b52RN

Re-reading this, I'm a little embarrassed that I sound like the nurses whose attitudes I frown upon. I have nothing against the "3 hots and a cot" thing, that just shows a major flaw in the structure of society, but the frustrating part is when we get calls for actively suicidal people (there is a major shortage of Psych beds everywhere), but we never have beds available because they're occupied by someone who wants to skip jail for a few days longer. It's frustrating. I think maybe I'll choose another area, I'd hate to have my attitude affect my care.

Agreed. That's why we have a multitude of tests to determine the people in need of care and actually provide notes for them. That being said, those tests have been know to weed out many malingerers.

Shoot. I've already taken the workshop "Ninja Tactics to Dodge Code Browns during a Code Green." I'm covered... (and not in fecal matter)

People who are actually in need of care (hallucinations, delusions, suicidal, DSM diagnoses etc). You know, the ones who aren't trying to prolong their law enforcement notifications, stay out of jail, and get notes claiming they're bipolar so they can claim disability (and no, our doctors don't give it to them).

I liked Psych as a CNA, and have a deep passion for mental health, but I hate being a Psych nurse. I've been at my facility a couple months, and I've already seen the same patients- malingers, gangbangers, and med-seekers over and over again. I.e. I just d/c'd someone who didn't want to leave for weeks (registered sex offender who was extremely grabby and inappropriate to female staff), he went back to the ED the same day voicing suicidal ideations, came back to our unit, and treats the place like a hotel. I love the genuine psych patients that I've had the honor of working with. When they get better, I feel like I've made a difference. Nevertheless, I provide non-judgmental care to all, and my nurse manager says patients commend me quite often when he does surveys (before you say they can smell my dislike and dislike me too). The nurses on the floor are all bitter and cynical, and most are leaving because they say it's not rewarding anymore. Is Psych like that everywhere? General Q- Have you ever been in an area you didn't love? What did you do?