Hokie

Agree with Aloevera. Lots of prns, especially pain medications due to drug seeking. No use of seclusion but have had some fights but have been able to resolve without seclusion. The patients are extremely needy with requests for such things as dental, podiatry and eye consults. Staffing is kept to minimal due to hospital budget, but that seems to be the case everywhere.

Working in the psychiatric field, I tend to talk about the strange, funny, stressful and dangerous things as well if only to get it out of my mind and relieve stress while maintaining confidentiality of patient information. Because if you don't talk about it, you tend to keep it all in and get burned out. And sometimes, what I see as funny, I guess you just have to be there to get it. :roll

Part of the problem with some of the programs are that there are just not enough slots for the number of applicants and also it is due to the number of teachers available. It took me 4 years to complete the AA route with working full-time and attending classes and it is worth it in the end. I'm 48 and currently pursuing my BSN after working as a nurse for the last 2.5 years. With all the time and DEDICATION you've already put in to achieve your goal, don't give up now. You can do it and you'll make a Great Nurse!

What's your opinion of your career compared to your ideas when you initially graduated? Started career in psychiatric nursing, so first few months, wasn't sure what I had gotten myself into. After 2.5 years, for the most part, am happy with the decision. As any job, some bad days and wonder if I made the right decision. Compared to before you started school even - Had no idea when started school or what to expect. Just wanted to work with patients and make a difference. What is the most exciting and desirable part of your job? The changes in the health field and making a difference in the lives of my patients. And finally, what is the LEAST desirable portion of your job "Paperwork" which comes with every job.

Currently work for the State of Maryland which provides 15 sick days which can be used for self and family leave as well, 6 personal leave days, 11 holidays and 10 days for annual leave or vacation for first 5 years and then 15 days for 5-10 years of service, 20 days after 10 years and 25 days after 20 years of service. There is also a Leave Bank available for sick leave when sick leave exhausted. An employee may donate 8 hours of personal leave to the State Employees Leave Bank within the first 60 days of employment in order to become a member of the Leave Bank. Membership in the Leave Bank is for 2 years. Leave from the leave bank may be transferred to an employee who has exhausted all forms of annual, sick, personal and compensatory leave because of a serious and prolong medical condition; and has been a member of the Leave Bank for at least 90 days. Hope that helps.:typing

Wilmington University also has classes available in Dover and class size is smaller than the Georgetown location, depends on which is more convenient for you. As stated previously, each semester is only 7 weeks long and classes are usually from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. once a week. Instructors are great and work with you.

Thanks for the link. Completed the survey and sent the letter.

I'm a RN on a dual-diagnosis unit and previously worked on the chronic psychiatric unit. On both units, I have had the time to sit and talk with the patients which is the reason to work psych. As has been noted earlier, there are CNAs which work with the team who can provide much needed insight as they spend the majority of their time with the patients.