Pediatric Psychiatric Nursing

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Hi Everyone!

I started my clinical rotations for psych-nursing and opted this week to work on the CAD unit. I was very taken back by this experience, yet felt a strong desire to be there on that unit. I sat and listened to these children's stories, heard their goals and expectations, and had a whole new view about this field.

I already knew I wanted to work in peds. I like working with children. For some, its hard to see a child suffering. Not that I enjoy it or anything, but I see it a different way. I see it as an active participant in this child's life that is helping to heal, to get better, and its an amazing feeling to be such a huge part of that and make a positive impact in their lives.

So, when I did my rotation today in this unit I realized that there is a marked out there I never knew much about and would like to learn more about.

Does anyone work with children or adolecents in psychiatric nursing? If so, can you please tell me about it: What role does the RN have on this unit? What are the responsbilities? What are your experiences? Any and all information will be greatly appreciated..thanks!

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I do and I love them. Most of them have such horrific backgrounds that just knowing that they are warm and well fed is a huge improvement over their past living situations. You will have to be happy with tiny advances and appreciate them for how big they are in relation to the child's baseline. Remember that you can't take their behavior personally because for the most part they are only acting in the way they taught. Also as with any psych population do not let your guard down even with the super cute little ones.

We counsel, medicate and attempt to put out a lot of fires. I also fell in love with this population during school and have been happy here ever since. Good luck.

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Specializes in Psych, Med/Surg, LTC.

I used to child/adolescent psych. I had to leave it when I moved. I love love loved it. It is a very different kind of nursing. VERY rewarding. If you feel a pull towards it, go for it, you won't be sorry.

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Specializes in LTC.

i, as well, just finished my psych rotation in pediatric psych unit. i found it very emtionally drained and surprised

at how willing they are to talk about why they got admitted. but i know this is something i would love to do!

good luck!

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Love it. Wouldn't do anything else. Plan to eventually become a Pediatric Psych NP. Did M/S, ICU, ED before I fell in love with psych.

Go for it!

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You asked about RN role. In our unit, we usually have 2 RN's on, 1 in charge and 1 "in milieu." The milieu nurse will do admissions and take a patient assignment, lead groups, do 1:1 counseling and issue work alongside the counselors.

The charge RN does meds, treatment team, discharges and staffs the next shift.

We are an acute hospital, 16 bed.

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I am an RN in a crisis hospital for peds psych. When I started nursing school, I thought I wanted to be an OB nurse (aww, the babies) but hated the rotation. When I ended up doing a clinical at the crisis center, I fell in love. It's a completely different kind of nursing, and the history some of these kids have is enough to tear your heart out, but I cannot think of anything more rewarding to do with my life, even as trying as they can be at times. Sometimes in nursing, just sitting down and listening, using therapeutic communication, can do more good than a thousand different meds.

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Hey, i apologize that i do not have any input towards your post, but i do have a question for you. I am currently in the army and i want to seek a proffession in the same field as which are in once im out but i have no idea what degree that requires. Is there a specific program or is it just general nursing? Thanks!

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
Hey, i apologize that i do not have any input towards your post, but i do have a question for you. I am currently in the army and i want to seek a proffession in the same field as which are in once im out but i have no idea what degree that requires. Is there a specific program or is it just general nursing? Thanks!

Many psychiatric hospitals hire LPNs as well as RNs so you don't need a specific program. If you want to continue in the field in a higher capacity in the future as someone else described you could consider psychiatric NP. Good luck.

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That sounds like an amazing career. I am an LVN in the Psych ward at an acute hospital, but we don't admit minors, and Im sure it is a lot different then dealing with adults. I eventually want to work with children and adolescents who have been through trauma, in home as well as with natural disaster and war, etc, hopefully one day on an international level. Is there anyone who has any experience in that kind of field, like a travel nurse or someone who volunteers with disaster relief?

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I too started my Psych rotation yesterday in what's called the latency unit. The kids are ranging from 4-11 yrs old. I loved it so much! I wanted to take all of them home with me by the end of my shift today. I want to work there so bad! I had so much fun in peds but this is totally different. I loved being directly involved with every part of their care. There is so much more of an opportunity to be therapeutic. The staff was wonderful, they set clear boundaries and are consistent, loving and encouraging. I would love to be a part of a team like that. What a wonderful way to spend our days!

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