Psych. RNs

[lion09]

I am a New Grad RN and have gotten an offer for an RN position at a psychriatric hospital. It's per diem and I would be scheduled for one 8-hour-shift per week. There are only one RN per unit and there is a total of 5 units at the hospital. The hiring manager says I'm likely to get more shifts to fill in as needed, but that there are no guarantees. Anyone been in the same situation and how did it turn out? Remember there is only one RN per unit. I can't afford only working 4 shifts a month.

[carbaminohemoglobin]

How many RN's are staffed FT? How many other per diem RN's are there?

[nialloh, RN]

I would be more worried about you being left on your own. You are a new grad and I'm sure have little experience. what resources will you have, and will you have adequate orientation. Remember, they will give you as much responsibility as you are willing to take. it is your license, guard it. I guarantee, the hospital won't.

[jpRN84, BSN, RN]

I agree with Nialloh, you are a New Grad, with not much experience I'm guessing. You will need someone to lean on for advice and help and mentoring. I wouldn't take it if that wasn't available to you. If that is available to you, I would take it if you don't have any other job offers, as it's better than having no job at all, and in the mean time you can still look for more work else where. Good luck to you.

[GitanoRN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Evidently, you stated that you are a new graduate, therefore it's difficult to get another position without any experience, at least this will get your feet in the door. In addition, this position will give you the experience that you need in order to land a better position. Moreover, while your getting some experience under your belt, make sure you keep your eyes & ears open to all adds & word of mouth. Look at it this way at least you been offered a position some newbies have to wait for a while, best of luck in all of your future endeavors~:redbeathe

[lion09]

I will be in charge of the unit and be responsible for 20 patients. My duties are patient admissions, discharges, charting, answering the phone and supervise MHWs. There is an LVN passing meds on our team. Do you think it's to risky to be responsible for the whole unit as a new grad?

Thanks.

[madwife2002, BSN, RN]

Moved the thread to speciality forum

[nialloh, RN]

I will be in charge of the unit and be responsible for 20 patients. My duties are patient admissions, discharges, charting, answering the phone and supervise MHWs. There is an LVN passing meds on our team. Do you think it's to risky to be responsible for the whole unit as a new grad?

Thanks.

I can answer this in 1 word : YES

[elkpark]

I will be in charge of the unit and be responsible for 20 patients. My duties are patient admissions, discharges, charting, answering the phone and supervise MHWs. There is an LVN passing meds on our team. Do you think it's to risky to be responsible for the whole unit as a new grad?

Yes.

[Jules A, MSN]

With a med nurse I think that definitely buys you some leeway. My first job was as the only nurse on a unit of 15 patients without a med nurse after only a quick and dirty orientation but I made out fine. I was older, a quick learner and fairly confident if that makes any difference. There were nurses on the other units that I consulted when I ran into questions and my techs were fabulous. If you want the job, enjoy this speciality and don't have anything better going on I'd suggest trying it after discussing your concerns with the manager. FWIW I could work nearly every single day at my per diem job.

[lion09]

Jules A,

How many shifts did you initially have? How many RNs per unit and how many units does the hospital have? I'm trying to figure out what the odds are for me to work more shifts?

Thanks.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

When I was per-diem, I had no problem picking up hours...but we were short-staffed at the time. Now we have so many full-time staff that a lot of per-diems are getting cut or are relegated to the sucky shifts...but since I converted over to full-time just before the hiring craze, I'm still getting my hours :)

We're trying to have a minimum of two RNs on each unit at all times, so it's about 8-10 patients per nurse. Larger units may get more nurses. Smaller units may only have and RN and an LPN, or one RN and another nurse coming to help for part of the shift. At least one shift a week the stars align in the worst way and I'm on my own for the shift. Fortunately, most of our techs are great and that makes a BIG difference.