OldMaleNurse

Hey all! Early in my nursing program, I knew that I wanted to work in psychiatric nursing. I graduated this past May and have been fortunate enough to land a job working at a psych facility in my home town. I work mostly with teens who have substance abuse issues and possibly a MH diagnosis. These kids can be very difficult at times. Not only are they going through the changes that accompany being teenagers, but also they have these other issues on top of it. I really do care for them, but sometimes they really wear on my nerves. So, as an inexperienced MH nurse, I want to ask you: How do you control your emotions and verbal responses when dealing with psych patients who test your limits? I don't want to do or say anything that will hinder my ability to be in a good relationship with these kids, so that they will trust me enough to allow me to help them.