Starting new psych job

Published

Hello,

I am starting my first job on an inpatient psych unit next week and wondering if anyone has advice on what information would be best to revisit and go over before starting. I have worked in an outpatient facility briefly, and had my psych rotation in nursing school about 2 years ago, so not too long, but I would like to review the basics so I don't feel like I'm starting off clueless. I know most of it will come back to me once I start orienting, but any advice would be much appreciated!

Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Start by reviewing the basics of therapeutic communication, common psych disorders, and psychotropic medications. Reacquaint yourself with how to do IM injections.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).

Welcome to AN.com, K1023!

Let us know something about yourself... you know: your Job Title and Whatnot, so we can give you some Specifics!

Of course, Meriwhen gave you some Good Basic Starting Info.

There's Search feature at the bottom of the Forum Page that can really be Helpful:

Good Luck to you, K1023! And hey- don't be a Stranger!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Mental Health, Emergency, Surgical.

Be sure to review the thread on "Jacob Rockstar the psych RN" for handy tips on how to be on top of your game!

Another thing you could review is your state's mental health legislation especially re involuntary admissions.

Mental state assessments are also a key thing you want to be familiar with. For example, you could get a small notebook and put a MSE heading on each page, then add terminology commonly used. Eg. AFFECT - range, reactivity, blunted, flat, restricted, expansive, congruent/incongruent etc.

Gaining a sound understanding of risk assessments is another important aspect of the job and helps add to the big picture.

Of course, as meriwhen said, meds and common psych disorders are vital to have a solid grip on, if you don't already.

Good luck and have fun!

Edit: and above all, don't forget to pack your sense of humour!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
Be sure to review the thread on "Jacob Rockstar the psych RN" for handy tips on how to be on top of your game!

Good luck and have fun!

Edit: and above all, don't forget to pack your sense of humour!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If you know the style of therapy the facility uses for example: DBT, CBT etc. It would be good to go over some of the highlights so you know how the programs will be set up.

If a patient says if you don't move I'm going to hit you...do NOT stand closer to the them.

Always try to listen to your patients and repeat back what they are saying to make sure you heard correctly and that they expressed themselves correctly.

Have a very dark sense of humor

Always question any orders that look incorrect

Know all the symptoms of EPS and serotonin syndrome

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion