Psych Nurse Expectations

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Hello Psych Nurses,

I just accepted a Psych RN position here in Oregon. I am very excited about this job. However, Psych is new to me and I have been away from work for almost 4 years now. I was wondering if you have any tips to succeed in Psych. Also what are the Clinical Skills needed in a daily basis as RN BSN? I will highly appreciate your suggestions.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Cheers

FuturepsychN

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).

Welcome to Psych Nursing, FuturePsychN!

Yours is an oft asked question, so I put "new to psych nursing" into the search at the bottom of the forum page and came up with several threads.

Here are two relatively recent ones:

https://allnurses.com/psychiatric-nursing/wanting-to-switch-1020475.html

https://allnurses.com/psychiatric-nursing/new-grad-with-1020105.html

Check these out, and if you have any specific questions, let us know!

Good luck to you, FuturePsychN!

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communication is a core skill!!! Know your mental status exams, don't ignore physical complaints but learn to talk to your patients, observe your patients both when they're alone and when they're interacting with others. Not just listening to what they say, verbal communication is only one piece of it! if you're working in an acute psych setting then be able to redirect, set firm limits and de-escalate situations. Work with your interdisciplinary team.... they're invaluable. Never ever ignore gut feelings.

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Thank you so much for taking time to answer the questions. Appreciated your suggestions Davey Do and Cdnbscn!

You have a wonderful Christmas and a Jolly good New Year !!

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Specializes in Geriatric and Mental Heath.

I agree with the above post. Having exceptional communication skills is KEY. Having the ability to keep your cool when a patient begins to escalate can be the difference between life and death. You need to pay attention to behavioral changes as well as general health changes. Don't be the nurse who automatically thinks a psych patient is seeking attention when they c/o pain. Yes, they May be faking it, but you must always assess and document to cover your butt and keep the patient safe. I knew a nurse who ignored a patient who c/o frequent headaches. When I arrived on the unit, I noticed she wasn't Acting like herself. Turns out, she had a brain tumor. TRUE STORY.

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