xoomper

Thinking about it though, maybe the dea law from how you describe means taking the narcotics off hospital property rather then the actual unit.

I have no idea about dea regulations and if you find evidence of such a policy you could bring it to the attention of the Head pharmacist. Other then that as long as you follow the hospitals policy I don't see why there would be a problem. A nurse could possibly divert the drugs with saline but that is not an issue you should worry about, at least ideally. It isn't a bad idea to brush up on the signs and symptoms of addiction in the workplace, though, and maybe keep it in the back of your mind when working with fellow employees if something seems abnormal. As long as the narcotics are witnessed to be properly wasted according to the hospital policy, I don't think there is any form of malpractice on your part and would not worry about it.

Thanks for the reply. Yeah I guess I am going to give it a shot, I just better know my mental health laws and basic assessment pointers, therapeutic communication, get a basic review of meds and go in and be assertive and nice. Thanks for the support Joandarco.

I was wondering about everyones thoughts about an unexperienced RN working in psych units through registry (they said theyd start me off in sub acute locations first so that is why it didn't sound so bad) I am applying for real jobs but the soonest i would start working is in january so it would be nice to pick up some dough to last me through the months as it is drying up. I don't have any experience besides clinical in psych and am getting all the stuff ready to review certain key elements from school but am starting to think it might be a bad idea to go in without experience. (I personally think it would be a bad move but my Dad put pressure on me cause i guess he pulled off some shifts as an LVN when he started working after his nursing school). Just wanted some professional thoughts and opinions?