psych job 3-11 shift?

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Hi. I'm going to be taking a 3-11 psych job as an RN at a state mental institution. I'm wondering what a "typical" 3-11 shift might go like? Any tips or hints?

Specializes in ICU/CCU, Med Surg.

What field is your BS in? Some facilities may give you differential pay based on having that BS - when I was doing clinicals at the local teaching hospital there was a nurse with an ADN who had a BS in Public Health and was applying for the differential. See what they say.

Things were a little chaotic in the beginning of my shift last night. And not in the fun, interesting, "good" stress kind of way. You know, I don't think psych nursing is for me...:no:

I am wondering this too.... is it for me? Hmm.... my BS is in Social Sciences... was going to head to a MSW but life got in the way.. thanks for the replly.

Maybe you need to give it a little more time?

Specializes in Psychiatric, Detox/Rehab, Geriatrics.

When I worked 2nd shift at a State Hospital we barely ever got admissions and most of the orders were taken off on dayshift. Most of the time was spent passing meds, treatments, interacting with patients, taking them outside to smoke. Staffing wise there was the charge nurse (always a RN) another nurse to pass meds which was most of the time a RN but sometimes LPN, and usually about 3-5 psych aides. On the unit I worked on there were about 35-40 patients. The work itself was not bad at all, and by like 9:30pm the patients started going to bed. Good luck to you! :-)

Thanks for the insight... it is like a totally different area for me to work and I need to get a feel of what to expect...Thank you..

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