Working with emotionally disturbed children

[Simply Complicated]

I posted this in the psych thread, but I know it can be a bit slow, so thought I would try here, with the hope of more people reading it, and someone having and thoughts!

I'm submitting my resume this week for a per deim job in a residential childrens facility for emotionally distrubed kids. I think I have a pretty good chance of getting the job. It says they will except newer nurses. I have been a nurse 5 years, I did pediatric home care for about 6 months, and I currently work part time in the ICU.

Just wondering if I did get the job, does anyone know what to expect? I have heard from one person who used to work in a school with the same type children that she hated it, and it was very violent. I've always been intersted in psych nursing, and am planning on getting my Masters in Counseling eventually. Before I make the switch over to working permanently in psych I figured it would be smart to try it out per deim and get a feel for it. I'm pretty excited about this position, but this other nurse kinda scared me, lol

[justchill, BSN, RN]

I personally have no experience in psych nor as a nurse. I start in Fall, but I would just just approach it like all other things. "Don't knock it until you try it."

She may have had a bad experience, so then that opinion is warranted. However, she may be in the wrong place for her personality. Some people can handle somethings better than others.

It's a new experience, be excited about it. If you don't like it, then at least you'll know rather than wondering how it would be if you never took the position.

Hope this helps =)

[evolvingrn, BSN, RN]

Good Luck! I worked with a few but not in the position as a rn. it wasn't for me but some people LOVED the job and were great at it.

[HappySH]

Hello I currently work for a state psyhiatric facility for adolescents. I'm a new graduate ( I graduated in June '09 with AAS and licensed on Aug 09). I couldn't find a job else where and was offered this position. I have been working here for a little over 6 months. Working in this environment can be very challenging but is extremely rewarding. You are able to form bonds with children and seeing their smiling faces makes the job worthwhile. But the down side is that in this population the children can become extremely violent and will easily strike you with no disregard. Psych nursing is not for everyone- I think it's a good idea to try it per diem and see if you like it. Hope this helps and Good Luck!!.

[Simply Complicated]

Thanks for the reply's! I am trying to go into it with no expectations. Well first I need to get hired, lol. But I think I have a good shot. From browsing other threads, I'm coming to the understanding that the way a facility is run makes a big difference in the "dangers" of the place.

I'm hoping to find that I just love it. I am not completely loving ICU, and am really just wanting to find that place I enjoy going to work. So hopefully I will find that psych is it. Thanks again!!