Annerose

Hi, I work in an acute inpatient psychiatric hospital. I'm a travel nurse and took this as a 13 week assignment. Where I work there are clear protocols for managing escalating patient behavior in appropriate ways. Everyone is trained in CPI, which is a system of nonviolent intervention with a goal of safety for not only the patient who's having difficulty, but also the other patients and staff. We work as a team and if a situation arises, there are basic types of response based on the patient behavior in that moment. The interventions run the gamut of empathetic listening, clear directives, limited choice (either this or that), show of support(several staff showing up at once), physical holding if necessary, and restraints only as a very last resort. It's very helpful to have had the training, I feel I have a much clearer idea of when to set limits and give directives which help keep things from escalating so easily. We do need orders but there are usually two psychiatrists working whenever I'm on, so it's not difficult to get. Since we know different roles as a team in this kind of situation, we know what to do. I do think that it's very traumatic for patients and staff when things get to the point of needing physical intervention to keep everyone safe. I'm taking a research class on-line right now and researching the use of seclusion and restraints, the effects of their use (on patients and staff) and alternatives, in the acute psychiatric inpatient hospital setting. Also, we do have security that will respond if needed so we do call them as back-up. I think some of the problem is that we have patients with every possible mental illness diagnosis and symptomology. Very different needs. If we could somehow cluster similar or seperate differing needs to create a more individually supportive environment there might be less need for intervention at the extreme end of the spectrum. Bye for now. Annerose, Psych Nurse

Hi, I just accepted my first travel nurse position (psych) so it's good to hear that you like it:) What companies do you consider among the best? I'm headed out to CA in 2 days. annerose