psy399

At the psych facility where I work we have 2 padded rooms. They are only four years old and cost $10,000 each. Patients go in there alot for "time-outs", but if we shut the door it becomes seclusion and then all the paperwork starts. They are useful until the patient bangs thier head around the metal trim that holds the window in place :angryfire. The rubbery padding material always smells weird and it a strange pink color!

I have been working in psych for several years now and I love it! Here are several things that I have learned along the way...You have to develop a "sweetie-peetie" voice for certain occasions. I use this voice when I have an older patient that doesn't want to be cooperative. The next thing is to never use the "sweetie peetie" voice with a BORDERLINE!! This is the worst of the personality disorders to care for. You have to set clear boundaries and stick to them or they will suck the life out of you. The last thing is to never show fear. When a patient is escalating or getting aggressive and talking techniques (stuff you learn in CPI) doesnt work, you cannot show your fear. Patients can sense that fear and will pray on you verbally and physically. Turning around and walking away is not an option. Get some back-up but take the lead in de-escalating the patient. Psych nurses possess a strong sense of self! Welcome to the profession.