psynurs

the down side is that you tend to dx. behavior of friends/acquaintences....in the beginning you self dx. at times but then again I did that in nsg. school....seems I had symptoms of many disorders of the body also that eventually I got over....realized that was not anything.....heck, one woman in school must have had 4 MRI's...seems everything that we studied she found was wrong with her !!!! it was very funny after awhile....but I do love psych and would never go back to med-surg.....

most definately, yes, mine is with me always....I am discreet, of course, as are many others.....no employer will tell me I cannot carry one, that is for sure

OMG!!! the ratio you described is downright dangerous for your pts. and the nurses on the unit....you need to get out of there, and fast.... sorry to be so blunt, but I see no other course for you to take... wonder what JACHO would think about the situation??

I agree that you must "go goofy" once in a while to keep your sanity... But all in all working in mental health has really given me great insight and helped me in other areas of life. I now have more patience with people and can recognize behavior disorders and most of all have learned to "not take things said personally"....that is number one priority working with psychotic pts. and/or addicted pts. It has broadened my communications skills and helped me to listen more intently. I would have to say working psych has indeed improved my life.

what skills? our assessment skills are sharper: we have to assess mentally unstable/psychotic pts; we draw blood, we do catheters, give meds, wound care, lots of pt. teaching to new diabetics (especially on detox unit), only thing we do not do is start IV's but so what ??? if we can draw blood, we can remember how to start IV's if we had to

no, there have been many times when I have gone in after little to no sleep....that is what coffee is for !!!!! I couldn't leave my co-workers short cuz I was a little sleepy....we have plenty of time to sleep when we are dead........

go back in, but take it slow....get your feet wet.....try something new...there are so many options out there without the hospital politics....clinics, dr. office, home health..etc. well, you know I was out for a few years and went back and tried psych....i loved it and am still doing that. just a suggestion....

NOT NEAR ENOUGH !!!!!!! BEEN IN PSYCH LONG TIME.....30.00/HR NOW BUT I LOVE MY WORK , MEANS MORE TO ME THAN HIGHER PAY AND HATING TO GO TO WORK.....BEEN THERE, DONE THAT