TXMedPsych

Just reading the chart doesn't give me the chance to ask "Is there anything else you would want to know if you were me?" Yes, I really do say that.

The question is not just nurse-patient ratio, but is it team nursing? With an LVN/Med Nurse and 4 MHTs 12-17 is yucky but not awful. Many psych units in general hospitals do not have LVNs. That leaves primary/total care nurses. That ratio is ungodly with that kind of set up. Not good for the nurses and most definitely a long way from therapeutic for patients!

Ditto on the official ANCC book. If I remember right it can also get you 22 CE credits that are psych specific. All of that helped. The study time was essential and helpful. I had only 3 years in the field when I took it, though. It was challenging but I passed on the first try & did not walk out thinking "There's no way I passed." While NCLEX-like questions, it does not turn off. So it's a long test that took me nearly the entire 3 hours to do.

When will the Top 10 selections and ballot be posted for Winter 2016 contest?

Interesting about the Illinois law. Texas passed such laws regarding ER nurses (and other non-nursing emergency personnel.) Psych nurses have not yet been included because there is a contingent that thinks since the behavior is symptomatic patients shouldn't be charged.

Fantastic that you have a heart for it. I did a test run working as a Mental Health Worker (tech) while in nursing school. That helped a lot, if you have the time and opportunity.

Why ever take a compliment about being a good nurse "with a grain of salt?" At that moment in time you made a positive difference in a life. Life is too short not to appreciate that for what it is regardless of how short-lived the sentiment might be.