moonwolf

The main reason I went into psych is that I believe the body follows the mind. If the mind is injured, physical injury follows. Repair the mind and you slow or prevent all sorts of physical issues. Ask someone who is obese, has DM, hypertension, smokes, road rages...what coping skills do you use to deal with your stress? If it is a blank look or a demand for a PCA as an answer, than you know why I am in mental health.

I worry about you "blowing a stack". If you remain objective at work, than you will know what is reportable. Try making a positive comment when you hear a coworker make a negative one. Or, tell them that their negativity is upsetting to you and to please not do it when you are on shift. Don't let the negativity build inside you, everyone needs to vent and maybe saying something positive will change your and your staff's attitude while on the floor.

At end of shift I make sure all orders are up to date, check in with my patients to make sure they have needs fulfilled and tell them which RN is coming on next shift, tidy up the station, check all doors are locked, make sure pain prn reassessments are documented and thank each co-worker for a job well done.

Have you considered Nurse Anesthetist? Do you like chemistry or politics? Politics, than go for MHA, chemicals? Go for holding a hand and making sure they recover from all the drugs you put in them!

What is the problem with visible skin invasion? Tattoos and piercings in the 21st century are the most hygienic in all of history. So long as there is no broken skin, Grandma doesn't care how you change her dressings. Individual use of one's own body is your choice. And to hide it is a civil violation. So long as it doesn't hurt anyone else. Ex: "I'm a nurse, and my tattoo says I won't give you the best care possible, cause I have a tattoo,cause it's a unicorn."

To be a psych nurse, you need to be sound in mind. If you are not ready, and worried about relapse, continue with counseling. The job will always be there!