chevyv BSN, RN

chevyv has 20 years experience as a BSN, RN and specializes in Gero Psych, Ortho Rebab, LTC, Psych.

chevyv's Latest Activity

1. 

   I Was Fired...for Being Abrasive and Having Attitude

   chevyv replied to Nurse Beth's topic in Nurse Beth

   I have precepted many nurses and can say that when others are trying to show you the roles and you respond by explaining why you are doing that task the way you are, people get frustrated. It comes across as arrogant and closed to learning. We stop wanting to teach you because we cant teach someone who know everything. I wonder if you came across this way to them. Learn and grow. This was not a good fit for you but the next will because you're willing to look at this and ask us. Hang in there!
2. 

   Will I be stuck as a Psych Nurse forever?

   chevyv replied to Peppermint_RN's topic in Psychiatric

   I've been in mental health for most of my RN career. I was a CNA for many years, then LPN in LTC while I completed my ADN. I then went on for the BSN. When I first passed NCLEX, I took a job in mental health and loved it! Still do almost 8yrs later. However, I would love to be able to develop the skills I barely learned in nursing school. I am wondering how to go about doing this because I'm pretty much the "mental health nurse" now. I found a skill brush up at the local community college, but couldn't get off of work. I planned to work my vacation this year around the class, but it wasn't offered. Now, I too am looking for some tips. I don't want to leave my current job and only work .8. Any pearls of wisdom?
3. 

   Coffee marketed to nurses. Would you buy it?

   chevyv replied to peglegmeg's topic in Nursing

   If it was tasty, if course I would buy it. I wouldn't pay an inflated price though.
4. 

   Gun Owning Nurses

   chevyv replied to hppygr8ful's topic in Nursing

   I'm a nurse and a cc permit holder. I have no idea what that coworker means by nurse like. Most of my coworkers carry and we are all very nurse like in my opinion.
5. 

   Psych nurse. Questioning if psych is for me.

   chevyv replied to itsbekah's topic in Psychiatric

   I would not want to give haldol for sleep either. If the order states 'for agitation', then I won't use it, especially for sleep. I work Acute Mental Health and we normally have standing orders for Trazadone for sleep prn. I would have let her be as long as she was appropriate and then address doc in the AM (if you can't call on NOCS). The patient should have prn order for sleep aid. As far an feeling the burn....well that first year or more likely two, you are learning. It takes a lot out of you so you are not alone. Take care of yourself when you leave the facility. It's difficult to switch the mental health off, but you need to take care of you so you don't burn out. It's not an easy specialty, but I love it!
6. 

   Tell me why you regret about becoming a Nurse

   chevyv replied to Want2BeeRN's topic in Nursing

   I am one of the ones who regret waiting so long. But, if I had to do it all over again, I would become a psychologist.
7. 

   Dilemma: choosing between ADN vs ABSN

   chevyv replied to koreanbraves's topic in ADN/BSN

   The debt is huge. I would go the ADN route and do a bridge. Work as an ADN to gain experience even if it's ltc while you bridge. You can always apply to hospitals after you start a bridge program and many will hire based on the fact that you are actively pursuing the higher education. Also, I too believe a male has a better chance of landing a position in a hospital and the floor of their choice. I've seen it happen so much. It's a good thing I love psych! Nice and safe in my little niche. I'm just completing and adult BSN Completion program and was able to land a job in a hospital that hires mainly BSN's. Once they found out I had 5 classes yet to take, they hired me within a week of the interview.
8. 

   Psych Folks, I desperately need your help. Crisis in my Home.

   chevyv replied to LTCNS's topic in Psychiatric

   You did what you felt you needed to do. It doesn't matter what anyone here or anywhere thinks. We don't judge! Sorry you have to go through this. I wish the best for your son and yourself. Perhaps some therapy sessions will help you as well. We all need support at sometime.
9. 

   Is Psych For Me?

   chevyv replied to Chevy_girl's topic in Psychiatric

   I guess it depends on which hospital setting. I worked inpatient at a county facility and currently work inpatient in Acute. Every facility is different. It's never the same day twice. It's rarely boring and when it is, it is a welcomed break. It can be physically violent and emotionally draining. Setting clear boundaries helps. I would change the response time for violent outbursts to 5 seconds. I usually have about 7 acute patients and am responsible for their care and safety. Admits throughout the shift. I conduct assessments both physical and mental and chart accordingly or request whatever they may need prn wise. Keeping a therapeutic and safe milieu is key. I'm not sure if this is what your looking for....
10. 

    Is Psych For Me?

    chevyv replied to Chevy_girl's topic in Psychiatric

    I have always been attracted to mental health. In fact, in nursing school they had only 2 openings for a psych rotation and I thought I was going to have to fight my way in! Nope, no problem getting a rotation lol. Upon graduation and passing my boards, I went straight into county mental health and have never looked back. I love love love psych nursing! If that is your interest, then go for it! I never regretted my choice and have been doing it for over 6yrs now. I currently work acute inpatient mental health. Good luck and listen to your heart.
11. 

    Nurses don't know the lab

    chevyv replied to ezpzpizzi's topic in Nursing

    I have never heard anyone bash lab on any unit I've worked or in any facility. There has always been respect shown for other team members. I find it odd that the OP feels the way he does because nurses are usually the first to ask lab questions if they need answers. After all, ultimately we are responsible for that pt. I'm sorry that you feel disrespected. I'm sure that your knowledge of labs and lab procedures far outweighs my own. Please remember that the whole pt is my responsibility, not just this one aspect. There is a difference between nursing and most other health team members. You see nurses care for the whole pt; body, mind, and spirit. The legal obligation is much different as well, but you've heard about that from other posters. I hope you are better able to understand and appreciate the differences in our professions. It takes all of us to help the pt have the best possible outcome.
12. 

    Has anyone recently took the ANCC exam for psych?

    chevyv replied to RHIA, RN's topic in Psychiatric

    Boy was I a little off in the hours! I posted a thread about the study guide I used which really cut the fluff. Remember safety is huge and means you did or will do something. Charting is not an action....Good luck and let me know when you go. I didn't think it was too bad.
13. 

    Nurse to Nurse Bullying

    chevyv replied to NewScaredRN's topic in Nursing

    I wish the best for the OP. You will get through this! I'm sorry this thread was hijacked when you posted in hopes of support and feedback. Your fellow nurses will always tell straight up. I've gotten really good advice from fellow nurses. I may not have always liked what I was told, but it helped. Good luck to you!
14. 

    Has anyone recently took the ANCC exam for psych?

    chevyv replied to RHIA, RN's topic in Psychiatric

    I took the exam last year. There are criteria you have to meet before you can sit for the exam. One part is to have 120 hrs (not sure exact number) of mental health nursing. These need to be documented. Then you have to have a number of of mental health continueing ed credits from an accredited place. I hope this helps
15. 

    Nurse to Nurse Bullying

    chevyv replied to NewScaredRN's topic in Nursing

    No offense to you, but all nurses know that our pts come first. You speak as though you know so much. You do come off as arrogant because you don't truly know what it's like to be a nurse in the trenches. Learning the balance of prioritizing your pt load and acuity is difficult. A pt having to wait for water or whatever because you have a pt crashing down the hall is sometimes the way it is. You really can't go in to the pts room and tell them your short staffed or someone was crashing. Many mangers of magnet facilities will not allow you to do anything but apologize. This leads pts to think nurses are not making pts a priority. On top of the everyday craziness that is nursing, you have to balance precepting. Safety is huge! There are so many avenues for errors that can harm the pt. Most of us 'get it', but you really have no idea yet.....
16. 

    Nurse to Nurse Bullying

    chevyv replied to NewScaredRN's topic in Nursing

    I never get a say in whether I want to precept or pass. My pay remains the same as well. Precepting is tough! There are good and not so good out there. As a preceptee, please remember that we have a lot on our plate. Your pts are mine too and so are you. It's a huge responsibility and there are times when personalities will clash. You have no idea the depth of what you don't know yet. Be a sponge and remember the good and the bad of your experience, because in a short while, you will be the preceptor.