chelleanne

I did the same. I went into nursing to challenge myself and to grow. I've also tried many different types of nursing. I find that once the challenge is gone, I get bored and question nursing completely.

Intj - behavioral health case manager

Oh, this is fun! Let's see....housekeeper, US Army Reserves, Mailroom Clerk, Preschool teacher and Administrative Assistant.

Thanks! I have researched the company. I was just hoping to get a "reality check" from someone who has worked with this company. Companies have their vision and mission statements, but sometimes the politics while working for the company is completely different. Also, for those working telephonic case management (in office) what were the things you enjoyed about the work? What was difficult or surprising about the work?

I'm considering applying with Cenpatico as a Behavioral Case Manager. Does anyone have any info on what it's like to work for this company and salary?

Thank you macfar28! I have learned to trust my gut while working in psych. And it was telling me that something bad could very well happen. I hope that nothing happens to the staff or patients, but I feel it's only a matter of time. I just want everyone to be safe and for the patients to feel safe. The patients would make comments all the time about the low staffing.

I've decided to take another position due to staffing levels. I'm excited and sad all at the same time. Psych nursing is my love...but I can't put safety by the wayside. I've taken a position at a health department, so I'm excited as this is something totally new!

I appreciate everyone's posts! I feel so much better about my choice to take a pay cut. Thanks for the encouragement and to be able to look forward to a better quality of life. Chelle

Wow! I can't believe how timely this post is...I just last week made the decision to leave my current job for less pay, about 7.50/hr less. This will be an adjustment since I'm the primary earner in my family, but it's with the health department and the benefits are great. My husband keeps telling me I've made the right decision...I don't actually start the new job for another week. Time will tell!

What do you consider to be safe staffing levels for an inpatient psych facility? We have 1 nurse for 16 patients and then two techs (our techs help with meals, smoke breaks and personal care). Sometimes this is overwhelming should anyone require extra attention...either sudden acute medical or mental episode. I believe it's just too much responsibility for one nurse but that is the "matrix sent from corporate". The state I;m in requires and "average monthly" of one staff for four patients except on nights.

Yay for psych nursing!

Loving my new job!

I have always loved psychology. My first nursing job was med/surg. Then went to psych, it was too far to drive on a regular basis but I loved it! Then went to another hospital close to home on med/surg again. I can take or leave med/surg Just got hired back into psych -dual diagnosis facility. I'm back home!!! So excited!!!

I work med/surg floor. We've been having average of 8-9 patients of a mix, rehab, tele with a drip, fresh post-ops, blood infusions...busy nights!

I can't imagine working in the ER! I think that's something you either love or hate. Psych is like that, too, I think. I can't wait to start working psych. Thanks for your comment that you enjoyed your clinical at St. Charles, that's very encouraging to me.