New RN starting in Geri-psych?

Published

Hi all!

I am currently working as an LPN at a LTC facility and I am in school for my RN. I love working with the elderly, but I have always had an interest in psych. I am currently taking my mental health class and doing my clinical rotations at a state psych hospital, and I love it. I've considered pursuing psych when I graduate, however my main concern is losing my nursing skills. So it occured to me that maybe I could combine the two and work in geri-psych. My question is how much do you actually use your nursing skills working in geripsych? Im really trying to avoid the medsurg units. Ive heard too many horror stories!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Also what is the typical nurse to patient ratio in this field??

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
So it occured to me that maybe I could combine the two and work in geri-psych.

Very wise decision, NursesKey!

"loosing my nursing skills" is a common concern voiced. It's really not a matter of loosing them- it's a matter of not honing certain nursing skills.

Take for example Geri-Psych. You'll probably keep some basic skills like assessments, medications, accuchecks, wound care/dressings, Foleys, tube feedings, some IVs, etc., but you won't hone more specialized skills as in Med/Surg or more intense medical areas.

At the medical Center where I work, the current ratio of Nurse to Patient ratio in Geri Psych varies, on the high end, from 1:6 to 1:17. Staff to Patient ratio, on the high end is about 1:6.

Good luck to you, NurseKey! And welcome to Geri Psych!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Agree with Davey Do. I work in geri-psych, specifically with dementia patients. We don't do IV's where I work but everything else he listed we deal with rather frequently. Okay, not tube feeds since I've been there. Our normal ratio is 1:5 with the charge nurse being 1:4. Worst case scenario is 1:7.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion