HAWKIRN

Thanks for the replies everyone. I didn't intend it to be a critical comment calling RN-BC "generic" but more or like it's a "broad" credential given the fact it's the same credential for multiple specialties. Thanks again for the responses?.

Hey all, I am currently an RN working in psych and have been researching becoming certified in that area. I have found information regarding the requirements prior to taking the exam, but it seems the credentials would be RN-BC(registered nurse-board certified), which seems to me as pretty generic. I then researched PMHN(psychiatric mental health nurse) and found little to no information. Can anyone tell me if, by passing the certification exam, the credentials PMHN would be awarded, or if it is simply RN-BC? I'm not sure if PMHN is an actual certification or not to be honest. Thanks in advance =).

Thank you for all the suggestions!!! I can't wait to share these with fellow staff and start making this unit as best as we can! Thank you all!

Hey all, I have been in orientation the last week and a half, and have developed a close relationship with my fellow staff members in that amount of time. We open on Monday(only psych unit for approximately 90 miles..)however our recreational therapist gets married SATURDAY has next week off for her honeymoon, and starts 'officially' the following week. This is her first job outside of an activities coordinator position in LTC, as we are all very young, and she is slightly having a meltdown(mostly wedding related/first 'big girl' job/extreme life milestones) and she's such a beautiful person inside and out. She is wondering about activities for the patients to participate in. She has thrown out several activities she has used in the past, but is doubting herself. I am looking for any and all suggestions of actives we could implement into our new unit to benefit our patients in the best way possible..I told her I would help research while she was gone to help out her at ease(so someone please help?). Thanks so much in advance. PS..14 beds inpt. max.

Thanks for the responses everyone. MrChicagoRN, brilliant idea only keeping the keys and nothing else in one specific pocket. I'll definitely be utilizing that suggestion.

Hi guys, Just curious to see what people tend to utilize to display name tag/keys. Break away lanyards, safety pins directly to scrubs, etc. Any and all recommendations appreciated! I'm having a difficult time figuring out my best option, keeping both myself and the pt. safe. It will be an inpt. geropsych. unit if that makes a difference to anyone.. Thanks!

Thanks for responding Hygiene Queen. It's nice to get some feed back. I start Monday, but the unit itself doesn't open till May 1, as it is brand new to our Hospital. Myself and all the other staff will be going through a 2 week training period, learning about various psych. meds, diagnosis' we may see and deescalation techniques. I believe the MHT's are actually CNA's but I'm not 100% positive. They will add another MHT if the census gets above 7, which is nice. The thing I found interesting was that any medical condition they have must be stable before we will accept them on our floor. Their psych needs has to surpass their need for medical treatment. Which is pretty neat. Not to say they won't have medical issues, diabetes, hypertension, etc. But they should be well controlled if what they are saying is true. I'm beyond excited at this point. Any good books to freshen up with? I worked in addictions recovery last in 2011, but haven't done much with psych since then, as this is the first psych unit we've had for years. Also, do you own your own DSM? I have always wanted one, and this may be the excuse I need to finally buy one =P.

Hi everyone, I just received a job offer for an RN Geripsych position(currently in a neurology clinic, history of addiction nursing). I was wondering if anyone with expertise can share the pros and cons of this subspecialty. Thanks in advance, Katie.

Hi all, I am currently working as a registered nurse in neurology. It is a clinic with hours from 8 to 530 Monday through Thursday. Psychiatric nursing has always been my passion, and I've always been an 'old soul' if you will. I got my first love for psychiatric nursing when I worked as an opiate recovery nurse for two years in Minnesota. I then moved back to the state of Iowa and became a charge nurse for Mississippi Valley regional blood Center, where I traveled excessively and my heart wasn't completely in it. Which led me to the current job I have right now, working in neurology. I still have, and will always have, a place for psychiatric nursing and the elderly in my heart. There is a new geripsych unit that is set to open May 1, which I have been offered a job. The hours will be much different than my current schedule. However, I will be doing what I love and gaining satisfaction from this, and in turn, better serving my patients. It will be a 14 bed locked unit. There will be a minimum of two registered nurses, one mental health tech, and one nursing manager, at all times. it sounds absolutely perfect. I left the interview feeling on cloud nine. I am writing this post to ask for first-hand experiences in this field. Today is Wednesday, and I will be offered the job on Friday. I'm looking for any guidance/support that I can get. The downfall is, that it will be every other weekend shift, at times. But more money, and better health insurance coverage. Not to mention I'd be doing something I am 100% passionate about. Could someone please give me some advice regarding this subspecialty? What are some things I can expect to see, and how does it differ from general psych? Please refrain from any negativity. I am looking for someone with expertise in this area, as well as optimism, not negativity.