p0969

I work in a VA medical center. We are fortunate in that we have a VA police dept. in house. When a code is called they are quick to respond. Usually if it reaches the point of the police coming up to the unit the patient is probably going to go into seclusion or restraints. Sometimes just the presence of the police is enough to calm a hostile patient. A unit the size of yours should have resources to call upon when necessary. Even with police present we have had staff injured. The police are there for back up and will intercede after all else fails. Since our psych unit is in the hospital we also have the resource of other hosp. staff. If we call a "code purple" we have people from the other units also respond in addition to the police. Many times this show of force is all it takes to get the patient to cooperate. The safety of staff members should be a priority. One serious injury to a staff member is one to many. I am 6' 3" tall and weigh 260 lb. so I do not have too much of a problem with hostile patients but I have seen them take advantage of female staff.

Bump

I am a 11yr VA Psych RN in VISN 16. I have worked in the private sector and much prefer the VA. The benefits are very good. One of the great things about the VA system is their Computerized Patient Record System. You have immediate access to all areas of a patient's care. If the patient came from another VA you have immediate access to their records at that VA or any other VA in the country. As with all health care facilities there is good and bad. The VA can at times overload you with policies , educational requirements, performance measures, etc. it is still a good place to work. Of course, it is only as good as its administrators, managers, MDs and Nurses. I feel that the overall satisfaction of the nurses at this VA is very good. One more thing. If you are seeking a position with the VA as an ADN, you will only be able to go so far without obtaining a BSN. The system is putting its emphasis on BSN. I do feel there is considerable disparity in the VA system between LPNs and RNs.

I am a 11yr VA Psych nurse in VISN 16. I have worked in the private sector and much prefer the VA. The benefits are wonderful. One of the great things about the VA system is their Computerized Patient Record System. You have immediate access to all areas of a patient's care. If the patient came from another VA you have immediate access to their records at that VA or any other VA in the country. As with all health care facilities there is good and bad. The VA can at times overload you with policies , educational requirements, performance measures, etc. it is still a good place to work. Of course, it is only as good as its administrators, managers, MDs and Nurses. I feel that the overall satisfaction of the nurses at this VA is very good. One more thing. If you are seeking a position with the VA as an ADN, you will only be able to go so far without obtaining a BSN. The system is putting its emphasis on BSN.

At the inpatient unit where I work the visiting hours are: M-F 4 to 8 pm Weekends & Holidays 10am to 8pm I am curious what other inpatient units have as viistation times and some input into the pro's or con's of long or short times.