Psych Tech job for ADN student

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I have a job offer for a psych tech job at a local in patient facility and would like info on how to prepare in advance for the position. I am a second semester student. The job will start in May.

I was also wondering if you tend to loose your skills as a psych RN? The field of psych nursing really interests me and I feel I will like the position. I am just wondering about the job market and the possibility of having to change later on and not being able to perform as a Med-Surg RN at that point.

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Doing Psych Nursing you do lose some regular Med Surg skills - at least temporarily. You tend not to do or do only very infrequently some of these skills (sterile dressings, catherization, etc...). However, if you later decide to go back you can refresh yourself on technique and re-master your skills. They are not "lost" so much as they are rusty.

As for prep for job. Be ready to talk to patients and verbaly de-esculate them. Be aware that patients are often volatile and so dont let your gaurd down. Finaly just be yourself and treat your patients like human beings with dignity, and respect.

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Are you crazy? Cause if you're not, you'll have a tough time in the psych field.................take it from someone who is ; )

Walter the Nurse

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Are you crazy? Cause if you're not, you'll have a tough time in the psych field.................take it from someone who is ; )

Walter the Nurse

Actually I do seem to identify with people that have MH/MR type problems.

I came from a very dissfunctional background and have worked really hard dealing with my own issues!! I guess that would mean that I am a little crazy myself!! So if you are right I should do fine!! :rotfl:

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Specializes in Home Health, Primary Care.
Actually I do seem to identify with people that have MH/MR type problems.

I came from a very dissfunctional background and have worked really hard dealing with my own issues!! I guess that would mean that I am a little crazy myself!! So if you are right I should do fine!! :rotfl:

GOOD FOR YOU!!! :) Go for it!!! I'm sure you can take a refresher is ever you would actually want to go back and go med-surg.

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I have a job offer for a psych tech job at a local in patient facility and would like info on how to prepare in advance for the position. I am a second semester student. The job will start in May.

I was also wondering if you tend to loose your skills as a psych RN? The field of psych nursing really interests me and I feel I will like the position. I am just wondering about the job market and the possibility of having to change later on and not being able to perform as a Med-Surg RN at that point.

I worked as a Psych Tech for a while before I started my RN program ... the most important skills are communication of empathy and de-escalation of agitated patients. If you develop them as a psych-tech you will never forget them and they will serve you well no matter what field you go into as a nurse.

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:o Psych hospitals. I have worked in state psych hospitals. When people would ask me What I did for a living I would say that I was a "bouncer"at the state hospital. It seemed I spent so much time trying to break up fights between patients. I would suggest getting in super great shape and learning how to defend yourself in case of emergency. Yes it also helps to be crazy yourself too. One guy at my hospital had his ear bit off by a patient. Another nurse got attacked so badly by a female patient that she now has a permanent pronounced limp when she walks. Best of luck to you.
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