Newly Grad - Full Time ED nurse

[Michizzle]

I am a new graduate, just began working at a Residential treatment center that provides services for substance abuse and eating disorder along with dual diagnosis mental health. I have been hired on as the Full time eating disorder nurse - I have filled in on the chemical Dependency side as well.

I am very young (21) this is my first nursing job. I have always been interested in mental health so I am satisfied with my choice however I do question whether or not its the right thing. I don't always feel like I know what I should know as far as basics, meaning what I would have learned starting off on med surg floor.

I think i do all right. Today I noticed that I struggle with consoling a saddened patient. I am sort of at a loss on how to educate myself on how to handle such situations. I know sometimes best thing to do is listen, and not talk. I just did not feel helpful to the patient today when sh was very upset witih her parents.

Another thing is I have a group of moody tweenys. (pt in their twenties) Theyre kind ofboring, they dont want to interact or do anything ... makesz it difficult for me when I try to engage them in activ ities or conversation and they just coldy respond, if they repsond at all.

i suppose I am venting, hoping someone out there understands or can advise me :)

Thanks for your time!

[Rohan8]

Time and repitition are the best teachers of skill. Unfortunately sonetimes we don't get the response that we want and all we can do is try our best. I imagine that a local community college would have some CEUs on theraputic communication. In fact if you ask your DON there may be some training available.

[Michizzle]

Very true...a coworker made a comment about this group of patients will teach me for the next group of patients and with time I will improve. Makes sense :) Just a lil hard on myself.

Thanks!

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

I have to second Rohan8. Reading about ED and dual is valuable, but books don't always portray what your ED/dual patient is like. Experience is the best teacher for that, and you will find that you will learn something new--even if it's something small--with each patient.

So don't beat yourself up too much (been there, done that myself). Focus on learning what you can wherever you can :) And definitely keep reading, taking classes, and doing what you can to improve your skills because it does help you!