What to expect?

[CarryThatWeight, BSN]

Hi psych nurses! I'm currently an oncology nurse, but I have some psych background. I worked in a residential facility for young women with issues like substance abuse, eating disorders, depression, hx of abuse, etc for two years. Because it was residential, when things got out of hand, I called 911. I enjoyed the psych aspect, but the facility was very poorly run and had many problems. I just was hired as a PRN nurse in an inpatient psychiatric facility. They told me that I will be the only RN on the unit, so every shift I work, I will be in charge. They employ LVN's and techs, it seems. My question is, what will I be doing as charge nurse? I'm not really sure what to expect. There are several different units and I will be trained on all of them: PICU, geri, chemical dependency, adolescent boys, adolescent girls, adult. I'm really looking forward to this experience, but I'm not naive; I know it will be difficult. Any information, advice, or suggestions are appreciated. I've been all oncology for the last couple years, so I know I'll have to brush up on some things. Thanks in advance!

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

I'd go to the CPI website and read up on the concept of patient deescalation.

Also you'll want to be aware of your state's mental health code and compliance with patient's rights

Good luck

[CarryThatWeight, BSN]

Thanks! I took your suggestions. We are getting CPI training, according to the orientation schedule. I guess I was also asking what a day to day workflow is like. I've been in a hospital so long, I don't really have much of a concept of what the charge nurse on an inpatient psych unit does.