rys77

Originally posted by Thunderwolf: "Good thread. We need to separate ethical from legal, though....two different issues. Competence is a LEGAL term...not psychiatric. It is a term rendered by a judge, not a lawyer." I agree with you, but often legal and ethical issues go hand in hand. For us here, competence is a term set forth by the legal system, but can only be deemed to be valid by an attending psychiatrist. Even though it is a legal term, it has explict meaning within our psychiatric system. Basically, it doesn't just serve as a legal explanation.

I've heard that some states will take RPNs for what education we have and allow us to work as RPNs in the mental health field. I remember being in school, and hving a recruiter from Cali come and give us info for relocating there. I know that we can work in Ca. I also have heard that we have reciprocity in Hawaii, New Mexico, and Arizona. I have checked all the state boards, but only (2) have any info about Canadian nurses, whatsoever. Hoping that someone has some more definitive answers. :) Thanks for your replies :)

I would check state law as well. Where I am in Manitoba,Canada, we can only force meds if 1) we have a doctors order to do so, i.e) give Haldol 5 mg and Lorazepam 2mg if Clt. refuses regular hs dose) and if they are deemed incompetent to make treatment decisions. That requires a Psychiatrist's documentation and a mental health act form to be filled. Also, in any situation on our unit where the client is deemed by staff to be a threat to themselves or any other person on the unit, we have the right to seclude, restrain and medicate.

I had a female client ask me to help clean her "who haa", which was code for the perineal area. I just about rolled over laughing :)

My 2nd post and I am from Winnipeg, Manitoba, practising as a RPN here now for 5 years. Obtained my degree in Brandon, Manitoba. Cheers to all :)

Originally Posted by Paramedic80 Hey Everyone! I'm just entering school for nursing after a short (5yrs) career as a paramedic, I'm interested in RPN. Every job has its perks and downsides, I'm generally interested on how being an RPN has affected your life in a positive and negative way whether you deal strictly in mental health, persay, addictions or forensics..etc. I've looked at a number of websites so I'm now just looking for personal experiences/opinions. Thank-you all so very much :) Paramedic80 From my experience, psych nursing can be very challenging, but rewarding. I find that we often have a high burnout rate because we deal with such challenging clientele. We can be sworn at, hit, punched, kicked...etc., and still come to work the next day and listen to Joe Doe speak about how horrible his life is and how we wants to kill himself. It's not a profession for the faint of heart. However, with that being said, it can be very rewarding when you see a client deal with a very difficult issue...as psych nurses, I feel we are often undervalued, but provide an amazing service with care. If you have more questions, feel free to ask me. Cheers and good luck! Ryan

Hi everyone, Just wanted to say I found this site and think it's a great site. Allowing a place for nurses to come and explore topics is a great idea! I am a Registered Psychiatric Nurse, practising in my home province of Manitoba. A recent debate had me surfing on google for an answer that I hope someone can answer; The question: Where can a RPN work in the US? Does anyone know of RPN's that have moved to the US and work as their designation? Amongst my colleagues, there is great debate as to which states allow RPNs to register and work. Thanks a lot everyone and nice to meet you all :) Ryan