Starting a forensic psychiatric job in a maximum security center as a new grad. ANY TIPS?

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Hi, I am starting a psychiatric nursing job at a maximum security psychiatric center. I would appreciate any tips or things to review as in nursing school this field was not paid too much attention to. I am very excited but also a little nervous! I am very interested in the field and am excited to read up on the patient histories/crimes! I hope to leave a positive impact but also want to be safe while doing it!

:cheeky:

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

Wow. Good luck.

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What is your job description?

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Specializes in Home Care Mgmt, Med-Surg.

I have no advice for you, but that sounds fascinating. I have friend in forensic psych nursing, he loves it. The true crime lover in me is excited for you!

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I worked 3 years in lock down unit as a charge and let me tell you...I'm glad I had taken 9 years of Kenpo. Don't get me wrong I had the time of my life. It's just that you're working with a very unstable population. I would say I was either attacked or threatened daily by the patients mostly but the family members can get intense.

Roll with the punches...the worst one was when a 5' older lady (I'm 5'10' female) grabbed me by my throat (I wasn't paying attention) and with one fell swoop had me down before you could say ah? While the security guard and other nurse stood by gawking as she was choking me. She had me good. For the life of me as I was on the ground I thought "I don't think we ever practiced how to get out of a hold like this." Than I rolled out of it and screamed at the security guard to help.

But you're going to be doing forensics...what's that entail?

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Specializes in Psychiatry, Forensics, Addictions.

I am a forensic psych nurse in maximum security and also started as a new grad. It is dangerous but I love it. I try not to read the patient histories because I would be unable to treat some of them fairly knowing all the details of their crimes.

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Push-ups.

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Specializes in Psychiatry, NICU.

I worked as a forensic psych nurse on a max security adult male unit for 8 months as a new grad. I learned a lot in those 8 months, but I can honestly say I will never work in that setting again.

My advice to you is: always watch your back, refrain from reading the patients crimes because even if you think you'll be fine knowing what they did, one of their stories just may hit the wrong nerve, be a team player, don't leave your coworkers stranded, don't do half ass room checks, when doing q15 checks always walk with another coworker (as in don't go down hallways alone), wear your panic alarm, listen to what your patients have to say, don't get complacent, don't carry anything sharp on you, don't disclose any personal info to or around any of the patients, wear comfortable clothes, and remember anything can become a weapon. Good luck! [emoji4]

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Specializes in Forensic Psychiatry.

I work maximum security admissions with an adult male population and I have to agree with the previous posters. My advice to you is to expect the unexpected, anything can be used as a weapon, a patient's demeanor can change at the drop of a hat, be thorough with checks and don't cut corners when it comes to safety, always be aware of where you are in relation to the patient and always have a way out. I would recommend remaining strictly professional with patients and ensure that you don't disclose ANY personal identifying information. Also be aware of body language and how you dress. I am a female who works with males and I am very aware of what I wear and how I talk and portray myself. They can take one thing you say, misconstrue it and then run with it. Also, document document document, absolutely everything especially conversations with patients. Other than that, rely on your coworkers and learn to trust them, they will be your lifeline. I would recommend not reading too much or any of their histories or criminal complaints. There are some things you don't want to know or that could be highly disturbing to you that may affect the way you administer care, whether it's conscious or unconscious, it happens.

Anyway, despite the doom and gloom that I may have painted I absolutely love my job! Good luck to you!

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Specializes in Psychiatry, Forensics, Addictions.

Also, listen and learn. My coworkers (the old-timers) hate new staff that walk in acting like they know everything.

Maximum security may be an old boys' club and you want to learn everything you can on orientation.

Not trying to scare you, just what I experienced.

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Specializes in Psychiatric Nursing.

I have worked locum tenens in a forensic hospital and loved it. I think it was considered high security. Would have to sign out a 4 inch key going in and out and have bags checked. There are a lot of staff who worked there for years. A lot really good. A lot of staff dynamics to pay attention to. Everyone above has good ideas. Best wishes.

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Thank you!

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