rnhooch

I chose psych because I know we are all just one natural disaster, job loss, divorce, or blow to the head away from being psych patients ourselves. I have always routed for the underdogs, the sad, the misunderstood freaky people...They all want the same things I want. I want to be accepted, loved, heard, and respected. I love my job and would not trade it for anything at this point in my life. Edited to add...I don't think it has changed anything in my home life. I have always been a little nutty. My husband and family are okay with it. In a way I think it has helped me to not sweat the small stuff in life. I pick my battles now. Life is too short and when I think I have it bad, I can now see that there are many other people who have it a lot worse.

I have the toughest time with the psychotic patients. Still learning how to deal with them. Borderlines can be trying also. I am great at setting boundaries with them it is the staff splitting they do that is hard to deal with. Communication between staff is key for continuity of care with borderlines.

OP, I feel as you do. I tend to freeze up with new things and I am petrified of the thought of a code or RR... Christy1019, your advice was very reassuring.

1 nurse and 1tech to 5-7 patients. We have unit secretaries on days during the week. Charge takes patients.