chazman1040

chazman1040 has 12 years experience and specializes in Mental Health.

chazman1040's Latest Activity

1. 

   Coalinga State Hospital

   chazman1040 replied to chazman1040's topic in Psychiatric

   Prime Labor & Staffing staffs Coalinga. Here is the web site. http://www.primelaborinc.com/
2. 

   Tax Advantage?

   chazman1040 replied to chacmool's topic in Travel

   There are a few people the specialize in taxes for the Travel RN's. I use http://www.traveltax.com and have been happy with them. The web site also has lots of tax info.
3. 

   Is there any foreign country RN can work under US license?

   chazman1040 replied to babylove7477's topic in International

   Were you wanting to stay and work in the United States? If you do then get your Visa Screen, then write the NCLEX to get an RN license through any state. Then find an employer willing to sponsor you for an employment based "Green Card". The process is long but I think it is worthwhile.
4. 

   Psych wards at Christmas time. We are talking decorations!!

   chazman1040 replied to kiwipsychnurse's topic in Psychiatric

   Is that a real pine tree? I've always thought hospitals couldn't have real Christmas due to the fire hazard. Most Psych units I have been have a few decoration but not many.
5. 

   Psychiatric Nursing Conference

   chazman1040 posted a topic in Psychiatric

   I recently received a flier on a Psychiatric Nursing Conference on Las Vegas April 21-24, 2010. It doesn't appear to be sponsored or endorsed by the American Psychiatric Nurses Association. It is sponsored by a company called "Contemporary Forums". Has anyone here attended one of these conferences? If so, was it worthwhile?
6. 

   Inpatient psych nurse/pt ratio

   chazman1040 replied to Turtle in scrubs's topic in Psychiatric

   A forensic unit is usually located in a "state hospital". Depending on the state, it is where patient is sent by the court to "serve their time" for any number of crimes from stealing to murder. The idea is to provide treatment rather than punishment. Unlike a civil commitment, the patient will often not be released once stable. For example, if they have been sentenced to 200 years for murdering several people, stable or not, on the forensic unit they shall sit. Again this varies by state but I hope it answers your question.
7. 

   Coalings State Hospital

   chazman1040 posted a topic in California

   I am looking for information on Coalinga State Hospital. I am aware of the patient population (SVP) and what comes with such a population. I am looking for information such as, Are the RN's still working 12 hour shifts? How often are the RN's getting mandated? Much over time? How common are assaults on staff? Is the working culture supportive or toxic? Are the units still being staffed with State Hospital Police? Are the RN's working the functional under the direction of a Psych Tech shift lead?
8. 

   IS THERE A NEED FOR US RNs IN THE PHILLIPINES

   chazman1040 replied to pattycake's topic in Travel

   I would think you would have no problem finding work in the Phillipines. However you DO realize that full time RN's there make $200 to $400 US per month?
9. 

   Complete Lack of Safety HELP!

   chazman1040 replied to psychdave's topic in Forensic

   Without support from the hospital where you work there is nothing you can do. There seems to be a general movement in the USA away from PRN medications, and seclusion/restraint as was of dealing with violence. The assaults on staff will get much worse before it gets better, as patients realize they can attack staff with impunity. I work at a forensic hospital and have seen patients punch staff in the face and then back away and say "I'm calm, I'm calm", knowing there is nothing we can do once they say the magic words.
10. 

    Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital

    chazman1040 replied to alfa-sierra's topic in Psychiatric

    Did you ever end up at Cottage Hospital? If so what were your impressions? I have wanted to take a travel assignment there myself.
11. 

    Inpatient psych nurse/pt ratio

    chazman1040 replied to Turtle in scrubs's topic in Psychiatric

    Tonight I am working on a medium security forensic unit. We have 41 male adult patients. I am the only RN and am working with 3 CNA's.
12. 

    Coalinga State Hospital

    chazman1040 posted a topic in Psychiatric

    I am looking for information on Coalinga State Hospital. I am aware of the patient population (SVP) and what comes with such a population. I am looking for information such as, Are the RN's still working 12 hour shifts? How often are the RN's getting mandated? Much over time? How common are assaults on staff? Is the working culture supportive or toxic? Are the units still being staffed with State Hospital Police? Are the RN's working the functional under the direction of a Psych Tech shift lead?
13. 

    Protocol for patient safety checks

    chazman1040 replied to ldnvorhe's topic in Psychiatric

    I think the federal standard would be the patient not in any distress and the breathing is regular and unlaboured. However, may times the patient is in such a position in bed, that the only way to assure they are breathing is to wake them up. It may also require standing over them with a flashlight looking and listening for breathing. This can often result in the patient waking up frightened and ready to defend himself, thinking he is being assaulted. It goes without saying that the checks should never be done alone.
14. 

    what is the best travel co for psych nurses?

    chazman1040 replied to spdnik77's topic in Psychiatric

    worldwidetravelstaffing.com has many psych contracts.
15. 

    What do you do in the nursing station in your down time?

    chazman1040 replied to kiwipsychnurse's topic in Psychiatric

    I'm at work right now. I work at a state hospital for the criminally insane. So although it is quite now (4:30 am), the plexiglass riot shield is propped up against the wall behind me, as I wait for the next code.
16. 

    Violence towards staff and mgmt response

    chazman1040 replied to horus2001's topic in Psychiatric

    It worries me that an RN can think being a "punching bag" is "part of the job". This teen punched an RN because she didn't get her way. The assault was out of anger, not because she was psychotic. Is it to much to ask that people be held accountable for their actions? Chaz