New grad job interview in psych

MrChicagoRN, RN · May 8, 2014

Have at least a basic awareness of: Therapeutic communication, setting limits, restraints, seclusion, patient rights.

Good luck

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · May 9, 2014

In addition, know the basics of psychotropic medications, as well as the signs/symptoms of serious adverse effects (such as EPS and NMS) and what to do if they occur.

Best of luck!

RunBabyRN · May 16, 2014

Thanks for the advice!

I was offered a full time position, as a psych tech on nights until I'm licensed, then RN on PMs. Debating taking it... I have an offer at another hospital in my desired field that's per diem once I'm licensed. I may accept this to do in the meantime, but nights full time for half (or less) of RN salary and being away from my family is tough to swallow for both me and my husband. I have until tomorrow to make an official decision.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · May 16, 2014

Congratulations! Unfortunately, you need to decide which job is better for your situation--that's a decision we can't make for you.

If your finances are tight, keep in mind that a per-diem job guarantees you nothing: you may get 40 hours a week, you may get 0 hours a week, or anything in between. You'd have to be willing to take a chance that work may not be steady nor as plentiful as you'd like. If your family is counting on your income to survive, relying solely on a per-diem job is not a wise idea.

On the other hand, if there is flexibility in terms of your financial situation and you have ANY opening into your desired specialty, take that opening just to get your foot into the door. You can work your way towards something more permanent once you are in.

Although remember that until you receive an official offer from HR in writing, you don't have any RN job.

Best of luck whatever you decide.

RunBabyRN · May 16, 2014

Congratulations! Unfortunately, you need to decide which job is better for your situation--that's a decision we can't make for you.
If your finances are tight, keep in mind that a per-diem job guarantees you nothing: you may get 40 hours a week, you may get 0 hours a week, or anything in between. You'd have to be willing to take a chance that work may not be steady nor as plentiful as you'd like. If your family is counting on your income to survive, relying solely on a per-diem job is not a wise idea.
On the other hand, if there is flexibility in terms of your financial situation and you have ANY opening into your desired specialty, take that opening just to get your foot into the door. You can work your way towards something more permanent once you are in.
Although remember that until you receive an official offer from HR in writing, you don't have any RN job.
Best of luck whatever you decide.

I know the decision's up to me... Just mulling it over "aloud".

I've decided that working NOC shift at the tech rate full time is just too much for too little right now. I don't know that the RN position will be there when I am licensed, but they do have high turnover, the potential is there, and I asked to be considered should it still be available. I'm really hoping more for a second per diem position, because I do recognize the realities of per diem income, especially as the lowest person on the totem pole. Fortunately, our expenses are very low due to our circumstances, so as long as we budget well, we can really survive on per diem for awhile. Psych interests me, but the other position is REALLY where I want to be, and I really like the manager (as do RNs on the unit). She's not the kind to yank people around, though I know circumstances change.

hpcat · May 18, 2014

Try to present yourself with confidence, they will want to know if you can maintain your cool in an emergency.