Pediatric Treatment Centers

Safety Coach RN · Dec 13, 2016

I'd be interested too although I love adolescent acute psych. Eventually, I'd like to do substance abuse treatment for adolescents or adults.

Pink Magnolia, BSN, RN · Dec 13, 2016

I would just like to know, for example, what the RN responsibilities entail, or what the average nurse-patios ration would be.

OrganizedChaos, LVN · Dec 19, 2016

I worked at an adolecent inpatient substance abuse treatment facility & there was also a LOT of psych to it.

What do you want to know?

Pink Magnolia, BSN, RN · Dec 21, 2016

Thanks for replying! I'm curious about how your shift would normally go. Do you get the opportunity to lead groups? Really any info that would benefit a new psych nurse.

OrganizedChaos, LVN · Dec 22, 2016

Thanks for replying! I'm curious about how your shift would normally go. Do you get the opportunity to lead groups? Really any info that would benefit a new psych nurse.

Basically what I did was medicate the children, do admits/discharges, complete new orders or changes, & for emergencies. I didn't lead groups because they had LCDCs & therapists there. They would routinely see the doctor or dentist next door & then psych would come in & evaluate them/check in on them. Of course any time there was an emergency I had to act. Mostly it was kids acting out & if it was bad enough we would medicate them accordingly.

It's tough working with kids who have psych issues because, they are kids. Unlike adults, if a kid assaults you you really can't defend yourself. Just have to call the cops & proceed with caution.

The facility I worked at didn't have the equipment (didn't even have a go bag for emergencies, I put one together) to deal with anything bigger than a paper cut.

Since they were kids & still in school there was a school in the facility. So during the day when I worked I would also function as a school nurse. I would get *so* many kids come to me complaining that they have a headache or "don't feel good". I knew they were just malingering & wanted to get out of class. They had PE too so there would be occasional injuries from that.

It was a fun job. Sometimes I would connect with a child & I could feel I was making a difference. But everything was on paper & everything took forever! I loved the psych aspect of the job & it was very eye opening. I would definitely work in psych/drug rehab again!

If I left anything out or you want to know more let me know!