Spicer09

I am still new to Psych but I love my job... Most of the time! I've noticed a drastic difference between 1st and 2nd shift, however. I prefer 2nd shift based on one simple fact: Though there is more riff raf to clean up after the chaos of a day shift, my coworkers work so much more cohesively on pms than days. There is a beautiful energy that is almost tangible on 2nd shift. Everyone works together and has each others back no matter what. There is not this feeling so much on 1st shift. It may be my facility, but the nurses that are generally on 1st shift are older, and have the "get in, do your job, get out" mentality. There is something to be said about the energy you bring to your job. Your attitude can make a crappy situation better or worse depending on the mindset you carry through the doors. It's always been my philosophy to give new things a try. If you're unhappy, leave. There's no harm in it.

Thank you everyone for your responses! We did eventually get the patient on an increased dose of seroquel. After just a few days, we noticed remarkable improvement in his behavior, and we have since discharged him.

I've got a tricky patient that I need help with. This guy is a frequent flier with MR, Autism and IED. He's aggressed at almost all of nursing staff- hitting, kicking, squeezing- He's gone after men and women, and is predictably unpredictable. Usually before he aggresses at staff, he'll start looking around for someone to go after, fixate on them briefly, and start to posture a bit. Then he'll go after us. We've tried having him on a strict 1:1, a loose 1:1, in a quiet room, and in seclusion. Nothing seems to work, and we're tired of getting assaulted. I tried starting music therapy with him, particularly classical music, as it is very centering for a lot of people- mentally delayed or not- but he struck out at staff tonight after using the bathroom. This is becoming really frustrating. I know that he needs a certain level of social and tactile stimulation, but it's dangerous to have him in arm's or leg's reach! He's a sweet kid when he's not striking out, but it's getting worse and worse, especially over the last 2 months. Please advise!!