Psych RN2

I have worked in pscyh for 16 years. I accepted a full-time position directly out of RN school. I eventually took a part-time position in a medical facility for experience. Although working in med surg may have helped some, you really have the basics from school. Your best bet is to jump right in. Make sure the facility you work for starts you on one unit and you stay there until you are comfortable. Many psych hospitals treat adults, adolescents and preadolescents. It is important to feel comfortable with one specific age group before conquering another. The treatment is quite different. One month is okay for one unit. I am a supervisor and have hired many new nurses. The ones with ambition, determination and self assurance always do well. If this is your goal stick to it. I have found it takes a special individual to do psych nursing. Not all nurses enjoy this field, that's why there are so many of us and we are highly recognized due to our ability to specialize in different areas. It sounds as if this is your calling. Stick to it:)

Is there anyway you could share this information with me? Our organization is also looking at going to documentation by computer. We work with Adults, preadolescents and adolescents. I would appreciate the help!

I have worked with adolescent psychiatric patients for approximately 16 years. One of the most important things to keep in mind is their developmental stages. Remember they are working on their identity at this stage and making an impression to their peers is very important. If a patient becomes agitated, assure they have privacy and they do not need to make a show for their peer group. Usually removing them from the group or having the group removed during episodes of anger begins the de-escalation process. It is also important to remember not to get into power struggles. Allow the patient to make decisions for themselves. This can be done by giving them a couple of different options. Don't take things personal and realize the adolescent is at an age where they are trying to learn how to properly express their emotions. If a patient becomes agitated, respond in a calm, nonthreatening and accepting manner. This will be the first step in teaching the adolescent how to handle confrontation. If you are a good role model, they will learn from what you do:)