diawc

I work in a free standing psych facility and we are looking to strenghten some of our policies. One I am working on is around seizures - what do you do for nursing interventions, what meds are you using, and when do you send out to an ED? Thanks for your help with this!

we have hired quite a few where I work. We use Rns and NP/PAs, they help the psychiatrists tremendously

Interesting....what hurts worse, a physical "slap" or an emotional one? I deal with abuse victims all the time. As a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, I find people sympathize with the women, and question the male victims. Victim=victim. Sex doesnt lessen the degree of emotional impact. Working as a psych nurse, I see that a lot. We feel for the poor lady who's dad beat her as a kid, but look at the guy to "toughen up". Not fair!

No, all facilities are not the same Some are "for profit" some are not. Facilities can be selective, based on what type of programming is available. The really agressive patients do end up going to state facililties, because of the degree of violence they posess. Not all places can take violent patients. Some places are free-standing, some are attached to the hospital.

I am looking for information related to allowing police onto the psych unit with their weapons. What are you all doing? Also if there is any relavent research out there. Thanks for helping as we explore this.

admission criteria here, simply is a danger to self or others, incapable of performing ADL's d/t psychosis, ect. Of course thats all open to interpretation, but it works. Our social workers screen voluntary admits for criteria.

We do have to transport patients at times, and it is AlWAYS with 2 staff members. Safety goes both ways...like the above poster, assaults happen. If you have patients who are touchy/feely, they should not be alone with a staff ever, those are the kind who turn around and report YOU for inappropriate conduct.

I have found in our facility that the first thing is to show no fear, nor act surprised. They will say things to get a rise. Act like you've heard/seen it all. Show respect but also show you are in charge. They will react to kindness, and compassion, but only after you earn their respect. Also, the facility should give you training in some non-violent ways to deal with any child who acts out. Enjoy!

I currently work in a freestanding psychiatric facility. We are doing some policy reviews, and would like to establish some general medical clearance standards. What are the minimums that your facility requires to be hospitalized from an ED? Ex: All patients must have a UDS, any first psychotic breaks must have a head CT, ect. Thank you so much for any assistance I can receive in this area.

http://www.ertards.com/ stupid reasons that people go to the er....hysterical!

You know you're in psyche when.... 1. Your patient refuses to go to bed because "its on fire" 2. you know what "cheeking" is.... 3. Nudity is a normal condition of some of your patients 4. You hear threats like "if you dont give me that pill, I'll take all my clothes off right now. 5. You find patients talking to multiple inanimate objects - and getting made when you interrupt.

you know you've worked too many.... When you wake up in the afternoon, yell at the kids (who just got home from school) to get to bed right away because its way past their bedtime.....and not even remember the conversation

I think we work at the same place??? LMAO!

Depends on the hospital....I have worked mainly community Hospitals, and they hired me into supervision primarily because of how I managed the unit work I was on. Had a 6 week orientation and let me fly. I have been a nursing supervisor for 13 years now, and wouldnt trade it for the world. Its rewarding. I have a BS and an ADN - plan to start my MSN this year.

I dont identify myself - I dont often hear waitresses telling other waitresses of their occupation prior to ordering, or hear people at check-outs telling their occupation. I am there/my family is there for services and who/what I am shouldnt matter. I have had some patients who werent medical prior to their condition know much more than I, and nurses who knew less....what you do for a living shouldnt dictate care or how you talk to someone. You should be able to tell a person's level of understanding as you talk to them and let that dictate how you share information. If asked, of course I tell.