New to (Gero) Psych Nursing

[Jennifer03275]

I have just begun my new position as an LNA on a Senior Adult Mental Health Unit. I am also a nursing student. I have been working on the floor for about a month now and still feel really nervous right before I go to work because One never knows whet the day will bring. Is this something that will pass or is this a bad sign? So far, once I am there, I really enjoy my job.

Any advise would be great. I do my first 1:1 in ICU tomorrow and I hope it goes well. Its a suicidal so who knows and I am not sure if it a "senior" or not.

Thank you

[adrienurse, LPN]

Hi Jennifer. I mostly work with seniors that have Alzheimers, but I do work in geropsychiatry. Suicide rates are high among seniors. This is a group that experiences a lot of losses -- loss of health, youth, independance, spouse. My advice to you -- don't try to be anything more than you are -- a caring support person. A suicidal person in ICU? I'm wondering what kind of situation you'll find -- just someone who needs constant supervision or someone who was overdosed and is "coming out of it".

Above all, don't be judgemental. This is just a person who has reached the end of his/her rope and they have come to you to be cared for until they are in control again. Just be there for them.

[KeeBee]

I worked in a psychogeriatric setting for over a year, at first, I was the same - nervous of the unexpected situations in the shift. But after a while I was much quicker in assessing and responding to situations, avoiding many undesirable outcomes. I've since left that setting but don't regret it as it has taught me how to read and re-act to the unexpected!

Good Luck