mary0507

Right out of school? I would not do this until you were oriented. How would you know what is expected of you? How would you find things you need? This sounds like they are throwing a warm body on to the unit. They know you are out of school and they figure you will do anything to land a job. Politely tell them you need to be oriented. You don't need to be overwhelmed; ever. Protect your license.

Hello everyone, I haven't been here for a while. Questions asked. I have done psych for 25 years and have heard a few. What spice would you consider yourself to be? What would you do with a surelly staff member? The last thing they ever want to hear is restraints. Things I am pickey about is.....do you have your keys attached to you? They can be used as a weapon or to leave the unit. Always remember the sh--t always comes back to the charge nurse. I carry wire cutters in my bag and everyone knows to go to the bag if they need them. Treat your patients with respect and compassion. Always know who is behind you. Don't go into a room alone. Never strip search a patient alone. Document every note so as it can stand alone in court. Don't ever think a patient or family member will not try to sue you; they will. Management will rake you over the coals if it means their behind or yours. Show your patients that you really care about them. They will know if you don't. They are mentally ill not stupid.

It depends on where you are working. I would think it would be higher than LTC. I was paid a lot lower as and RN in LTC. I would think LPN"s would get more in psych. It also depends how long you have been a nurse. Always, always negotiate your pay. It's like buying a car. I get top pay because I have done psych for 25 years. If you are and LPN most hospitals will pay for your education to become and RN. I made $39.00 in Philly. Hope this helps.

I have never been beat down by a patient except a female patient swung at me and caught my arm. Never turn your back on a patient and be very aware of your surroundings. When I lived in Fla. I had a problem with people walking behind me on the beach. My husband could not understand why I would stop and let people pass. Treat patients with respect and don't challenge them. Always be aware of their body language. Their eyes and hands will tell you a lot. Make sure you are at least arms length at all times. If someone is escalating try to talk them down before they are totally out of control. If they are of harm to themselves or someone else don't hesitate to call a code. Remember to treat them the way you would want to be treated or how you would want your family member to be treated. The patient isn't the only one you need to be concerned about. the family is just as important. Always, always work as a team this is so important in psych. You need to have each others back. Work with your techs and don't be too good to get your hands dirty. They will respect you in return.

I live in Reading PA. One hour out of Philly. I would like to get certified in wound care. How do you get a position on a burn unit. What do you have to know. I have done psych for 25 years and some of the staff is as sick as the patients. Sad. I did home health for ten years and did a lot of wounds. The one I contacted was "Wound care " education institute. $2500.00 dollars. Too much money. I need a good course that is not going to cost me and arm and a leg. Unemployed. Thanks:down::down:

I have worked in three states. All psych on locked units. The only thing the LPN"s are allowed to do is pass meds. FLA. OH and PA Philly. I love LPN"s. It is hard to pass meds and charge a unit on acute care.

If you have malpractice insurance I would call them and ask one of their attornys their opion. The stae hospital in Wernersville PA have had several nurses press charges against pt.'s. These people are mentally ill they are not stupid. Other facilities have had nurses press charges against pt.'s especially since a nurse was killed in a facility. I have called the police to come onto a unit when we could not control the adolescent unit. They settle down quickly when they see the police. I would not recommend calling the police but this was a small unit and we did not have enough staff and or security to handle the unit. Psych nurses take a lot of abuse verbal and physical.