could happen anyway for no reason... so always be on guard.

iminsideurmind · Jun 25, 2007

As RN's or other what do you look for in a new hire. What would you say you would look at "first" or "most" in a new psych tech?

Hopefully all your wonderful insights will help me starting out in behavioral health.

iminsideurmind · Jun 28, 2007

Only a few more days. I am really excited to get in there. I know I am starting off a lil lower on the totem pole. I am planning on continueing ed through programs where I work any advice on what to go to school for? Would you recommend RN is psych or a different area in psych.

EarthChild1130 · Jun 30, 2007

Good luck in your career! I love mental health nursing and I would rather be there than anywhere else in nursing! I was a tech for a short period before I became a nurse and it was fun but I knew before then that I wanted to be a psych nurse...more specifically, a forensic psych nurse LOL.

As for what I personally look for in techs, I guess it would be a sense of teamwork...my personal view is that your team can make or break you because you're all watching out for each other. A good attitude can make or break a shift! :) Don't be afraid to ask questions of your co-workers at your new job either...they won't expect you to know everything, and asking indicates to them that you're interested. And know your policies and procedures. You'll be just fine! :)

rn4ever? · Jun 30, 2007

Hello iminsideyourmind, congratulations on your new job and good luck to you as well. I'm sure you'd do fine. Don't be nervous. I work as a Psychiatric Nurse and work with techs all the time. They conduct group meetings, discuss rules in the unit with the patients, give out food trays, check vital signs and report abnormal results to the RN, bring specimens to the laboratory, chart patient's progress and the RN co-signs it, give feedback to RNs regarding patients, escort patients, check on them every 15/30 minutes depending on their level, and account for patients' belongings to name only a few. Techs are an important part of the healthcare team and they have lots of responsibilities too. Do not be afraid to ask if you don't know something. Being familiar with things in the unit will make you be at ease. It is very important for a tech to keep an open eye and be very vigilant and observant and set limits with patients too. Hope this helps. Again, good luck!

Hello I am new to this forum. I am a CNA in NC. I am a male 29 years old and just starting my new career. I have a job as Psychiatric technician at the local hospital. My first day is July 2nd. I am getting nervous. I am not sure what to expect. I have been reading up on this forum to gain some insight. I have self studied Psych for several years and have natural psych skills. I guess the the technical aspect is what I am intimidated by. Any advice for me would be awesome.

What exactly is a psych techs role in the behavioral health unit?

Any tips for my first day, or encouragement is appreciated. THANKS!

iminsideurmind · Jun 30, 2007

Thanks so much for the comments. WOW I start on Monday. Well that is the day of orientation. I have been reading all the psych books i can find. I know that doesnt make up for lack of experience. However it helps me a little so Ima read.

I cant wait. I have been out of work for 4 months now and it was killing me as well as going through a split in my relationship. And the suicide of my Grandfather. I have dreams of being a psychitatrist. But I know as of now I have to start somewhere. I first set this goal for myself when I moved to Mississippi. I would say like 5 years ago. Well I made it to a convalescent home. I was a hydration aid there, keeping up with food and fluid intake mainly.

Well after my grandfather died I seperated from my relationship and quit my job. I was trying to figure out what I was gonna do next. My Dad mentioned my previous goal of psych tech. The power of suggestion. Well then I enrolled in school got a part time job and became a psych tech. It has been a grueling 6 months but with my NEW CAREER starting on Monday and the dream of furthering my education. Life is opening a new door for me. Opening my eyes, finally.

My shadow

Change is coming

Now is my time

Listen to my muscle memory

Conteplate what Ive been clinging to

Fourty Six and 2 ahead of me.

See my shadow changing

Stretching up and over me

Soften this old armour

Hoping I can clear the way

By stepping through my shadow

Coming out the other side

Step into the shadow.

Lyrics from Tool 46&2

sorry for the long post.

iminsideurmind · Jul 5, 2007

well I had my unit orientation today. I thought it went great. I met all the charge nurses and the unit mngr. I got a tour. Introduced to all the ppl who work my shift. Met my preceptor. Ate lunch with one of the nurses in charge. :welcome:

I talked with several new employees who said they didnt even see there mngrs. I feel very fortunate. Im a little dissapointed that my unit wears street clothes, I was looking forward to scrubs. :down: